Jollibee launches refreshing and budget-friendly summer treats as heat intensifies

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Summer in the Philippines is not just about beach trips or out-of-town plans. For many, it lives in everyday moments like merienda breaks, barkada hangouts, and quick cool-down stops after a long day.

As the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) signals the start of the warm and dry season, these small rituals become even more meaningful.

To match this shift, Jollibee, the country's no. 1 fastfood chain, has introduced its “Summer Delights,” a selection built around refreshment, affordability, and shareable joy.

“Summer brings out a different kind of energy in Filipinos. It’s more spontaneous, more social, and more driven by small rewards throughout the day,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. “We want to be part of those everyday breaks by offering easy, affordable ways to cool down and enjoy.”

Headlining the menu is the Strawberry Burst Choco Sundae, priced at ₱65, combining chocolate and strawberry with popping boba for a playful twist. Customers can also opt for familiar coolers such as Iced Mocha and Soda Float.

Complementing these are the Fries Snack Combos starting at ₱69, which pair crispy fries with a choice of Choco Sundae, Mini Choco Sundae, or Soda Float. The combinations are available in different sizes to suit both individuals and groups.

The Summer Delights products are now available nationwide in all Jollibee stores for dine-in, takeout, and drive-thru, and can also be ordered for delivery via the Jollibee App, the Jollibee delivery website, GrabFood, and foodpanda.

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! 

Manila Bulletin’s HATCH Contemporary Visions, Timeless Setting Opens at the Grand Lobby of The Manila Hotel

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The Grand Lobby of The Manila Hotel came alive on March 25, 2026, as distinguished guests, artists, members of the media, and content creators gathered for the opening reception of HATCH 2026, the 8th edition of the premier art showcase by the Manila Bulletin in partnership with The Manila Hotel.

With the theme Contemporary Visions, Timeless Setting, HATCH 2026 bridges heritage and modern expression. This year’s edition brings together 12 contemporary and emerging Filipino artists, each invited to interpret the iconic acrylic egg transforming it into a compelling vessel of storytelling, identity, and imagination.

Set against the storied backdrop of The Manila Hotel’s Grand Lobby, the opening reception formally presented this year’s featured artists to the public: Marko Belo, Dino Blanco, Norman Blanco, Rachel Anne Lacaba, Jao Mapa, Raf Page, Tokwa Peňaflorida, JP Pining, Angelo Roxas, Alber Tabanao, Rene Tolentino, and Krishnamurti.

The event was graced by Mr. Basilio C. Yap, chairman of the board of The Manila Hotel; Dr. Emilio C. Yap III, vice chairman of The Manila Hotel and president of the Manila Bulletin; Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr. president of The Manila Hotel; Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel; and Leslie Araujo, brand and marketing manager of the Manila Bulletin and project head of HATCH 2026; alongside members of the media and content creators.

Welcome remarks by The Manila Hotel's vice president for sales and marketing Marvin Kim Tan

In his remarks, Marvin Kim Tan shared, “What began as a platform to showcase fresh ideas has grown into a meaningful space that champions creativity and emerging talent. We are proud to continue supporting this initiative and the community it has built over the years. Our sincere thanks to Manila Bulletin for their continued partnership, and to the 12 artists featured this year. When Ernest Hemingway visited in 1941, he remarked, ‘It’s a good story if it’s like The Manila Hotel.’ May this year’s exhibit at our Grand Lobby be another great story to tell.”

Inspirational words from The Manila Hotel president Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr.

Cris 'Krishnamuti' Villanueva is among the 12 artists featured in this year's Hatch exhibit

Jao Mapa joins the selection of featured artists in this year's Hatch exhibit

Holy Week Exodus Gets a Safety Boost as Bell-Kenz Pharma Deploys AEDs to CPR-Trained Frontliners

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As millions of Filipino commuters prepare for the annual Holy Week exodus, transport frontliners—including bus drivers, conductors, and terminal personnel—are now better equipped to respond to medical emergencies, made possible through the strategic partnership between Bell-Kenz Pharma, various key transport stakeholders, and the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Reinforcing its commitment to public safety, Bell-Kenz Pharma ceremonially turned over three Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) on March 23, 2026—two units to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) and one to the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (DOTr-SAICT). This initiative strengthens the emergency response capabilities of frontline personnel during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.

The turnover builds on the success of the February 24, 2026 Sagip CPR training, “Paghahanda Para sa Oplan Biyaheng Ayos 2026: Sagip CPR,” a collaboration between Bell-Kenz Pharma, DOTr, PITX, and other

The program trained over 800 transport personnel—including drivers, conductors, terminal staff, security personnel, and members of the Philippine Coast Guard—transforming them into capable first responders equipped with life-saving knowledge and skills.

Present at the landmark ceremonial turnover were Rear Admiral Oliver Sy Tanseco of the Philippine Coast Guard and Mr. Patrick Larraga, Corporate Branding and Public Affairs Head of Bell-Kenz Pharma. The initiative also provided transport frontliners with hands-on training in Hands-Only CPR, proper AED use, heart health awareness, illness prevention in public transport settings, and emergency response protocols.

Highlighting the importance of sustained preparedness, Mr. Patrick Larraga of Bell-Kenz Pharma shared:

“This initiative is a continuation of the comprehensive training we conducted last February. Today, we are here to ensure the strategic placement of AEDs, increasing the chance of successfully reviving anyone who experiences a cardiac emergency in our transport system.”

On behalf of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez and Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, Rear Admiral Tanseco expressed appreciation for the partnership:

“The Philippine Coast Guard has always served with heart, and we are deeply grateful to Bell-Kenz Pharma for strengthening our frontline capabilities through these life-saving devices. We have enhanced pre-departure inspections because lives matter and every second counts.”

This coordinated effort brought together key stakeholders—including DOTr-SAICT, PITX, EDSA Bus Carousel Consortia, One Ayala, and Bell-Kenz Pharma—all united in advancing a safer, more resilient, and people-centered transport system.

“With flagship programs like Sagip CPR, Bell-Kenz Pharma is committed to empowering Filipinos with vital life-saving skills and tools, championing proactive healthcare at every step,” said Patrick Larraga.

By bridging training with action, the company reinforces its role as a committed Kaagapay in building a safer, healthier, and more responsive nation—ready to act decisively in medical emergencies.

For more information about Sagip CPR advocacy, visit www.bell-kenz.net.

SM strengthens stakeholder communication through online platform

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SM Investments Corporation, the parent company of the SM group, is scaling up its stakeholder engagement efforts through SM In Focus, its online platform which has over 137,000 subscribers and generated over 2.5 million views since its launch in late 2024.

The milestone reflects SM’s broader push to strengthen transparency and accessibility in communicating business performance, innovation, and value creation across its integrated ecosystem in retail, property, and banking.

The platform is part of SM’s evolving approach to stakeholder communication, leveraging online channels to provide more timely, structured, and relevant insights on its operations and impact.

“SM In Focus enhances our ability to communicate the Group’s activities and outcomes in a more accessible and consistent manner,” said Rico Hizon, host and creator of SM in Focus.

Beyond external engagement, the initiative also supports internal alignment by enabling participation from across the organization. Contributors from various business units provide on-the-ground perspectives, reinforcing a more coordinated and enterprise-wide approach to communication.

“By engaging contributors across the Group, the platform strengthens collaboration and improves how we communicate our strategy and impact,” said Elizabeth Anne “Lizanne” Uychaco, Executive Vice President, Group Diversity Officer of SM Investments, and Executive Producer of SM In Focus.

To date, the platform has produced over 440 videos and accumulated more than 14,000 watch hours, indicating sustained audience engagement.

As SM continues to expand its operations, SM In Focus supports a more integrated and data-driven communication strategy, bridging internal insights with external engagement and enabling clearer articulation of the Group’s long-term value creation.

SM In Focus Host and Creator Rico Hizon shares the Youtube Silver Play Button for reaching an important 100,000 milestone with SM Investments Corporation Executive Vice President, Group Diversity Officer and SM in Focus Executive Producer Lizanne Uychaco.

Infinix Drives Digital Learning Forward as Tablet Sponsor for Universidad de Manila

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In a meaningful step toward advancing digital education in the Philippines, Infinix donated its latest XPAD 30E tablets to Universidad de Manila on March 25, 2026. The initiative underscores a shared commitment to empowering students and enhancing access to modern learning tools.

The turnover ceremony brought together key representatives from both organizations, including the University President of Universidad de Manila, Dr. Felima C. Tria, and Infinix Marketing Manager Charisma Buan. The formal handover of the tablets served as a powerful symbol of a shared vision to empower students through technology and open new pathways for learning.

From left to right: Atty. Rodolfo V. Castillo Jr., VP for Administration; Dr. Nenita Fajardo Buan, Dean of the Institute of Graduate and Professional Studies; Nancy J. Tejada, VP for Student Success and Support Services; Atty. Christian Patrick Labajoy, Head of Student Discipline and University Legal Counsel; Dr. Ma. Felma C. Tria, University President; Charisma Buan, Infinix Marketing Manager; Ms. Laarnie Hernandez, Staff, Office of the President; Ms. Ruthemia S. Albener, Head of the Supply Office; Dr. Rosalie M. Catu, Head of Student Activities and Organizations; and Mr. Jeffrey F. Litan, VP for Comptrollership.

This donation represents more than just a provision of devices; it marks the beginning of a partnership dedicated to building a more inclusive and technology-driven learning environment for Filipino students. “In this digital era, learning should never be limited by access. Infinix believes in supporting every Filipino student's journey by offering technology that makes digital learning more accessible and more powerful. And what better way to do that than by partnering with the leaders of tomorrow — UDM's top performing student leaders who are already setting the standard for their peers,” shared Buan.

Dr. Ma. Felma C. Tria, University President, receives the XPAD 30E tablet from Charisma Buan, Infinix Marketing Manager, during the official turnover ceremony.

The XPAD 30E is recognized as the first dedicated education tablet in the Philippines, purpose-built to support both academic and everyday learning. It offers access to over 120,000 premium learning resources, including curated, textbook-aligned courses and exercises, all available for free. With its AI Tutor On Tap, students can instantly get help with assignments and questions, making learning more interactive and efficient. The device also features an 11-inch FHD+ eye-care display, ensuring a comfortable and immersive experience for extended study sessions.

Dr. Felima C. Tria expressed appreciation for the initiative, stating,

“Universidad de Manila is steadily moving toward a more digital approach in academics, and this partnership with Infinix aligns perfectly with that vision. The units will be entrusted to our top performing student leaders, individuals who we believe will make the most of every tool they are given. We are deeply grateful to Infinix for seeing the potential in our students and for choosing to invest in their growth in such a meaningful way.”

Top row (from left to right): Nancy J. Tejada, VP for Student Success and Support Services; Atty. Rodolfo V. Castillo Jr., VP for Administration; Atty. Christian Patrick Labajoy, Head of Student Discipline and University Legal Counsel; and Mr. Jeffrey F. Litan, VP for Comptrollership.

Bottom row (from left to right): Charisma Buan, Infinix Marketing Manager; and Dr. Ma. Felma C. Tria, University President.

Through this initiative, Infinix continues to demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility, leveraging innovation not just to create products, but to create opportunities and empower the next generation of learners.

Learn more about the Infinix XPAD 30E and discover how it can transform everyday learning with smarter tools and accessible resources. Get yours today through the official Infinix website, or shop conveniently on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop to start your journey toward a more empowered and connected learning experience.