Mang Inasal honors Coco Martin at Ihaw Fest 2026

Stars and fans come together for a grand celebration of Ihaw-Sarap and Unli-Saya

Mang Inasal, the country’s Grill Expert, brought together customers and some of the country's biggest celebrities for the grand culmination of Ihaw Fest 2026, transforming Ayala Malls Feliz into a venue filled with Ihaw-Sarap, Unli-Saya, and Filipino togetherness.

The annual Mang Inasal Ihaw Fest welcomed beloved brand ambassadors Coco Martin, Dimples Romana, Maris Racal, Shuvee Etrata, and Fyang Smith for a star-studded gathering that showcased the strong connection between the country's Grill Expert and the communities it serves.

The event's highlight was a special tribute honoring Coco Martin's decade-long partnership with Mang Inasal. The actor and the brand have shared a common bond with Filipinos, becoming household favorites through authenticity, consistency, and a deep connection with everyday consumers.

Mang Inasal president Mike Castro presents a token of appreciation to Coco Martin for the latter's decade-long partnership with the brand. They are joined by other Mang Inasal brand ambassadors (from left) Shuvee Etrata, Fyang Smith, Maris Racal, and Dimples Romana and MI Leadership Team members, Human Resources Head Me-Anne Lim, Mega Manila RBU Head Tes Lacuna, Marketing Head Mari Aldecoa, and Research and Development senior manager Myla Driz.

"Napakalaking bagay po sa akin na hanggang ngayon, nandiyan pa rin ang inyong tiwala. Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng ating mga kababayang patuloy na sumusuporta sa akin at sa Mang Inasal," said Martin. ("I am truly grateful for the trust and support that Filipino consumers have given me and Mang Inasal through the years.")

Dimples hosted the event with MJ Joanino. It featured live performances, interactive challenges, exciting prizes, and free Pork BBQ sampling that brought fans closer to their favorite stars while enjoying Mang Inasal's signature grilled favorites. A high-energy performance by UPeepz Dance Company added to the festive atmosphere, turning the event into the Ultimate Unli-Saya Experience. 

For Mang Inasal President Mike V. Castro, the success of Ihaw Fest reflects the brand's continuing commitment to creating meaningful experiences that go beyond serving great food.

"More than a celebration, Ihaw Fest is our way of thanking the millions of customers who continue to make Mang Inasal part of their family's special moments and everyday meals," said Castro. "The incredible turnout and energy from our customers remind us why we continue creating experiences that bring people together through the Ihaw-Sarap flavors and Unli-Saya moments they love."

Mang Inasal customers are treated to Unli-Saya activities during the Ihaw Fest 2026 event at Ayala Malls Feliz.

Now on its fourth year, Ihaw Fest has become one of Mang Inasal's most anticipated annual promotions, giving customers more reasons to enjoy their favorite grilled meals every October.

Customers can still be part of the celebration until the end of the month, with two FREE Palabok Solo servings for every purchase of the Mang Inasal Family Fiesta bundle.

Want more Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit https://manginasal.ph for the latest news, https://manginasaldelivery.com.ph for delivery deals, and follow Mang Inasal on social media for more Ihaw-Sarap and Unli-Saya updates!

Growing Beyond Borders

Jollibee Group Global President and CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong champions the global potential of ASEAN’s homegrown brands at the 2026 ASEAN Chinese Business Leaders Summit, held on October 19, 2026, in Pasay City. Speaking on “From ASEAN to the World: Growing Homegrown Brands Beyond Borders,” he highlighted the importance of building globally relevant brands as the region strengthens business ties, innovation, and collaboration. The summit was organized by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII).

“We have companies with strong capabilities and the resilience to compete. The opportunity before us is to take what is strong at home and make it relevant to the world. 

May ASEAN’s homegrown brands be ambitious but grounded, competitive but humble, profitable but purposeful, and successful in ways that help others succeed. May all our businesses grow beyond borders,” Tanmantiong said.

 

A Chef’s Story of Service: Inside a BLT Central Kitchen Serving Communities in Roxas City

Chef Antonio Sotto Apolinar Jr. oversees daily meal preparation at the BLT Central Kitchen in Roxas City, where hundreds of meals are cooked and distributed to communities and partner schools through a centralized school feeding system.

Roxas City, Philippines. September 15, 2026 – Long before the school bell rings, Antonio Sotto Apolinar Jr. is already in the kitchen, stirring pots, checking trays, and preparing hundreds of warm meals. While the Roxas City BLT Central Kitchen has long served communities in need, it has also expanded its support to public school children through DepEd's School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP), delivering nutritious meals to schools across the city.

Seafood 8 by Olio's Celebrates Grand Opening at Gateway Mall 2

Seafood 8 by Olio's officially celebrated its grand opening at The Lagoon, Gateway Mall 2 on September 18, introducing a new seafood dining destination in Araneta City where fresh catches are elevated through eight signature and exclusive sauces.

The celebration was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Araneta Group Chairman, President, and CEO Mr. Jorge Araneta; Singaporean food and beverage guru and the man behind World Kitchens, Mr. Andrew Tan Hock Lai; and Seafood 8 by Olio’s Company & Culinary Director, Australia-based Chef Oliver “Oli” Buenviaje. Adding glamour to the occasion were Binibining Pilipinas International 2026 Gwendoline Meliz Soriano, Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2026 Sasha Lacuna, Binibining Pilipinas 2026 1st Runner-up Raine Antonio, and Binibining Pilipinas 2026 2nd Runner-up Tracy Mae Sunio.

Familiar and Fresh: How URC Continues to Surprise Filipinos After 70 Years

Some favourites never go out of style—and they continue to delight in new ways. For 70 years, Universal Robina Corporation (URC) has been a constant companion in Filipino households through quality and well-loved brands such as Jack ‘n Jill Piattos, Maxx, Cloud 9, Cream-O, C2 Cool and Clean, and Great Taste, among others. Staying true to its purpose of delighting everyone with good food choices, URC constantly evolves alongside the tastes and lifestyles of consumers.

Today, the company continues to excite generations of consumers by introducing fresh flavours, new formats, and exciting product experiences that prove innovation can come from the brands Filipinos already know and love. 

Nearly 6 in 10 Filipino Families Rely on Water Refilling Stations as Drinking-Water Habits Come Into Focus

With 57.9% of Filipino families obtaining drinking water from refilling stations, PUREAL Philippines President Vince Ngo shares how everyday experiences in South Korea inspired a more convenient approach to drinking water at home and at work.

For many Filipino households, drinking water comes with a familiar routine: ordering refills, waiting for deliveries and finding space for water containers. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) Annual Poverty Indicators Survey, 57.9% of Filipino families obtained their drinking water from refilling stations, highlighting how deeply this practice is embedded in everyday life.

The finding raises a practical question: as Filipino households look for more convenient ways to manage daily life, could the way they access drinking water evolve, too?

Refilling stations remain an important source of drinking water, but household needs differ depending on delivery availability, storage space, water quality and reliability. Directly connected filtration systems may offer another option for homes and businesses with a suitable incoming water supply.

Coca-Cola Philippines Named Brand of the Year at SMARTIES™ Philippines 2026

Coca-Cola Philippines has been named Brand of the Year at the SMARTIES™ Philippines 2026 Awards and received eight awards across categories including omnichannel marketing, artificial intelligence (AI), personalization, commerce and retail media. Organized by MMA Global, SMARTIES™ Philippines recognizes marketing campaigns that combine creativity, technology, consumer insights and measurable business results. 

The recognition reflects Coca-Cola Philippines’ continued focus on creating more relevant and personalized experiences for Filipino consumers. Two award-winning campaigns were central to this achievement: Coca-Cola Festive 2025, which used data-informed audience targeting and storytelling to make holiday connections more meaningful and Grab’s Year in Cravings, which transformed consumers’ food-ordering habits into personalized digital experiences. 

Jollibee gives ‘red flags’ a spicy twist with Chickenjoy

Red flags are usually a warning sign in dating, but Jollibee is giving Filipinos a different reason to embrace them: spicy fried chicken and witty one-liners that are made to be shared online.

With #TheOnlyRedFlagIWant, Jollibee turned the viral trend into a fun, feel-good experience both online and in-store, bringing its Spicy Chickenjoy to life through cute, funny, and relatable flaglets. The campaign sparked buzz on X, with “JOLLY RED FLAG” trending and inspiring netizens to join the fun and discover the witty flags for themselves.

Getting the Barkada Together Isn’t Easy Anymore – So Here’s How to Make the Most of It

A throwback playlist, a proper drink, and a few more things that make the night feel like you’re back in your 20s

There was a time when getting the whole barkada together barely needed a plan. Someone would send a message, pick the place, and before you knew it, everyone was on the dance floor singing along to their favorite songs, taking photos, and enjoying their drinks. 

Then, somewhere along the way, we all grew up. Schedules got busier and nights out became fewer. But maybe that’s what makes the ones that do happen a little more special, because when the right people, and these 4 things, finally come together, it doesn’t take much to bring back the feeling.

Why Michelin-starred chefs are obsessed with your go-to Taco Bell order

If you have always loved Taco Bell for its bold flavors and undeniable craveability, you are in excellent company. While you might see your favorite order as the ultimate, unpretentious comfort food to cap off a long day, some of the world's most elite, Michelin-starred culinary minds view it as an absolute masterpiece of food engineering!

According to a recently published Wall Street Journal article titled “Top Chefs Have a Confession: They Love Taco Bell,” top high-end restaurant chefs in the US are openly confessing their deep obsession with the brand. These culinary masters praise the Taco Bell’s menu for achieving what they call the elusive "perfect bite", a precise, scientific harmony of contrasting textures and temperatures that even luxury, fine-dining establishments struggle to execute consistently!

MyBox is the absolute peak of your Pizza Hut solo cravings!

Lock in with your favorite pizza and sides starting at P279

We have all been trapped in that late-afternoon doomscrolling loop where we are mindlessly swiping through our feed and the algo suddenly decides to spam every single comfort food imaginable right onto our screens. First, you see a video of a pizza with an insane cheese pull, and then a close-up image of some creamy pasta, and then a clip of a steaming basket of wings. And immediately the food noise kicks in, and your brain decides it absolutely needs all of it, like, yesterday!

Jollibee Group Shares Filipino Success Story with Next Generation Leaders at the Inaugural ASEAN Youth Entrepreneurship Summit

Jollibee Group Global President and CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong wraps up his speech at the inaugural ASEAN Youth Entrepreneurship Summit 2026 with a groufie with participants at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Jollibee Group Global President and CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong was among the guest speakers at the inaugural ASEAN Youth Entrepreneurship Summit (AYES) 2026, held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. He shared Jollibee’s story with young entrepreneurs and future business leaders from across the region, tracing its growth from a single Filipino-founded business into a multinational restaurant group.

“When people ask about our success, I feel grateful—and careful. Grateful for the milestones. Careful because success never belongs to one person. It is built by people who dare to dream, teams who work hard, partners who believe, customers who return, and communities that help a business grow,” Tanmantiong said.

The Road To Miami Begins: Red Bull Wings Cup Calling Filipino EA Sports Fc™ 27 Players

EA SPORTS FC 27™ players of all levels across almost 80 countries will have the chance to compete in the Red Bull Wings Cup, with a route from online and university qualifiers to the World Finals in Miami. Registration is now open.

The road to Miami begins. Filipino EA SPORTS FC™ players have a chance to compete on the international stage as Red Bull Wings Cup opens in the Philippines. A new EA SPORTS FC™ 27 competition giving everyday players the chance to compete for the opportunity to represent their country on a global stage like never before.

Taking place across almost 80 countries and in partnership with EA SPORTS and PlayStation, Red Bull Wings Cup welcomes players of all skill levels to compete, whether from home or on campus. Only those who rise to the top will earn a place at their National Finals for the chance to represent the Philippines at the Red Bull Wings Cup World Finals at Inter Miami’s Nu Stadium in Miami, USA, in early 2027. The once-in-a-lifetime World Finals will combine competitive gameplay with real-life football moments as finalists compete to become the inaugural Red Bull Wings Cup champion.