Product Showcase
Jollibee Group Foundation and partners inaugurate first BLT Central Kitchen in BARMM
The BLT Central Kitchen is designed to serve young children up to 5 years old, as well as pregnant and lactating women in Isabela City and Lantawan.
In a milestone initiative for child nutrition and food security, the Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Basilan, Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), and the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF), officially inaugurated the first Busog, Lusog, Talino (BLT) Central Kitchen in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The launch took place on June 26, 2025, at the Provincial Government of Basilan Compound in Isabela City.
The BLT Central Kitchen is designed to serve young children up to 5 years old, as well as pregnant and lactating women in Isabela City and Lantawan. The initiative reflects a collaborative effort among local leaders, community stakeholders, and national partners to provide safe, nutritious meals to those who need them most.
Organizations under LCF’s Initiative for Food Security, Nutrition, and Empowerment (LIFE) Program began to lead conversations for the project in 2024, with support from ZFF already working in the province. Since its launch, the province of Basilan has been one of LIFE’s primary areas of focus, hence LCF’s hand in the partnership.
Recognizing the urgent need for nutrition interventions in Basilan, particularly among vulnerable children and mothers, the Provincial Local Government (PLGU), under Governor Jim Hataman-Salliman, committed to establishing the region’s first BLT Central Kitchen in partnership with JGF.
“We chose to begin in Basilan not only because of the high need, but also because of the strong commitment of the local government,” said LA Cruzat, JGF’s Program Director. “Kami po sa Jollibee Group Foundation ay puno ng pag-asa na mapapatakbo nang mahusay ang BLT Kitchen upang sa ganon ay marami pa tayong maabot at matulungan, hindi lang dito sa Basilan kundi sa iba pang probinsya sa BARMM.”
(“We at Jollibee Group Foundation are hopeful that the BLT Kitchen will run smoothly so that we may reach many others, not just here in Basilan but in other provinces across the BARMM as well.”)
Following the inauguration will be capacity-building training for Central Kitchen operations and recipe simulation activities for Muslim-friendly meals.
To date, a total of 37 BLT kitchens have been established nationwide—33 are currently operational, with 4 newly constructed kitchens. Fifteen of these kitchens are now serving as Kitchen Training Centers. In 2024, BLT kitchens served meals to 24,844 children in 250 schools across the country.
Under the broader Joy of Learning program, JGF’s BLT Central Kitchen Program demonstrates the power of community-based solutions in addressing malnutrition and stunting. By harnessing the strengths of partnership—resources, expertise, and a shared purpose—it sets a strong precedent for inclusive, community-led models in BARMM and beyond.
Product Showcase
Sip the magic of Christmas with Seattle’s Best S’mores Ghirardelli Collection
Each drink captures the comforting spirit of Christmas with rich chocolate indulgence and a touch of sweetness that feels like a cozy holiday hug.
There’s something about S’mores that brings people together—melting chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and moments that feel like home. This holiday season, Seattle’s Best Coffee and Ghirardelli are turning that warmth into a cup with the S’mores Collection Made with Ghirardelli. Each drink captures the comforting spirit of Christmas with rich chocolate indulgence and a touch of sweetness that feels like a cozy holiday hug.
Starting November 2025, chocolate lovers can indulge in this limited-edition collection in Seattle’s Best Coffee stores nationwide and via GrabFood and FoodPanda.





What Makes the S’mores Collection Special?
- A Taste of Comfort – Inspired by the familiar joy of S’mores, each drink blends marshmallow sweetness, velvety chocolate, and bold coffee warmth for that fireside feeling—no campfire needed.
- Premium Collaboration – Made with Ghirardelli’s signature chocolate and Seattle’s Best bold espresso, delivering a smooth, indulgent coffee experience that feels festive and luxurious.
- Crafted for Every Craving – From hot to iced to blended, there’s a S’mores drink for every holiday mood, perfect for sharing cozy moments or treating yourself to something special.
Find Your Perfect Holiday Match
Whether you’re sipping by the tree, catching up with friends, or gifting yourself a well-deserved break, there’s a S’mores Collection drink for every kind of Christmas craving.
- Hot S’mores Ghirardelli – Cozy up with this comforting blend of Ghirardelli chocolate powder, rich espresso, and creamy marshmallow meringue, topped with a dark chocolate drizzle and crushed graham cracker. It’s Christmas warmth in a cup.
- Iced S’mores Ghirardelli – A refreshing yet indulgent twist that combines bold espresso, Ghirardelli chocolate, and half & half over ice, finished with marshmallow meringue and a graham cracker crunch.
- S’mores Javakula – A frozen holiday treat that blends Ghirardelli chocolate, marshmallow meringue, dark chocolate sauce, and graham cracker bits, perfect for cooling down while staying in the holiday spirit.
Make Your Holidays Sweeter
The Seattle’s Best Coffee x Ghirardelli S’mores Collection is available for a limited ti
me in all Seattle’s Best Coffee stores nationwide and via GrabFood and FoodPanda.
Indulge in the rich, chocolatey comfort of the holidays—warm, bold, and oh-so-delightful with every sip of Seattle’s Best Coffee’s S’mores Collection.
Product Showcase
Manulife brings personalized gut health insights to PH
Manulife customers in the Philippines will now be able to access a personalized gut health screening designed specifically for Asian populations.
Manulife is introducing a new health initiative in the Philippines that offers personalized gut microbiome screening through its collaboration with AMILI, Southeast Asia’s first microbiome insights company.
In the Philippines, this partnership is especially timely. According to the 2025 Asia Care Survey, 82% of Filipinos cite rising healthcare costs as their top concern, and many feel uncertain about their ability to maintain physical and financial well-being in the future. The screening provided by AMILI helps address these anxieties by offering science-backed, preventive care that supports better health outcomes and reduces long-term medical risks.
“At Manulife Philippines, we are focused on delivering innovative solutions that support the evolving health needs of Filipinos,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “This collaboration with AMILI allows us to offer a unique health experience that goes beyond traditional insurance, empowering our customers to take a proactive approach to their health.”
Manulife customers in the Philippines will now be able to access a personalized gut health screening designed specifically for Asian populations. The service includes tailored nutrition recommendations and teleconsultation to help interpret results. This empowers customers to better understand their health and take preventive steps to improve immunity, brain function, heart health and overall longevity. The service also provides a meaningful way to address rising health concerns in the Philippines by showing how Manulife delivers on its promise to support longer, healthier lives—through early detection, personalized care, and preventive action that can help reduce long-term healthcare costs for individuals and the system
“Our goal is to be a true partner in our customers’ health journey—not just by helping them prepare financially, but also by giving them access to tools, services, and support for prevention, care, and overall well-being,” said Grace Mallabo, Chief Health and Product Officer, Manulife Philippines. “By integrating personalized health insights into our offerings, we are helping Filipinos make informed decisions and improve their quality of life.”
AMILI’s screening leverages the region’s largest multi-ethnic gut microbiome database, delivering insights that support digestive health, immunity, mental well-being, and chronic disease prevention.
“We’re proud to support Manulife’s customers in the Philippines with actionable, science-backed health insights,” said Dr. Jeremy Lim, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, AMILI. “This partnership is a step forward in making predictive, preventive care more accessible across Southeast Asia.”
This initiative in the Philippines is an expansion of the First-in-Asia Gut Microbiome Screening collaboration between Manulife and AMILI, launched in 2024 in Singapore. It is part of Manulife’s broader strategy to support health and longevity through value-added offerings across Asia, helping customers take control of their health in meaningful ways.
Details on the collaboration between Manulife Philippines and AMILI can be accessed at https://www.manulife.com.ph/services/manulife-move.html.
Product Showcase
AIA Philippines CEO named Executive Champion of the Year in Asia
The award recognizes leaders who go above and beyond in championing insurance advisers, equipping them to thrive in an evolving distribution landscape while shaping the insurance industry through innovation, growth, and purpose.
Melita Teo, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Philippines, formerly Philam Life and the local arm of multinational insurer AIA Group, has been honored as Executive Champion of the Year at the 10th Asia Trusted Life Agents & Advisers Awards held in Singapore. The award recognizes leaders who go above and beyond in championing insurance advisers, equipping them to thrive in an evolving distribution landscape while shaping the insurance industry through innovation, growth, and purpose.
“This recognition is not mine alone, as it reflects the dedication, resilience, and passion of One AIA,” Teo said. “Across our entire business, every team member plays a vital role in earning the trust of Filipino families, and that is something I value deeply. Every success we achieve at AIA comes from their heart, dedication, and the lasting relationships they build in the communities they serve, all in living by our Purpose to empower more people to live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.”
Since stepping into leadership in 2024, Teo has boldly transformed AIA Philippines’ distribution strategy, driving sustained growth, elevating BPI AIA to the forefront of bancassurance, and strengthening the brand’s resonance with Filipino customers.
Teo has also spearheaded digital transformation initiatives, including upgraded sales and recruitment platforms, AI-assisted training programs, and affordable digital insurance products like BPI AIA PamilyaProtect and InstaProtect. These tools and solutions have given AIA Life Planners and Bank Sales Executives the tools to streamline workflow and enhance productivity.
Beyond business performance, Teo has championed programs with social impact. The AIA Healthiest Schools initiative, launched in 2024, has already reached more than 7,200 students and educators across five regions, while the company reinforced its ESG commitments through AIA Net Zero. Under her watch, AIA Philippines was also certified as a Great Place to Work® and Best Place to Work, and recently honored at the 2025 HR Asia Awards for Best Companies to Work for in Asia; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Sustainable Workplace; and Tech Empowerment.
Her leadership has also helped the company earn external recognition at the 2025 Insurance Asia Awards for its cutting-edge digital innovations, customer-first solutions, and strong employee engagement—highlighting AIA’s continued commitment to empowering employees and agents while deepening its service to Filipino families and communities.
Looking ahead, Teo remains committed to empowering AIA Philippines with innovative tools, comprehensive training, and purpose-driven programs, as they continue to deliver long-term value to Filipinos. “We will keep investing in technology, training and development, and wellness initiatives so our Life Planners can thrive. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of more Filipinos and to those who matter to them most,” she added.
Now in its 10th year, the Asia Trusted Life Agents & Advisers Awards continues to spotlight leaders who go above and beyond in serving their communities. With this recognition, Teo and AIA Philippines reaffirm their commitment to strengthening its agency force and helping more Filipinos live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.
-
Product Showcase4 weeks agoManulife Philippines ‘Time to MOVE’ symposium focuses on health and longevity
-
Product Showcase2 weeks agoKorean brand Wells showcases 23 years of engineering innovation
-
NewsMakers2 weeks agoMillennials and Gen Zs prioritize health, purpose, financial independence, but health and wellness gaps persist
-
Destinations3 weeks agoChecking religious expression at Montemaria in Batangas
-
Product Showcase2 weeks agoAIA Philippines CEO named Executive Champion of the Year in Asia
-
Destinations4 weeks agoBeach-hunting led to Malabrigo Beach
-
Product Showcase2 weeks agoManulife brings personalized gut health insights to PH
-
Destinations2 weeks agoChecking out Street Halo-Halo Milky Ice

