Mang Inasal wins Fast Food Chain of the Year at 6th VP Choice Awards

Mang Inasal, the Philippines’ Grill Expert, was recently honored by Village Pipol Magazine as Fast Food Chain of the Year during the 6th VP Choice Awards held at The Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan in Quezon City.

“To be voted Fast Food Chain of the Year by the people themselves is the highest honor we can receive,” said Mang Inasal President Mike V. Castro. “Every vote is a reminder that we are part of our customers’ everyday lives, and we will continue serving them with the same passion they have shown in making us feel truly appreciated.”

The Sound of Speed: Sting Energy®, a PepsiCo Energy Drink, Hits the Track with Formula 1®

World-Renowned DJ and Producer, Armin van Buuren discovers The Sound of Sting, joined by 2025 F2 Monaco Grand Prix winner Kush Maini and 2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button — who confirms what fans across the globe are already hearing.

Sting Energy®, a PepsiCo electrifying energy drink, has officially entered the fast-paced world of Formula 1® as its Official Energy Drink Partner. This official partnership, sparked by authentic fan curiosity even before the official reveal, began as a viral sound-driven moment and has since grown into a dynamic collaboration — racing from the track to screens worldwide. 

Third Time’s the Charm as Nemesis Wins Title at Red Bull Dance Your Style National Final in Cebu

Following months of electrifying qualifier rounds in Davao, Manila, and Cebu, it all came to a head as the Queen City of the South hosted the Red Bull Dance Your Style Philippines National Final for the very first time. Last May 24, the country’s fiercest dancers came together for an explosive dance showdown at Ayala Center, Cebu.

Historic Dance Showdown in Cebu

Top dancers from across the country battled for the crown during the National Final in Cebu, electrifying the crowd with a mix of styles, from hip-hop to house, waacking to locking, and even voguing. The energy was unmatched, with each dancer’s fate resting on the crowd’s hands. Ultimately, Sam Rivera, known in battles as ‘Nemesis,’ was crowned the 2025 Red Bull Dance Your Style Philippines National Champion. 

Coca-Cola Philippines Expands PET Bottle Collection Program to Help Strengthen Recycling Efforts

Coca-Cola Philippines builds on its ongoing sustainability efforts with the expanded rollout of its ‘Tapon to Ipon’ PET bottle collection program, marking an important step towards supporting local bottle collection infrastructure and helping accelerate PET bottle recovery efforts across communities.

The expanded Tapon to Ipon program consolidates Coca-Cola Philippines’ various bottle collection programs including the Tindahan Extra Mile (TEM) initiative into one program. With over 6,000 collection hubs now in operation nationwide, the initiative aims to make recycling drop off points more accessible to communities across the Philippines.

The initiative was officially relaunched with a community activation event on April 29, 2025, at Terra 28th in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), highlighting the importance of strong local engagement.

Mang Inasal bags 3 honors at 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards

Mang Inasal, the Philippines’ Grill Expert, earned three major distinctions at the 12th Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most innovative and customer-focused brands in the region.

The brand received a Silver Stevie® for Innovation in Cross-Media Marketing for its campaign, “Mang Inasal Chicken Inasal – Walang Pigil ang Sarap at Saya!” The campaign created a strong emotional connection with audiences by highlighting how customers enjoy Mang Inasal Chicken Inasal—not just for its flavor, but for the joy and sense of togetherness it brings. It reached people nationwide through a mix of digital, broadcast, and on-ground activations.

Mega Sardines now a ‘Superfood’, Medical Wellness Association shares scientifically-backed criteria why

James Michael Lafferty, Board Member of the Medical Wellness Association, with the Mega Sardines team as the brand is officially endorsed as a Superfood after passing MWA’s rigorous health standards.

Mega Sardines, the Philippines’ number 1 sardines brand, has been endorsed as a “Superfood” by the Medical Wellness Association (MWA), a US-based organization of the world’s largest collection physicians and wellness experts. This marks the first sardine brand in the Philippines—and the world—to receive this one‑of‑a‑kind recognition.

James Michael Lafferty, Founding Board Member of the MWA, shared, “Mega Sardines stood out in all areas in our System-6 criteria for a ‘Superfood’. Filipinos value nutrition wellness, especially when preparing meals for their families. With the product being rich in omega-3, high in vitamins, and processed with world-class safety, we can say it's more than a pantry essential—it’s a food that supports overall health.”

Tech Meets Taste: World Kitchens Offers AI-Powered Experience at Gateway Mall 2

Seamless smart ordering system redefines culinary experience at Araneta City

Inspired by the comfort food of the world, WORLD KITCHENS is a one-of-a-kind, first-of-its-kind 5-star dining destination created by Singapore’s food and beverage guru Andrew Tan Hock Lai. With 15 show kitchens and international chefs specializing in unique cuisines, this giant full-table-service restaurant offers a variety of international dishes at affordable prices. Serving great food at a single table, and using AI technology for seamless ordering, World Kitchens redefines dining as a global culinary experience.

Located on the 4th level of Gateway Mall 2 in Araneta City, World Kitchens is setting a new benchmark for tech-enabled dining in the Philippines. With a simple scan of a QR code, guests can browse menus from 15 distinct show kitchens, order a variety of dishes from different cuisines, and settle their bill—all without leaving their seat. This makes World Kitchens the first F&B concept in the country to introduce this kind of ordering setup.

This AI-powered ordering system removes the usual friction from group dining, letting guests focus on what truly matters: enjoying great food together.

In any other dining setting, this would mean hopping from one restaurant to another, scanning multiple menus, juggling separate bills. But at World Kitchens, it’s as simple as scanning a QR code. Each table is given a unique QR code that connects to a digital menu of the entire culinary spectrum of World Kitchens: Japan’s Kuro Maguro, Unagi Yukimitsu, and The You No Men; Spain’s Asador de Manila; Hong Kong’s HK Ma’s Bistro; India’s Prana; Singapore’s Chef Fung Private Kitchen; Italy’s Dario Pizza & More; and Pinoy favorites by Chef Jessie. Rounding out the experience are Lepak, which serves innovative cocktails, and Sticky Sweet for desserts and handcrafted wagashi. Whether someone craves sushi, biryani, pizza, ramen, or lechon, they can have it all—together and at once.

What truly sets this ordering system apart is how it learns and adapts to each diner. Upon placing an order, the system recommends curated pairings and sides that best complement the selected dish. On a guest’s next visit, the digital menu—if accessed through a logged-in account—remembers previous orders and offers personalized suggestions based on their dining history, creating a smarter, more customized experience every time.

This effortless blend of technology and taste results in a frictionless experience from start to finish, making World Kitchens more than just a dining destination. It’s a venue for connection, celebration, and culinary discovery.

Learn more about World Kitchens and all the delightful offerings it has by visiting www.worldkitchens.com.ph. To know more about the latest promos, activities, and happenings at Araneta City, please visit www.aranetacity.com. You may also like and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok.

Step into the HALO-HALOverse: Mang Inasal’s Extra Creamy Halo-Halo now featured at The Dessert Museum

The Philippines’ No. 1 Halo-Halo, Mang Inasal’s iconic Extra Creamy Halo-Halo, has officially taken over Asia’s trendiest dessert wonderland, The Dessert Museum! The exciting HALO-HALOverse offers a playful, colorful, and interactive experience that celebrates the country’s beloved dessert.

This immersive exhibit brings Mang Inasal’s Extra Creamy Halo-Halo to life in a vibrant, fun-filled environment, making it the star of the HALO-HALOverse. The exhibit offers a sweet summer adventure that visitors won’t want to miss.

25 Years of Flavors: McCormick Unveils its Flavor Forecast 25th Edition

Now in its 25th year, McCormick's Flavor Forecast has proven to be the ultimate culinary guide in predicting flavor trends that will shape our palates. This year, the global flavor giant unveiled its predictions at the recent McCormick Culinary’s Together We Flavor 2025 gathering held at Grand Hyatt Manila in Taguig. The one-of-a-kind Glamping Gastronomy Adventure showcased a delicious mix of tastes that are adventurous, exciting, and comforting bringing together food lovers.

Identifying Flavor Trends

Launched in 2000, McCormick’s Flavor Forecast is more than just a list of ingredients; it's a meticulously researched exploration of connections between food and culture. McCormick's team of experts go on a global food exploration, visiting 15 countries like France, South Africa, Thailand, Mexico, Canada, Australia, China, and many more, sampling over 150 dishes, and analyzing 200+ sources, from culinary publications to social media trends. This rigorous process, which involves going over 300 ideas, culminates in the identification of four macro trends that show the future of taste.

ITALIAN ARTISTRY FROM APERITIVO TO DINING: Discover Osteria Antica, the First in the Philippines, at SM Podium

The glow of a wood-fired oven, the scent of slow-cooked sauces, and the comfort of a well-prepared meal—Osteria Antica brings bold Italian flavors to Podium Social at SM Podium. With its warm ambiance, the restaurant stays true to traditional recipes, using fresh, high-quality ingredients with a modern flair.

Whether it's a casual lunch or intimate dinner, Osteria Antica offers a refined yet comforting taste of Italy in the heart of the city.

“A MINECRAFT MOVIE: BLOCK PARTY EDITION!” - Beginning Friday May 9, Audiences can Sing (and Meme) Along with 2025’s Biggest Hit!

Calling all Steves!  In the middle of its record-smashing run in theaters, Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures invite fans back to the theater to experience “A Minecraft Movie” together in a whole new way!  You know the moments.  You know the lines.  You love the songs!  Now it’s time to get loose, laugh out loud and belt out those lyrics like a true diamond-tier fan.

On Friday May 9, fans across the Philippines can embrace the film anew by singing—or meme-ing—along with their favorite moments from the movie.  “A Minecraft Movie: Block Party Edition!” is made for those who yearn for the mines, so get ready to (re)enter the Overworld this weekend!

Tickets are on sale now in select theaters for “A Minecraft Movie: Block Party Edition!”—visit https://www.minecraftmovie.com.ph/ for schedules and tickets!

Mang Inasal makes Mother’s Day extra sweet with “Mom Inasal Day” celebration

Mother’s Day is always a heartfelt celebration in Filipino homes, and this year, Mang Inasal, the Philippines’ Grill Expert, is making it even more special with “Mom Inasal Day” — a series of thoughtful treats for moms from May 1 to 11.

“Our mommy customers are among our most loyal patrons, and Mother's Day is truly one of our most meaningful celebrations,” said Mang Inasal president Mike V. Castro. “We want moms to feel extra special, whether they choose to celebrate in our stores, at home, or anywhere else. We want them to feel loved by their families and we're making it happen this Mother's Day."

From Steak to Storytelling: Chef Kevin Villarica’s Next Chapter at World Kitchens

If there’s one thing that Chef Kevin Villarica is known for, it’s his fearless approach to flavor. Whether it’s elevating the humble steak or creating groundbreaking dishes, Chef Kevin has built a reputation as one of the Philippines’ most innovative chefs. Now, with his upcoming kitchen at World Kitchens in Araneta City, his culinary journey is about to enter an exciting new chapter.

A Culinary Journey Rooted in Precision and Passion

Chef Kevin’s love for cooking began long before he made his mark in the culinary world. His journey took him to the renowned At-Sunrice Global Chef Academy in Singapore, where he refined his skills and learned from some of the best in the industry. While in Singapore, Chef Kevin worked in prestigious kitchens such as SATS, Poulet, and Thai Express Singapore, where he learned the art of blending flavors and techniques in ways that resonate deeply with diners.

BonChon Philippines wins ‘Top Influential Brand’ Award in the Korean Restaurant category at Asia CEO Summit & Awards Ceremony 2025

Photo caption: BonChon Philippines received the Top Influential Brand Award for the Korean Restaurant category at the Asia CEO Summit & Awards Ceremony 2025 held at the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore (Guest of Honour: Mr. Seah Kian Peng, Speaker of Parliament Singapore)

BonChon Philippines has been named the Asia’s Top Influential Brand in the Korean Restaurant category at the 2025 Asia CEO Summit & Awards Ceremony, organised by Influential Brands, reaffirming its position as one of most prominent Food & Beverage brands in the Philippines. The winners of the Top Influential Brand Award are brands identified by consumers as their preferred brands in nation-wide studies across Asia.