Connect with us

Product Showcase

Six gold awards spotlight Mang Inasal’s marketing leadership at International Business Awards

The campaigns recognized include MANGINASAL.PH, honored as Branded Utility of the Year for its customer-driven corporate website transformation; and Love the Flavors, Love the Philippines, awarded Communications or PR Campaign of the Year for its nationwide impact.

Published

on

Mang Inasal, the Philippines’ Grill Expert, has achieved a landmark global recognition after winning six Gold trophies at the 2025 International Business Awards, making it the only Philippine restaurant brand to earn this distinction this year. The wins highlight the brand’s innovative marketing, digital, and public relations campaigns that connect with a growing community of customers across all ages.

“This is the most Gold awards we’ve ever won from a single award-giving body, and seeing our work recognized on a global stage fills us with pride and gratitude,” said Mang Inasal president Mike V. Castro. “But this WINstory is not just ours. It belongs to our customers, from locals to foreign guests, young and old, who enjoy our Ihaw-Sarap (deliciously grilled) food and Unli-Saya (unlimited fun) moments whether they dine-in, takeout, go through the drive-thru, or order delivery. Their support inspires us to keep improving and to create more moments worth celebrating.”

The campaigns recognized include MANGINASAL.PH, honored as Branded Utility of the Year for its customer-driven corporate website transformation; Love the Flavors, Love the Philippines, awarded Communications or PR Campaign of the Year for its nationwide impact; MI UNIVerse, recognized as Youth Marketing Campaign of the Year for connecting with Gen Z; #MangInasalCreamyYESSummer, which won both Influencer Marketing Campaign of the Year and Viral Marketing Campaign of the Year for its strong online reach; and #MangInasalKahitSaan, acclaimed as Marketing Campaign of the Year for Delivery Services.

“Every campaign we’ve been recognized for begins with one question: what matters most to our customers?” shared Mang Inasal marketing head Allan C. Tan. “That question shapes everything we do. We focus on what will make them smile, what excites them, and how we can make every interaction better. During the pandemic, that focus kept us going and continues to guide us today. When customers respond online, visit our stores, or order for delivery, we see our work connecting in meaningful ways. That connection drives us to keep creating moments people remember.”

The International Business Awards, considered the world’s premier business awards, drew more than 3,800 nominations from 78 nations, recognizing excellence in management, marketing, PR, customer service, HR, technology, and product innovation.

Among the Philippine brands recognized this year at the International Business Awards, Mang Inasal shared the spotlight with SM Supermalls, Ayala Land Inc., and Globe Telecom—each also included in Brand Finance’s Strongest Brands for 2025.

With its latest wins, Mang Inasal has now collected 29 major awards in 2025 from prestigious competitions including the Marketing Excellence AwardsAsia-Pacific Tambuli AwardsASEAN PR Excellence Awards, and Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards. Its inclusion in Brand Finance’s Strongest Brands list cements its position as one of the country’s most respected and influential names in business and marketing.

Zest Magazine accepts contributions promoting everything about living the good life (and how to make this so). C'mon, give us a yell.

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.

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

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.

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

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.

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement

Like Us On Facebook

Facebook Pagelike Widget

Most Popular

Copyright ©FRINGE PUBLISHING. All rights reserved.