City of Dreams Manila triumphs as Overall Champion in the Professional Division at the Philippine Culinary Cup 2026

The win highlights the luxury resort’s sustained record of culinary honors and spotlights the talents behind one of Manila’s premier dining destinations

City of Dreams Manila, the luxury integrated resort in Entertainment City and Aseana City, Paranaque, emerged as Overall Champion in the Professional Division of the 2026 Philippine Culinary Cup (PCC), besting 52 teams from hotels, restaurants, and catering services. This marks a new milestone in the luxury integrated resort’s award-winning track record since 2016 at the prestigious competition. The four-day 16th edition of the PCC was held alongside the World Food Expo (WOFEX) at the SMX Convention Center.

“This distinction is a proud recognition of our chefs’ creativity, discipline and commitment to their craft. Our team has earned consistent accolades at the Philippine Culinary Cup through the years, reflecting the depth of talent we continue to nurture. More importantly, our colleagues bring the same passion and exacting standards to our kitchens every day, strengthening City of Dreams Manila’s position as one of the country’s leading dining destinations,” Property President Geoff Andres stated.

Solane Empowers Small Businesses Through The SagipKarinderia Program

Solane and PASCO representatives come together to champion initiatives that empower local communities and support the livelihood of Filipino karinderia owners. From left to right: Virgilio Ogayon, Marketing Specialist, Solane; Jacob Faith Jayme, Secretariat, PASCO; Jeanne Empaynado, Brand Manager, Solane; Lorelyn D. Tamares, Executive Director, PASCO; Salie Siao, Corporate Secretary/Managing Director, PASCO; Katherine Mendez-Cabisada, Trade and Excellence Manager, Solane; and Myra Recreo, Trade Marketing Manager, Solane.

As small food businesses continue to navigate rising operating costs and challenges in sustaining through their crisis, Solane has partnered with the Philippine Association of Sari-Sari Store and Carinderia Owners (PASCO) to launch Sagip Karinderia, a nationwide initiative designed to help strengthen the resilience of food-service micro and small enterprises through education, safety, and practical business support.

The program reinforces Solane's commitment to empowering Filipino entrepreneurs by equipping carinderia owners with the knowledge and resources they need to operate safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

The first Sagip Karinderia session was held last July 2 at Aquinas School in San Juan City, gathering around 100 PASCO members for a morning of learning and capacity building. While the inaugural session welcomed participants from Metro Manila, the initiative was extended to PASCO's nationwide network of more than 13,000 members. The package offers a subsidy in the form of discounts on LPG supply, helping ease operating costs for carinderias, eateries, food carts, and other small food businesses, through a series of regional caravan sessions across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Jollibee wants Filipinos to taste the thrill of spice

For Filipinos who believe fried chicken tastes even better with a little kick, Jollibee is turning up the heat with Spicy Chickenjoy, putting the spotlight on a fam
iliar favorite with a flavor profile designed to deliver more than just the sting of spice.

Jollibee Spicy Chickenjoy combines its signature crispy, juicy chicken with a blend of spices, bringing a noticeable kick to every bite. Rather than treating spiciness as a test of endurance, the brand is framing it as another layer of flavor to enjoy.

“Spiciness should not simply be about tolerating the heat. It should be about enjoying what the spice brings to the overall flavor experience. With Spicy Chickenjoy, we want Filipinos to discover that spicy can be exciting, flavorful and, most importantly, delicious,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines.

Your Next Great Meal is at Discovery Samal

Discovery Samal continues to redefine island escapes with its signature blend of warm hospitality, breathtaking coastal views, and unforgettable experiences. While its recent anniversary celebrated another milestone on Samal Island, the festivities didn't stop there.

Guests now have even more reasons to make the trip, thanks to a lineup of dining experiences that are just as worthy of the journey. From leisurely breakfasts with ocean views and indulgent afternoon treats to sunset cocktails and thoughtfully curated themed dinners, Discovery Samal proves the best way to experience paradise is one delicious bite at a time.

Bonchon invites Filipinos to EAT7 with Seven Crave-Worthy Ways to Chikin

 

Completing the EAT7 lineup is Bonchon's newest flavor, Golden Crunch—an extracrispy creation that delivers an even crunchier bite while keeping the juicy, flavorful chicken Bonchon is known for.

Filipinos' love for Korean culture continues to grow from K-pop and K-dramas to Korean cuisine. Leading this movement is the OG Korean brand favorite amongst Filipinos since 2006 - Bonchon, the brand that introduced Korean fried chicken to the Philippines and continues to set the standard for crave-worthy Korean flavors.

Known for its signature light, crispy skin and juicy, flavorful chicken, Bonchon now gives every craving a perfect match with its complete line-up of 7 Ways to Chikin—seven distinct flavors crafted to suit every taste and every occasion that will surely make you EAT7!

Darwin Labayandoy appointed Cluster General Manager of Ibis Styles and Mercure Hotel Subic

Darwin Labayandoy has been appointed as General Manager of ibis Styles Subic and Mercure Hotel Subic, bringing with him extensive hospitality experience and a commitment to strengthening service excellence and delivering memorable guest experiences at the two internationally branded hotels.

Owned by Subic International Hotel Corporation, under the leadership of Chairman Gil Miguel T. Puyat and President Lino A. Barte, together with Subic Sun Convention & Resort Inc., led by Chairman Paolo Edgardo Puyat and President Gil Carlos R. Puyat, ibis Styles Subic and Mercure Hotel Subic continue to support the growth of Subic as a premier destination for tourism, business, and leisure.

Labayandoy brings more than three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, with a strong background in hotel operations, guest experience, and team leadership. His expertise in building service-driven teams and enhancing operational performance supports the continued growth and positioning of both properties in Subic.

Jollibee celebrates Filipino fandom with exclusive JolliBINI Meal Bundles

 

Jollibee the Philippines' number one fast food chain, is giving fans another reason to enjoy their favorite meals with the launch of the exclusive JolliBINI Bundles. Available for a limited time, the new promotion pairs Jollibee's best-loved menu favorites with exclusive collectibles inspired by the nation's biggest P-pop girl group, BINI.

Available from July 15 to August 31, the JolliBINI Bundles let customers enjoy iconic Jollibee favorites while collecting limited-edition merchandise featuring all eight BINI members. Every bundle comes with random member collectibles, while lucky customers also have the chance to receive a rare Special Group Photocard.