Golden Grab Awards Crown Restaurants and Grocers Setting Gold Standard in Innovation and Service Quality

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Grab Philippines honored the country’s top-performing restaurants and retailers at the Golden Grab Awards 2025, recognizing merchants that have set the "Gold Standard" in an increasingly integrated online-to-offline economy.

Golden Grab Merchants of the Year Juliet Chen (Serenitea), Gerby Estrella (JT’s Manukan Grille), and Ryan Tan (Oh Mango) with Grab Philippines leaders led by Managing Director Ronald Roda.

Top honors for the night went to homegrown milk tea giant Serenitea, which was named GrabFood Merchant of the Year for National Brands, alongside JT’s Manukan Grille, which secured the title for Nationwide Chains, and Oh Mango, which took home the award for Citywide Merchants in Metro Manila.

GrabFood Merchant of the Year for Citywide Merchants in Metro Manila: Oh Mango!

The awards ceremony, attended by hundreds of Grab merchant-partners from across the Philippines, highlighted the evolution of the superapp from an on-demand delivery service into a broader ecosystem that drives growth across both digital and physical storefronts.

This shared trajectory of growth was highlighted by EJ dela Vega, Grab Philippines Head of Deliveries and Chief Commercial Officer, who emphasized the platform’s role as an active, dedicated ally of merchant-partners as they vie for business growth.

“We know that trust is earned day by day, order by order. And the only way we can repay that trust is by remaining steadfast in our commitment to be the unwavering force behind the growth ambition of our merchant-partners,” Dela Vega shared during the Golden Grab Awards night. “Our pledge is simple: to be the partner that ensures when you dream big, you have the tools and the commercial business to achieve it”

GrabFood Merchant of the Year for  Nationwide Chains: JT’s Manukan

A defining standard of excellence

The ceremony underscored the importance of consistency and quality across the board.

In the category of GrabFood Quality, Caramia Cakes & Gelato was honored as the Best Rated National Brand, while 24 Chicken was awarded Most Reliable National Brand for its operational efficiency. For GrabMart, Ever Supermarket and Cion’s Meat Shop were recognized as the Most Reliable merchants, ensuring consistent product availability and exceptional customer experience.

The awards also highlighted the "5-Star Eats" winners — top-performing city and community merchants maintaining the highest ratings. The roster included local favorites Mylene's Ensaymada and Banana Cake, Paya Street Coffee, Quarantea, and CBS Kitchen.

Retail growth leaders were acknowledged as "Category Captains" for GrabMart, with Pet Express (Pets), Watsons (Pharmacies), and Robinsons Supermarket (Supermarkets) recognized as top sales performers setting the standard for excellence.

Innovation in marketing was also a key focus. Southstar Drug and Davao Central Convenience Store were named Adoption Leaders for effectively maximizing Grab Marketing Solutions. Meanwhile, McDonald's was awarded the Data-Driven Impact Trailblazer for its precision campaigns, and Chowking took home the Loyalty Innovation Trailblazer award.

Setting the Gold Standard forward

The event also spotlighted the industry's shift toward "hybrid" dining. JT’s Manukan Grille, Zhenbao Hotpot, and Feta Mediterranean were recognized as Best Dine-Out Merchants for maximizing deals to drive foot traffic.

Greg Camacho, Director for Off-Platform Solutions, emphasized that the future lies in ensuring a gold-standard experience for consumers – whether in-app or in physical stores. "Together, we are changing what it means to be a Grab merchant. Together, we are redefining what it means to be an omnichannel enterprise that’s fully capable of growing sales through both online and offline channels. Together, we are rewriting the playbook on how to win in an ever-evolving F&B industry.”

TP in the Philippines wins double honors at HIMAP Awards 2025: Makabago Award for Innovation and Pamayanan Award for Community Impact

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TP in the Philippines (formerly Teleperformance), a leader in digital business services, continues to fortify its presence and position as an innovation and community-impact leader after earning two of the highest distinctions at the HIMAP Awards 2025, an award giving body recognizing excellence and innovation in the healthcare information management industry, held at Shangri-La The Fort, Bonifacio Global City.

Representing TP in the Philippines at the HIMAP Awards 2025 (from left): Alex Reyes, Senior Director of Process Excellence; Geraldine Balinas, Vice President of Operations – Healthcare; Soumen Nag Choudhury, Executive Vice President for Healthcare; Marick Miraflor, Vice President of Operations – Healthcare; Shimy Shimomachi, Manager of Operations; and Nash Frias, Director of External Relations.

The organization received both the Makabago Award for Excellence in Technology and Innovation and the Pamayanan Award for Excellence in Community Development and Outreach Programs, reflecting TP’s unique ability to blend advanced technology with sustained, institutionalized social impact.

TP.AI wins the Makabago Award for transforming healthcare operations with its proprietary AI ecosystem that has redefined operational excellence across its 8,000-strong healthcare workforce. On the other hand, TP also receives the Pamayanan Award through its TP Healthcare Vertical, emphasizing the organization’s long-term commitment to community empowerment through its advocacy and outreach programs.

Ashley Ortega and other PH celebrities join Sugar Dolls PH in holiday outreach for children

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The initiative reflects the brand’s mission to uplift communities through compassion and care

Filipino beauty brand Sugar Dolls Inc. PH, in partnership with the Shunammite Ministry Group and JHOW Christian Church, organized a gift-giving drive for more than 300 children from underprivileged communities in San Mateo, Rizal. Guided by the brand’s philosophy of using beauty as a powerful way to give back, the initiative aims the make the kids feel seen, valued, and celebrated during the holiday season.

Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition alumna Ashley Ortega also took part in the gift-giving activity despite her busy schedule. She was joined by fellow celebrities and online influencers Ralph Malibunas, Jan Silva, Mark Cruz, Kate Jalipa, Juliana Villafuerte, Neron Mendiola, and RJ Perkins, who spent time with the children and distributed gifts.

The afternoon program opened with live performances and a clown show that hyped the basketball court with laughter and anticipation. During the gift distribution, smiles spread across every child’s face as more than 760 loot bags and gifts were handed out, along with 300 packed meals.

The event was led by Ms. Chardy Baldoza a.k.a. Cha Canicosa, the event organizer and Marketing Director, in collaboration with Sugar Dolls Inc. PH. The initiative was made possible through the support of the Core Management Team, Ana Lusong, Hazelyn Perez, Carlo Villanueva, Pastor Vhern, and Ms. LA Marquez, whose collective efforts guaranteed the program’s success.

As expected, the charity drive reflected Sugar Dolls’ vision of using beauty as a force for good. By spreading love, joy, and care, especially to children, the brand is committed to strengthen its community ties and inspire kindness beyond the holiday season. As the celebration concluded, what remained was a shared sense of compassion and connection: a reminder that the most beautiful impact is created when a brand chooses to give back.

Jollibee brings back Mix & Match to let customers enjoy Best sa Sarap favorites together

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Jollibee, the Philippines’ no. 1 fastfood chain, has brought back Mix & Match, giving customers new ways to enjoy its best-tasting favorites in a single meal. Starting at ₱78, diners can pair popular mains and sides, showing how the brand’s Best sa Sarap items are meant to be enjoyed together.

With the return of Mix & Match, Jollibee puts the spotlight back on the taste of its core products while giving customers the freedom to enjoy them their way. By bringing together popular mains and sides in one offering, the brand aims to make it easier for customers to enjoy their Best sa Sarap favorites in combinations they prefer.

“Mix & Match is all about bringing people together over the Jollibee favorites they love,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. “It lets everyone enjoy our best-tasting products in a way that feels personal, letting them choose the combinations that make their meal the perfect match.”

Under Mix & Match, customers select one main and one side. Main options priced at ₱78 include the Yumburger, Jolly Spaghetti, and 1-piece Burger Steak, while ₱88 mains include the Cheesy Yumburger, Crunchy Chicken Sandwich, and Jolly Hotdog. Side choices include Soda Float, Peach Mango Pie, Choco Sundae, Jolly Crispy Fries, and the newly introduced Iced Mocha.

This 2026, Jollibee Mix & Match is endorsed by the Nation’s Girl Group BINI, whose strong group dynamic reflects the spirit of the offering. Each member brings her own personality, and together they show how different favorites can come together to create a more enjoyable experience.

“BINI reflects what Mix & Match stands for,” Ching added. “Just like with food, life is better when everything you love comes together. Kahit anong piliin mo, masarap. Kahit sinong kasama mo, mas masaya!”

Watch the latest ad here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/870310422408342

Fans are encouraged to share their favorite Mix & Match combinations online, turning everyday meals into moments of connection. With the message “Maraming match. At lahat, Best sa Sarap,” Jollibee Mix & Match underscores the joy of choice and the pleasure of enjoying great-tasting food together.

Jollibee Mix & Match is available nationwide for dine-in, takeout, and drive-thru.

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites at https://order.jollibee.com, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises!

“A Weekend of Everything That Flies" All Set on February 13-15 at New Clark City

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Get ready for a thrilling weekend at the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, packed with hot air balloon rides, paragliding adventures, drone races, paper plane battles, high-flying demos, heart-pounding car drifting, and a buzzing fly market—all in one epic celebration of the skies

Mark your calendars as the 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta takes flight on February 13 to 15, 2026, bringing three days of color, energy, and sky-high excitement to New Clark City in Tarlac. This upcoming edition is set to be one of the biggest yet, featuring 22 new special-shaped balloons, the highest number in its history, with pilots flying in from the United Kingdom, United States, Belgium, Netherlands, Macedonia, Switzerland, Germany, and Brazil. Each day of the 2026 edition will close with two crowd favorites: the glowing hot air balloons and a massive 500-drone show lighting up the New Clark City skyline with colorful formations and messages.

(L-R): BCDA Vice President for Public Affairs Leilani Barlongay-Macasaet, BCDA Officer-in-Charge and Senior Vice President for Conversion and Development Group Engr. Mark P. Torres, PSC Commissioner Edward Hayco, Provincial Government of Tarlac Investment Promotions Officer Frances Canlas, PIHABF Founder and Organizer Capt. Joy Roa, and BCDA Vice President for Investment Promotions and Marketing Kenneth R. Peralta

Guests can enjoy world-class action with Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) sanctioned paragliding and First-Person View (FPV) drone racing competitions, featuring participants from at least six countries, including the UAE, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, and the Philippines. More competitors are registering following the announcement that the Airsports Federation of Asia (AFA) will hold its first 2026 board meeting in New Clark City during the balloon fiesta.

Adding even more energy to the experience is the fast-rising Soccer Drone competition, quickly gaining global popularity, with a demo court for visitors to try it out and hopes for the Fiesta to host a world championship in the future. School teams from Far Eastern Air Transport Incorporated University (FEATI University) and Philippine Air Transport and Training Services College of Aeronautics (PATTS College of Aeronautics) are forming their respective teams to compete, with the winning team set to represent the Philippines in international events and competitions around the world. A Paper Plane competition, open to all ages, invites everyone to join in the fun, while throughout the day, RC airplane demos, aerial dogfights, and kite shows fill the skies with excitement.

Filipino inventor Kyxz Mendiola will also demonstrate his homebuilt manned flying drone, showing himself flying inside it, a glimpse at the future of personal air travel, as it takes flight across the grounds for all to see. Ultralights will do their usual formation flying around the fiesta grounds. On the ground, guests can enjoy car drifting, browse through a lively Fly Market, and savor Pampanga’s well-loved dishes along with other popular food choices.

With the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) stepping in as a strong supporter, these efforts are expected to boost Aero Sports and draw more non-traditional tourism into the country. The PSC has begun supporting our paragliding and paramotor athletes for the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, and these same paramotors will be showcasing their skills during the event.

“For over 25 years, this event has been our way of sharing the magic of flight with every Filipino,” shared Capt. Joy Roa, expressing his excitement for the 26th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. “We’re thrilled to bring even more experiences that inspire, amaze, and open doors to the world of aviation.”

Ms. Frances Canlas, Investment Promotions Officer of the Provincial Government of Tarlac, expressed the local government unit’s full support to the Balloon Fiesta. She says, “This stands as a beacon of innovative sporting events and ushers in a renewed vibrancy as it soars once again in the province of Tarlac at New Clark City. This exciting event is expected to catalyze transformative economic growth, drawing thousands of visitors into the province and driving demand across the hospitality, culinary, transportation, and experiential sectors, while strengthening resilient logistics and supply chains province-wide.”

Engr. Mark P. Torres, Senior Vice President and Officer-In-Charge of the Bases Conversion and Development Bases and Development Authority (BCDA), noted, "As we prepare for this return, we envision a festival that is not only bigger and more vibrant, but also more inclusive—one that brings benefit to our communities and highlights Clark's readiness as a premier tourism and investment destination."

For those interested in a career in aviation, Capt. Joy explained that the Fiesta will feature passionate and successful professionals sharing their journeys. “We want to inspire the next generation of aviators by showing them how we started and what it takes to succeed in this industry,” he said. Attendees will learn about the adventures, challenges, and triumphs of working in a fast-paced field that offers strong career potential and high ROI. “Aviation offers excellent opportunities abroad, competitive salaries, and a chance to see the world while doing something you love,” Capt. Joy added. The lineup includes air traffic controllers, aircraft mechanics, flight attendants, safety inspectors, civilian and military pilots, and many more ready to share their stories.

With every flight and stunt over the years, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta has captivated audiences with unforgettable moments, from the “100 Years of Flying” tribute and aircraft rallies from across Asia to breathtaking performances by the Breitling Jet Team, the Wing Walkers, and the daring aerobatics by Mark Jefferies of the Global Stars team. The Fiesta has also thrilled spectators with annual skydiving exhibitions and tandem jumps, hosted Ms. Aviation competitions, and featured ABS-CBN concerts alongside the iconic hot air balloon night glow. Cultural exchanges with countries like Turkey, complete with traditional dancers, porcelain artists, and carpet weavers, have enriched the experience, while renowned Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor contributed designs for posters and souvenir programs. Indoor aviation career seminars have long inspired students to pursue careers in the industry, providing insights from experienced pilots, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, safety inspectors, and mechanics. These diverse experiences, from high-flying stunts and concerts to educational programs and cultural showcases, have become the very soul and heart of “A Weekend of Everything that Flies.”

Discover more at www.philballoonfest.net and stay connected by following Philippine International Hot Air Balloon (@philballoonfest) on Facebook www.facebook.com/pihabf, Instagram www.instagram.com/philballoonfest, and Tiktok www.tiktok.com/@philballoonfiesta.