Industry alliances warn of the true cost of illicit alcohol

A 2023 report from the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade (Tracit) revealed a staggering figure in the Philippines’ struggle with illicit alcohol: 31% of the country’s alcohol consumption was unrecorded, representing up to PHP 40 billion in lost annual tax revenue.

This amounts to a missed opportunity to build over 36,000 new public school classrooms, lay more than 1,300 kilometers of roads, or establish eight new public hospitals. Breaking down the loss further, PHP 1.6 billion is attributed to smuggling, while counterfeit alcohol drains PHP 22.5 billion from government coffers.

Mang Inasal spreads the love with special Valentine’s deals and exclusive digital promo

Mang Inasal, the Philippines' Grill Expert, is making Valentine’s celebrations extra special with its TWO-gether Combos, perfect for couples, families, and friends. 

Running from February 1 to 16, the promo includes Combo A with two Extra Creamy Halo-Halo (Small) for ₱118, Combo B with two Palabok Regular and two Small Drinks for ₱178, and Combo C with one Palabok Regular, one Small Drink, and one Extra Creamy Halo-Halo (Small) for ₱148. These deals are available via dine-in, takeout, and delivery at all Mang Inasal stores nationwide.

Acai Always Introduces World Renown Acai Bowl and Acai Soft Serve to the Philippines, Elevating Healthy Indulgence

The wait is over. Acai Always, the brainchild of Manila-based chef consultant Justin David and Guam-born entrepreneur Errol “Dynamix” Alegre, Jr., has officially arrived in the Philippines. Now open at SM Megamall Fashion Hall, Level 2, the brand is making history as the country’s first to bring Acai Sorbet Bowls and Soft Serve, offering a delicious, nutrient-rich alternative to traditional frozen desserts.

“It’s finally here in Manila! The acai craze we’ve been enjoying in Guam—something people have only seen on social media—is now something they can experience firsthand,” says Alegre, Founder and CEO of Acai Always. “We are beyond excited to share this with everyone.”

Aice Ice Cream’s “Aice on the Prize” spreads happiness to Pinoys

Promo extended until March 31, 2025

For many Filipinos, a simple indulgence in their favorite ice cream is a moment of happiness. But for the winners of Aice Ice Cream’s “Aice on the Prize” campaign, that happiness turned into life-changing victories– proving that sometimes, a delightful treat can bring an unexpected and meaningful win.

A life-changing ride for Elisha Lucente

For Elisha Lucente, a caregiver in Iloilo, all he wanted was to have a comfortable life for his family. But he received more. Thanks to Aice, Lucente was named one of the lucky winners, driving home a Toyota Avanza 1.3 CVT E variant through the Aice on the Prize raffle.

“Sobrang grateful ko kay God kasi hindi ko ine-expect na grand prize pala ‘yung mapapanalunan ko. Ang mahambal ko lang sa gid Aice Ice Cream is buligan lang puwede buligan, kag padayon lang gid sa pag bulig sa mga tawu,” shared Lucente, overwhelmed with gratitude.

[“I am so grateful to God because I never expected that I would win the grand prize. My message to Aice Ice Cream is to help those who need help and continue striving to assist people.”]

A mother's prayer answered

Among the 50 winners of the Honor X9B smartphones, one story stood out—the story of Gina Corpuz, a hardworking 43-year-old pandesal vendor. For her, this was more than just winning a phone; it was about fulfilling a heartfelt wish for her daughter, and Aice made it happen.

“Nagjoin pa lang ako sa Aice, nag-pray na talaga ako na makuha kami sa cellphone, kasi kako deserve talaga ito ng anak ko.”

[“When I joined the Aice promo, I immediately prayed that we would be chosen to win the cellphone because I truly believe my child deserves it.”]

She added, “Kung tutuusin kaya ko naman siya bilhan, pero syempre, may nakalaan kasi sa ibang bagay.”

[“I could buy her one, but of course, our money is already set aside for other needs.”]

Thanks to Aice, Gina’s wish was granted, and her daughter now has the phone she needs for her studies. Grateful for the unexpected blessing, she further expressed, “Kung hindi din dahil sa inyo, wala eh, hindi din namin matikman yung mga pagpapalang ito.”

[“If not for Aice, we wouldn’t have experienced these blessings.”]

A surprise cash blessing

For Barnard Roque, winning the P10,000 GCash credits is a big help for his family. 

“Ako’y nagpapasalamat ng marami na ako’y nakatanggap ng sampung libo. Bale, ayun po’y inambag po namin sa munting negosyo ng asawa ko para medyo mapalago nang kaunti ‘yung kanyang mga paninda,” said Roque who currently works as a CCTV installer.

[“I am very grateful to have received ₱10,000. We decided to invest it in my wife’s small store so we could expand her products a little.”]

More chances of winning at Aice’s “Aice on the Prize”

The excitement of “Aice on the Prize” doesn’t stop at the raffle. Customers who purchase Aice’s Chocolate Crispy still have the chance to win millions of prizes, including ₱10.00 or ₱300.00 in GCash credits—no draw needed!

And here’s a piece of good news: Aice has extended the promo until March 31, 2025, allowing more Filipinos to enjoy their favorite ice cream while winning exciting prizes.

Joining is easy: simply buy a marked Chocolate Crispy, check the popsicle stick for a 9-digit code, and send a message to Aice Ice Cream Philippines’ official Facebook page. Follow the prompts and you might be the next winner!

The “Aice on the Prize” promo is Aice’s way of bringing happiness, hope, and real-life opportunities to everyday Filipinos. From brand-new cars to essential gadgets and financial boosts, Aice continues to prove that with every delightful bite, there’s a chance to change lives.

To watch the Aice on the Prize winners’ video, visit this link or follow Aice Ice Cream’s official Facebook page.

FDA Permit Number: DOH-FDA CFRR Permit No.: 1024 s. 2024

UN Development Programme (UNDP) and The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) partner to scale up management of plastic waste in Asia

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) have partnered to help address the growing challenge of plastic waste management in Asia, a region that is home to significant environmental opportunities and challenges. Rapid urbanization, increasing demand for single-use plastics, and gaps in waste management infrastructure have contributed to a rising volume of plastic waste, making effective solutions more urgent than ever.

A significant portion of the world’s plastic waste enters the ocean through waterways in the region, posing serious threats to marine ecosystems, human health, and livelihoods. Sixteen of the top twenty polluting rivers in the world are in Asia, and account for more than two thirds of the global annual volume of plastics flowing into the world’s oceans. 

From Heartwarming Stories to Digital Innovation: Jollibee Shines at the 60th Anvil Awards

Jollibee, the Philippines’ number one fast food chain, proudly celebrates another milestone as it bagged four Silver Anvil Awards at the 60th Anvil Awards Gabi ng Parangal held at the Fiesta Pavilion of The Manila Hotel.

Recognized for its excellence in public relations programs and tools, Jollibee continues to demonstrate its commitment to delivering meaningful, impactful, and culturally resonant campaigns that bring constant joy to Filipinos.

Mang Inasal brings “Love the Flavors” to Iloilo in celebration of Dinagyang Festival

Mang Inasal, in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), made Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival 2025 even more flavorful with the “Love the Flavors, Love the Philippines” campaign. 

This annual festival, which honors the Sto. Niño, was made even more special with a week-long treat for both locals and tourists.

From January 20 to 26, Mang Inasal stores in Iloilo served up free Coke with every order of Solo Fiesta and Extra Creamy Halo-Halo, spreading joy to festival-goers. At SM City Iloilo, the “Love the Flavors, Love the Philippines” Caravan delighted attendees with free Extra Creamy Halo-Halo, offering a sweet and refreshing break from the festivities.

Mang Inasal celebrates triple victory at the 60th Anvil Awards

Showcasing its excellence in innovative and consumer-focused public relations, Mang Inasal, the Philippines’ Grill Expert, was honored with two Golds and one Silver at the prestigious 60th Anvil Awards held recently at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel. The brand’s standout programs included the Pork BBQ Media Launch, #MangInasalKahitSaan Digital and PR campaign, and "Love the Flavors, Love the Philippines."

Competing against over 586 entries, Mang Inasal stood out for its creativity and impactful execution in 2024, bringing home Anvils in various categories.

Slither into the Year of the Snake with Luck and Savings at foodpanda!

It’s time to slither into the Year of the Snake with good food, great vibes, and even greater deals! If you’re all about attracting luck, prosperity, and free goodies this Chinese New Year, foodpanda has got you covered. 

Check out foodpanda’s exclusive offers that’ll make your taste buds tingle without burning a hole in your wallet. For exclusive vouchers and deals of up to 50% off on your favorite food and grocery items, foodpanda is your go-to for lucky bites and festive feasts.

Celebrate Chinese New Year with a Delicious Culinary Adventure at SM Supermalls

Celebrate the Chinese New Year with a gastronomic adventure at SM Supermalls from January 18 to January 31! Embark on a journey through flavors highlighting only the best Chinese restaurants and their must-try dishes to make your festivities even more special. 

Not sure where to eat out? Here are some delectable spots to celebrate the festivities:

Paradise Dynasty

SM Aura, SM Podium, S Maison

Known for the world’s first 8-flavored Xiao Long Bao, Paradise Dynasty is a must-visit for dumpling lovers. Each soup dumpling has a unique flavor, from black truffle to ginseng, szechuan to crab roe, making every bite a delightful surprise. Don’t miss their signature La Mian noodles and the mouthwatering Charcoal Custard Lava Bun for dessert!

Experience a Royal First: Warabimochi Kamakura Opens at SM Megamall

The wait is over! The globally celebrated Japanese dessert brand Warabimochi Kamakura has officially opened its doors at SM Megamall’s Level 3, Mega Fashion Hall. Known for its melt-in-your-mouth magic, this viral sensation is the latest addition to SM Supermalls’ reputation as the #HomeOfFirsts, bringing first-to-market brands and world-class culinary experiences to Filipino foodies.

Mang Inasal joins Sinulog Festival to launch "Love the Flavors, Love the Philippines" campaign

Mang Inasal, together with the Department of Tourism, kicked off the "Love the Flavors, Love the Philippines" campaign at the 2025 Sinulog Festival in Cebu City, a vibrant celebration honoring the Sto. Nino, the beloved image of the Child Jesus.

In support of gastronomy tourism, Mang Inasal treated both locals and tourists to a range of exciting freebies, promos, and fun activities throughout the festival.

The celebrations began with a special one-week Sinulog Fiesta Feast at Mang Inasal’s Cebu City stores. Customers were treated to a free small drink with every order of the Solo Fiesta Chicken Inasal paired with Extra Creamy Halo-Halo, making their festive experience even more enjoyable.

Jollibee Mix & Match is Back: Feel the Joy as You Choose and Enjoy More Sulit-Sarap Options!

Let’s face it – finding great value meals that taste amazing isn’t always easy. Thankfully, the Jollibee Mix & Match Combos are back with a sure-fire way to satisfy your cravings without making a dent in your wallet! You can customize your meal with sulit-sarap choices starting at only P78. Delicious, budget-friendly, and filled with all the saya of enjoying your favorites!

Creating your Mix & Match meal comes in two easy steps.

Step 1: Choose your main.

Kick things off with one of these all-time favorites:

Combo A (P78) - Jolly Spaghetti, 1-pc. Burger Steak, or Yumburger

Combo B (P88) - Jolly Hotdog, Cheesy Yumburger, Crunchy Chicken Sandwich, or 4-pc. Chicken Nuggets with Dip

Mang Inasal ties up with top universities through MI UNIVerse

Mang Inasal introduces MI UNIVerse, a vibrant community of campus-based content creators from the Philippines’ top colleges and universities. 

Building on last year’s successful collaborations with young influencers, MI UNIVerse aims to make Mang Inasal’s connection with students even more exciting and meaningful this 2025.

The name "MI UNIVerse" combines "university" and "universe," signifying a collective of students from various universities who share a common love for Mang Inasal. Participating schools include the University of Santo Tomas (UST), De La Salle University (DLSU), University of the Philippines (UP), Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), National University (NU), Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Silliman University, Cebu Institute of Technology University (CIT University), Philippine Women’s University (PWU), and Mapúa University.

The Art of Saga Wagyu and Japanese Whisky Pairing

The Manila Hotel’s Champagne Room offers a unique culinary experience, transporting guests to the historical Saga Prefecture in Japan through an exceptional six-course dinner, masterfully prepared by The Manila Hotel’s esteemed Japanese Chef Oseki Nobu, and paired with a curated selection of Yamazakura Japanese Whisky, chosen by whisky expert Mr. Johnssen Li.

Scheduled for January 16, 2025 at the iconic Champagne Room, this elegant evening promises a harmonious blend of flavors, combining the unparalleled quality of Saga Wagyu with the nuanced profiles of premium Japanese whisky.

New Year, New Bod: Here are 5 tips on achieving your fitness journey this 2025 with Century Tuna

The New Year is the perfect time to reset, refocus, and recharge your health goals. As the ultimate partner for a healthy lifestyle, Century Tuna is here to help you jumpstart your 2025 fitness journey with simple yet effective tips that you can incorporate into your daily routine. Whether you're just starting or looking to elevate your progress, Century Tuna has your back every step of the way.

Here are five practical fitness tips from Mauro Lumba, the Century Tuna Superbod 2014 champion and personal fitness coach to Century Tuna brand ambassadors Aga Muhlach and Richard Gomez, to guide you to the best you:

Start Small, Stay Consistent

Start your fitness journey with small, consistent steps. Photo by Freepik

Big goals are achieved through small, consistent steps. Begin with manageable changes, like adding a 15-minute walk to your daily routine or swapping unhealthy snacks for nourishing options like Century Tuna Flakes in Oil. These small efforts compound into significant results over time.

Pinakamasarap na JOY ng Pamilya: Jollibee's Chickenjoy Still the Best Joy for Every Filipino Family

At the heart of every Filipino family gathering, one source of joy consistently brings everyone together— Jollibee's Chickenjoy. Celebrated for its crispylicious, juicylicious, and best-tasting fried chicken, now at its biggest, Chickenjoy transforms any meal into a joyful experience that families eagerly look forward to when bonding.

Standing the test of time, the Chickenjoyest experience has truly solidified its place as the ultimate symbol of Filipino family bonding, where each bite brings out the biggest smiles, the loudest laughter, and the warmest most heartfelt connections.

Even amidst life's challenges and the hustle of daily routines, sharing Chickenjoy with loved ones continues to rekindle that unique sense of joy among those you cherish most.

Moving into 2025, Jollibee seeks to spread even more joy across households, as Chickenjoy not only satisfies cravings with its unparalleled taste, but also elevates family moments to unforgettable experiences and memories.