Photo shows from left: Mr. Philip Santos, President, Mr. Freeze Tube ice Inc.; Ms. Janina Santos-Ortico, Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Freeze Tube Ice Inc.; Mr. Gerry Santos, Founder & CEO, Mr. Freeze Tube Ice Inc.; and Engr. Grace Bondad-Nicolas, Publisher, CEO and Editor-In-Chief, Top News Asia

What started in a rented apartment with a borrowed truck has grown into a nationwide network of strategically located manufacturing facilities. Over the past two decades, Mr. Freeze has established itself as a trusted name in both households and businesses, providing more than just ice. Its journey is built on perseverance, hard work, and a strong commitment to making a difference in communities, led by its founder and CEO, Mr. Gerald “Gerry” Santos, widely known as the “Ice King.”

This inspiring story takes the spotlight in the October 2026 issue of Top News Asia, featuring Mr. Gerry Santos alongside the next generation of leaders on its cover.

Mr. Freeze’s journey is a reminder that great things can come from the simplest beginnings. What started as a small operation has grown into a nationwide business through years of hard work, determination, and strong leadership. Beyond its success, what makes the story meaningful is its continued commitment to communities and the legacy being carried forward by the next generation.

To celebrate the feature, Top News Asia hosted an exclusive magazine signing event this afternoon at the National Book Store SM North EDSA branch, drawing crowds, fans, and business enthusiasts eager to meet the family behind the legacy.

More Than a Product: A Foundation of People and Perseverance

While ice is the tangible product that cools homes and businesses across the country, Mr. Freeze has always been built on something much warmer: perseverance, relationships, and deep-seated partnerships.

After years of personally driving the day-to-day operations and steering the company to its current stature, Mr. Gerry Santos is now gradually transitioning the reins of responsibility to his children, ensuring a seamless stewardship of the family empire. During his parting words at the event earlier, Mr. Santos made it a point to express his heartfelt gratitude to his partners, friends, family, and employees, emphasizing:

“Mr. Freeze grew with the business partners and we are still growing with them.”

Building on that foundation, Philip Santos, President of Mr. Freeze, noted that stepping into leadership is not merely about inheriting a thriving enterprise—it is about honoring something he watched being built from the ground up. Addressing the evolution of the company, Philip shared:

“Today, we’ve grown into a much larger organization, with more plants, more employees, and a more structured and professional approach. We are continuously improving how we operate, embracing new technologies, and developing our people to support the growth.”

Measuring Success by the Lives Touched

Echoing her father’s and brother’s sentiments, Janina Santos-Ortico, Chief Financial Officer and Head of Administration, emphasized that the company’s true achievements cannot be quantified solely by sales figures, market reach, or the number of manufacturing plants. Instead, true success is measured by people.

Reflecting on the milestone, Janina noted:

“This year, we have just reached our 21st year in the business. For me, every year is considered a milestone because every year we employ more people, allowing us to support more families.”

Looking Ahead

The magazine signing event at National Book Store was more than just a celebration of the Santos family’s feature on the commemorative cover of Top News Asia. It also highlighted the strength and potential of Filipino entrepreneurship. As Mr. Freeze enters its third decade, the leadership transition from its founder to the next generation reflects how a legacy built on perseverance, family values, and a genuine commitment to people can continue to thrive through the years.

The October 2026 issue of Top News Asia, is the first 3-cover issue of the magazine. Three covers, three generations, three stories, one vision. One of them is that of the Ice King — the legacy built on Ice!

Hotel associates join the school community in planting 45 Sampaguita plants as part of Megaworld Global Hotels & Resorts’ sustainability and community advocacy.

From left: Karlo Evangelista, Corporate Sustainability Manager at Megaworld Global Hotels & Resorts; Joe Xavier Fijardo, General Manager of Grand Westside Manila Bay; Ruth T. Aguilar, Master Teacher at Tambo Elementary School – Main Campus and Rodolfo Bazar II, Area Director of PMD at Grand Westside Manila Bay.

Grand Westside Manila Bay extended its sustainability and community involvement efforts beyond its hotel through a Sampaguita planting initiative at Tambo Elementary School. Hotel associates teamed up with teachers, parents, and students to plant 45 Sampaguita seedlings, helping promote a greener environment.

Spearheaded by General Manager Joe Xavier Fijardo, the initiative united the hotel team and the school community in nurturing greener spaces while honoring the Sampaguita as the Philippines’ national flower.

“It’s wonderful to see our team working alongside the students, teachers and parents. Through activities like this, we hope to encourage greater appreciation for our environment and Filipino heritage while building lasting relationships with our community,” said Fijardo.

The initiative forms part of Grand Westside Manila Bay’s support for Megaworld Global Hotels & Resorts’ (MGHR) MEGreen sustainability programme and its wider advocacy to preserve and promote the Sampaguita, a flower deeply associated with Filipino culture and hospitality.

At the heart of this advocacy is MGHR’s Sampaguita Brand of Service, inspired by the values of love, honour, dignity and healing. These principles guide the group’s approach to hospitality and its commitment to making a positive difference in the communities surrounding its properties.

For Grand Westside Manila Bay, the planting activity also reflects the importance of associate involvement. Beyond their daily responsibilities, hotel team members are encouraged to participate in volunteer activities and internally organised fundraising initiatives that support community causes.

“What makes this special is seeing our associates come together and give their time to the community. We want to continue encouraging this spirit of volunteerism, where caring for others becomes a natural part of our everyday culture,” shared Rodolfo Bazar II, Area Director of PMD at Grand Westside Manila Bay.

Across its properties, Megaworld Global Hotels & Resorts has undertaken Sampaguita planting activities in partnership with schools and community organisations, helping raise awareness of the national flower’s cultural significance while encouraging environmental responsibility. The group’s MEGreen programme supports these efforts through sustainability initiatives and the collection of Sampaguita seedlings for future planting activities.

The partnership with Tambo Elementary School offers an opportunity to share these values with younger generations. By taking part in the planting, students are encouraged to develop an appreciation for nature and a sense of responsibility for their surroundings.

The hotel is also exploring ways to sustain its environmental and community programmes through continued associate participation and fundraising efforts, reinforcing a culture of giving that extends beyond the workplace.

As the Sampaguita plants grow at Tambo Elementary School, they symbolize more than just an effort to promote sustainability. They reflect the growing bond between the hotel and its neighboring community, as well as their shared commitment to preserving Filipino culture and heritage for generations to come.

Through initiatives like this, Grand Westside Manila Bay continues to embody Megaworld Global Hotels & Resorts’ Circle of Happiness philosophy, showcasing the spirit of Filipino hospitality by reaching out and making a difference beyond the hotel’s walls.

As parols decorate streets and Christmas lights illuminate homes, the holiday season is also a good time to reflect on energy consumption and consider home improvements that can provide long-term benefits.

For homeowners hoping to cut electricity costs, switching to solar panels can be a practical option for reducing energy expenses over time. However, the installation requires a significant upfront investment. Through its Home Equity Loan, Metrobank provides eligible homeowners with a financing option to fund this upgrade by leveraging the value of their existing residential property.

Put your property’s value to work

Metrobank’s Home Equity Loan allows eligible borrowers to access up to 70% of their property’s value, with payment terms of up to 10 years. This provides a financing option for homeowners who want to install solar panels without drawing entirely from their savings.

According to Metrobank, homeownership is one of the biggest investments many Filipinos will make, and over time, that investment can open new opportunities. A home equity loan allows homeowners to put the value they have built in their property to work, including improvements that can deliver long-term benefits—and Metrobank’s goal is to help customers achieve their aspirations while making sound financial decisions.

Plan for the costs and potential savings

Before investing in solar panels, homeowners should assess their household’s electricity usage and their property’s suitability for installation. Equipment, installation and maintenance costs, expected electricity generation, and the estimated time needed to recover the investment should all inform the decision.

Potential savings will vary depending on the system’s capacity, household consumption patterns, and site conditions. Working with a qualified solar provider can help homeowners determine an appropriate setup and understand its expected performance.

Financing also requires careful consideration. Borrowers should review interest rates, fees, total borrowing costs, and the repayment schedule to ensure monthly payments fit their household budget alongside regular expenses and other commitments.

Applicants for Metrobank’s Home Equity Loan must submit an application form, identification, income documents, and collateral documents. Loan approval and the amount granted are subject to eligibility, property appraisal, and applicable terms.

Invest beyond the season

While Christmas decorations add warmth and sparkle to the season, investing in a properly planned solar system can help meet a household’s energy needs for years ahead.

For homeowners looking to make the shift toward a more energy-efficient home, Metrobank’s Home Equity Loan offers a way to use their property’s value to finance practical home upgrades. To learn more, visit metrobank.com.ph or drop by the nearest Metrobank branch and follow our official social media pages on Facebook, X, Instagram, and Tiktok.