Browsing Category

Food

Food, Lifestyle

Foodpanda and Coca-Cola collaborate to refresh Ka-pandas

Coca-Cola Philippines and foodpanda’s grocery delivery division, pandamart, have partnered to provide complimentary refreshments to independent delivery partners. This unique project is timed to coincide with Father’s Day, giving Ka-panDADs—who work tirelessly to make sure that food and grocery orders get to clients on time—a refreshing gift.

All Ka-panda delivery partners with active pandamart orders will receive free bottled drinks starting on June 16. In order to keep Ka-panda delivery partners hydrated and motivated while they go about their regular routes, Ka-panda has created the “Ka-panda Father’s Day Treat.”

The first leg kicked off at the pandamart warehouse in Pasig. Delivery partners expressed their gratitude as they received free drinks, sharing stories of how this simple treat makes a big difference in their delivery routines.

“Talagang doble kayod kami para sa pamilya, kaya nakakatuwang may libreng drinks din kami para ma-refresh naman sa bawat biyahe. Nakakataba ng puso na naaalala rin pala yung hirap naming mga delivery partners sa daan,” shared Ferdinand Cruz, a Ka-panda for four years now.

foodpanda Philippines Head of Category and Commercial Samantha Sy shared that Ka-panda delivery partners from their service provider, Delivery Hero Logistics Philippines, deserve this small token of appreciation for their hard work. “This treat is not only for fathers but also those who serve as breadwinners of their family, working incredibly hard to provide for their needs. This is our way of saying thank you for their dedication and perseverance. We’re also grateful to our reliable partner, Coca-Cola Philippines, for offering their resources to make this happen.”

Coca-Cola also echoed these sentiments. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Ka-panda delivery partners for their relentless dedication and hard work. We hope that by offering these complimentary refreshments, we can make their day a bit easier and show our appreciation for the convenience they bring into our lives,” said a representative from Coca-Cola Philippines.

The cooperation between foodpanda and Coca-Cola highlights the companies’ dedication to the welfare of delivery partners, making sure they understand how vital it is to them to bring groceries and food to clients. It is anticipated that hundreds of delivery partners will gain from the project.

To guarantee that more delivery partners can take advantage of this cool treat, the program will also be extended to other pandamart warehouses in Metro Manila..

For more information, visit www.foodpanda.ph.

How it works:

Through the foodpanda website or via the new iOS and Android apps, customers can enter their address and view a curated list of restaurants and shops serving their neighborhood. Once they have found their choice, they can place an order in the comfort of their home or office, paying online through foodpanda’s secure platform or via cash-on-delivery The order is then carefully prepared by the restaurant or shop, picked up by the foodpanda delivery partner and delivered straight to their doorstep.

Follow us on:

Facebook: foodpandaphilippines
Twitter: foodpanda_ph
Instagram: foodpanda_ph

Food

Everything you need to know about your preferred chicken dish and cooking method in honor of National Fried Chicken Day!

Celebrating Ajinomoto’s Crispy Fry®’s 20th Anniversary

This type of roasted chicken has spread over the globe since it’s a universally cherished “go-to” dish. Fried Chicken is unquestionably a cuisine that everyone is familiar with, from changes in its preparation to the flavorings added to the basic yet quite recognizable dish to the presentation of this meal.

This National Fried Chicken Day offers an excellent chance to learn more about the diverse origins and long history of this beloved meal. The origins of fried chicken can be found in Europe during the Middle Ages, and in the 18th century, Scottish immigrants brought their frying methods to the Americas. Numerous iterations of this recipe have been distributed since then. To improve the flavor of the traditional dish, a range of spices and herbs have been added in addition to just frying the chicken meat.

Fried chicken has also been adapted in various cultures worldwide. The Koreans cook their chicken by double-frying the meat and then later dipping it in sweet and spicy sauces. The Japanese karaage, on the other hand, features marinated chicken pieces covered in potato starch that has light and crispy textures. The style found in Indonesia is fried chicken called ayam goreng, where the chicken is deeply marinated in local spices. Later on, distinct versions were made including the Southern Fried Chicken with its crispy coating and juicy meat marinated in buttermilk and spices. Even fried chicken found its pair, with the dish called chicken & waffles, wherein fried chicken is served with golden waffles with syrup complementing the savory experience.

Fried chicken even became more popular globally with the rise of fast-food chains, having their own take on the comfort-giving dish that truly made everyone find their perfect and favorite fried chicken of choice. Some people even became loyal to one fast food chain because of their version of fried chicken.

This July, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) celebrates the 20th anniversary of Crispy Fry ́®, and just like the many variations of fried chicken that exists all over the world, APC has made sure that there’s one variant of Crispy Fry ́® fit for everybody’s taste.

Crispy Fry® Garlic is made with a more delicious, special blend of flour, starch, and seasoning, for those who ought to enjoy a more garlic-y flavor to their fried chicken, elevating the experience of having that crispy-sarap fried chicken in every bite. The Crispy Fry® Spicy variation is perfect for those who want that right amount of kick of heat. Truly a spicy-food lovers’ partner, this flavor is indeed fiery in all the right ways. Finally, the Crispy Fry® Original flavor is one that is dear to the Filipino household which you most probably would find in the cupboards of Pinoy home, waiting to be used, on-call, on-standby for all the best reasons. This product could easily make one receive compliments about their cooking; while also maintaining that home-y and original tasting recipe at home you yearn for after a long day at work.

No matter how many different kinds of fried chicken there are in the world, a Filipino household can always tell when fried chicken is made with Crispy Fry® because most of the people who use this product have grown up with it and understand that it’s always best to add Crispy Fry® to fried chicken dishes, especially when you’re cooking for a large group of people or a barkada. Given the continued market support for Crispy Fry®,

APC finds National Fried Chicken Day to be a significant occasion.Somehow, it is general knowledge in the Philippines that by adding this unique ingredient to a fried chicken dish will help everything fall into place, regardless of if you know your ways around the kitchen or not! APC wishes everyone a Happy National Fried Chicken Day! Is that crispy-sarap bite we can smell and hear sizzling in oil the fried chicken we’re about to serve you?

To learn more, visit www.ajinomoto.com. 

Food

Pop-up café allows you to taste numerous Cream-O delicacies


Cream-O opens first pop-up event, Cream-O Me Time Cafe, to give Cream-Oholics a cozy space to enjoy various treats from the cookie brand.

Cafes can be a great place for folks who wish to unwind while eating sweets. Cream-O’s initial pop-up event, the Cream-O Me Time Cafe, aimed to provide customers with all of these experiences.

The cookie brand’s charming pop-up café, which was stationed at the Greenfield District Weekend Market from June 22 to 23, pleased guests with tasty goodies and fun activities. It was an immersive environment in which guests may relax in between errands while eating various Cream-O treats. They also praised the pop-up cafe’s pleasant atmosphere, which included peaceful music, educated e-books, and engaging games.

In case you missed it, look out for the next leg in the coming months. Here’s a closer look at the exciting activities during the pop-up event (plus a sneak peak at the next leg):

Cafe memories


Content creators Cy Canlas and Emilio Daez enjoying various Cream-O cookies, cakes and drinks
 

Social media has become a personal journal for many people, so Cream-Oholics were encouraged to pose with their Cream-O while enjoying the wide variety of cookies, cakes and drinks. Those who posted on social media were given a free Cream-O pack that they could take home. There was also a Freedom Wall where they could spread positivity and share their best me-time tips to other cafe-goers.

A variety of solo and group games


Guests who played the memory game received Cream-O goodies

The Cream-O Cafe’s Great Taste Memory Game tested visitors’ mental prowess. They were given 10 chances to match three consecutive logos within one minute. The prize was more snacks, such as Cream-O Chocolate Chip Cookies, Cream-O Brownie, and a twin pack of Great Taste Cream-O coffee.

Cream-Oholics were also free to try out various board games while enjoying their Cream-O snacks and drinks. They chose from traditional games, like chess and checkers, and popular group games. This brought a whole new meaning to bonding over board games.

Cozy time with books and music


Cream-O Me Time Cafe visitors enjoy a variety of Cream-O products

A cafe isn’t complete without a spot to read books and a chill playlist. The Cream-O Me Time Cafe offered a cozy space for bookworms to download and read public domain e-books via the Cream-O Library over delectable Cream-O cookies and coffee. Completing the experience was the Cream-Oholics Playlist, which curated visitors’ favorite songs to listen to while spending their me-time.

Overall, the Cream-O Me-Time Cafe provided many people with a place to unwind after a hard week. It not only made them feel calm, but it also provided “choco happiness” to Cream-Oholics seeking a pleasant atmosphere with delectable treats.

Stay tuned for Cream-O Me Time Cafe’s upcoming stops in the coming months. To stay updated on this, simply follow Cream-O’s official Facebook page.

Food

Jollibee Group enters the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 list

Jollibee Group, a homegrown restaurant firm, was one of 38 Philippine companies listed in the inaugural Fortune Southeast Asia 500. Fortune, a multinational multi-platform media business recognized for its Fortune 500 list, has ranked the region’s largest companies based on total revenue for the fiscal year 2023. The Jollibee Group ranked 86th on the overall list, with a sales of USD4,391.1 million and a profit of USD157.7 million. It was also the ninth highest-ranked Philippine firm.

In 2023, Jollibee Group’s overall income increased by 15.2% year on year, reaching an all-time high of Php244.1 billion. The company also achieved a new record operating profit of Php14.4 billion, representing a 45% increase over the whole year 2022.

“Behind our business performance is our passionate commitment to providing truly delicious food coupled with exceptionally caring and warm customer service. Our recent inclusion in Fortune’s inaugural list of Southeast Asia 500 Companies reflects this deep commitment and inspires us to keep dreaming big and exceeding people’s expectations as a restaurant company,” said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Jollibee Group President and Chief Executive Officer.

“We dedicate this recognition to our teams and partners all over the world who share our passion and dedication to our mission of serving great-tasting food, bringing the joy of eating to everyone,” Tanmantiong added.

The Jollibee Group has a diverse portfolio of 18 brands with over 6,800 stores across 33 countries. Its brands include Jollibee, its flagship brand for chicken category; The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for coffee and tea; Tim Ho Wan for Chinese cuisine; and Smashburger for better burgers.

The Jollibee Group has set aggressive growth plans this 2024 and beyond, which includes expanding the Jollibee brand internationally, growing its coffee and tea business, exponentially growing its presence in China, and sustaining its robust growth and market leadership in the Philippines.

Inaugural Southeast Asia List

Companies named to the inaugural Southeast Asia 500 join an elite group of businesses recognized by the Fortune 500 franchise, which includes the original Fortune 500, the Fortune Global 500, the Fortune Europe 500, and the Fortune China 500.

“The Fortune Southeast Asia 500 represents a dynamic and rapidly changing region—one whose core economies are developing far faster than those of Europe or the United States. Southeast Asia’s importance in the global economy has grown significantly as a result of shifting supply chains and the region’s rapid economic development,” stated Clay Chandler, Executive Editor, Asia.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

Food

Highlands Coffee Named Vietnam’s Best F&B Brand for Customer Experience


Leading in Customer Experience. Vietnam’s #1 Coffee Chain, Highlands Coffee, has been named as the top F&B brand in customer experience by KPMG. Highlands Coffee is one of the 18 brands under the Jollibee Group, one of the world’s fastest-growing restaurant companies.

Highlands Coffee, Vietnam’s leading coffee chain and one of Jollibee Group’s worldwide restaurant brands, has been named the highest-ranked food and beverage brand in the 2023 Customer Experience Excellence Study (CEE) by KPMG in Vietnam.

The CEE report, commissioned by global consulting firm KPMG, polled Vietnamese consumers in eight categories, including restaurants and fast food, entertainment and leisure, and travel and hotels. Brands were ranked using KPMG’s Six Pillars of Experience approach, which includes Integrity, Empathy, Resolution, Personalization, Expectations, Time, and Effort, providing significant insights for firms looking to improve customer experience strategy.

Ernesto Tanmantiong, President and CEO of the Jollibee Group, shared: “Highlands Coffee’s recognition affirms Jollibee Group’s efforts to build well-loved brands in their respective markets. We thank our Highlands Coffee team for their passionate commitment to great-tasting products and exceptional customer experiences. We are also grateful to our customers for supporting Highlands Coffee as we accelerate its growth in Vietnam.”

“The voice of our customers is at the heart of everything we do,” shared David Thai, Founder & CEO of Highlands Coffee. “We can fulfill our promise of delivering ‘The Best of Vietnam’ by listening to our guests’ needs and by constantly elevating our product offerings, physical footprint, digital presence, and overall guest experience.”

Key Highlights from the KPMG Study

Highest Ranked Food and Beverage Brand: Highlands Coffee emerged as the highest-ranked F&B brand in the study, surpassing other formidable players in the food and beverage industry. Based on the survey, Highlands Coffee increased its share in the face-to-face channel, with patrons praising the café’s ambiance and diverse drink options. In terms of satisfaction on digital channels, Highlands Coffee excelled across its website, customer inquiries, and online orders, earning the highest satisfaction from multiple age groups .

Climbing 22 Spots: In a notable leap, Highlands Coffee ascended an impressive 22 spots compared to the 2022 study. From the survey, only Highlands Coffee showed an increase in value-for-money score, as other coffee brands experienced a decrease. This trend suggests that even as customers demand greater value from their beverage experiences, Highlands Coffee’s exceptional-tasting beverages rem

Strong Value and Loyalty Scores: Amid market competition, Highlands Coffee maintained robust value and loyalty scores. Survey respondents consistently recognized the brand’s quality, authenticity, and commitment to their well-being. Highlands Coffee also stood out as the only brand with a significant increase in loyalty scores, attributed to its excellence in upgrading coffee spaces and providing a delightful experience with attentive customer service and high-quality products. These have been identified as resonating with customers, instilling in them a strong sense of brand affinity and loyalty.

Highlands Coffee’s Continued Growth

Founded in 1999, Highlands Coffee began with a passion for Vietnam and its rich coffee culture. Today, it not only leads the market but also serves as a community hub across its numerous stores, offering coffee, teas, and food that bring people together.

Highlands Coffee has grown exponentially since the Jollibee Group acquired 50% in 2012, expanding the store network from 56 stores to 723 in Vietnam and 779 globally. With a dominant 35 to 40% market share in Vietnamese coffee, Highlands Coffee stands as the market leader, known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and community-building. To date, Highlands Coffee’s strategic growth has solidified its presence especially in key urban areas, resonating strongly with both locals and visitors alike.

Highlands Coffee helps with the diversity and expansion of the Jollibee Group’s overseas portfolio. As of March 2024, the Jollibee Group’s large shop network of 6,885 outlets has grown by 4.6% over the same period the previous year. Highlands Coffee is part of the Jollibee Group, which also owns popular brands like Jollibee, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf©, Smashburger, and Tim Ho Wan.

To learn more, go to the Highlands Coffee website or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. The Jollibee Group’s website is www.jollibeegroup.com.

Food

Stories of Fatherhood and Family: Learning Dad’s Secret Recipe Brings the Family Closer

A Father’s Day celebration series on flavorful umami meals with Ajinomoto  

This Father’s Day is an excellent opportunity to hear true stories from fathers who have their own fan following at home when it comes to cooking, which is none other than their own family! Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) celebrates Father’s Day by providing dads, papas, and tatays with voices and a platform to share their methods, with the goal of empowering other fathers by allowing them to create and discover new ways to bring their families closer together through food and meals spent well together over good conversations at home.

How mornings could be less of a chore, and more for family quality time  

Households with children who go to grade school would understand and relate to those mornings when everybody seems to be rushing. The parents are getting ready for work and some last-minute preparations before they leave. Sometimes, the morning rush can take away precious time from the family, including cooking time, but with AJI-GINISA® Less Sodium Flavor Seasoning Mix, “Mr. Gino’s” Salmon Onigiri, is what the family looks forward to doing altogether. His wife’s task was to make sure all the ingredients were ready and laid on the counter in order, while the children set the table, and Mr. Gino made sure he had the AJI-GINISA® Less Sodium Flavor Seasoning Mix, ready to mix in the morning dish. From the usual manic mornings, breakfast and preparing for it has never been easier, now a bonding experience for the whole family.  

Everyone in their own living spaces at home, but the first sign of lunch calls   

Ever since the discovery of the work-from-home setup, everyone at home  would rather stay inside their rooms, where their home office setup is. With lunch being in between the day, most of us would opt for lunch at our desks, another reason why family time is lessened even when everyone’s at home. Not in Mr. Chris’s home. Preparing lunch is what everyone looks forward to in his hold. The family favorite would be his fried chicken, and everyone at home would know that they only use Crispy Fry® Breading Mix. It’s the smell of fresh oil in a hot pan, waiting to marry chicken cuts coated with Crispy Fry® Breading Mix, and how every bite would just be as good as the laughs and smiles exchanged during lunch. Mr. Chris’s  son told him how excited he is to create his own twist on his dad’s fried chicken recipe, but for now, it will be the classic Crispy Fry® Fried Chicken that would  be the house’s champion.

Family time after hitting that new personal fitness goal  

Mr. Ronny enjoys an evening jog with his family around the neighborhood. It used to be him alone, but he found ways to encourage his family to join. One special way he thought would work was through food. After running, he goes straight to the kitchen to prepare dinner, and rice at Mr. Ronny’s was extraordinary. His Special Fried Rice, a hearty dish that has white rice, onion, garlic, longanisa, sweet ham, eggs, green peas, and the AJIGINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix, is his secret to this all-in-one dish.  

The star of family meals, dad’s secret ingredient to hearty meals.

Every dinner prepared with affection is something to look forward to, and the dish is undoubtedly unforgettable. Each family has their own classic recipe that is passed down through generations. As we celebrate Father’s Day, we remember and appreciate not only their culinary skills, but also the time and effort they put in to bring joy to their families and bring them closer together. Fathers from many walks of life have shared their stories, but one thing they have in common is that they all have one reliable cooking friend who never fails them: their AJINOMOTO® goods and the twists they add to their cuisine. Why don’t you go to your kitchen? Your dad might be preparing a feast that you’ll never forget!

Check out these recipes and follow Cookmunity (www.cookmunitybyajinomoto.com) by Ajinomoto Philippines for updates, cooking tips, and ideas.

To learn more, visit www.ajinomoto.com. 

Food

Jollibee Group brings together local and global suppliers to foster collaboration for innovation and adaptability


Partners for Growth. The Jollibee Group has gathered 600 local and global suppliers for a Supplier Summit to unveil the company’s business practices, directions, and innovations. The summit culminated by recognizing the strong supplier partnerships that has fueled Jollibee Group’s success and growth.

Based on its long-term goal of developing a resilient supply chain to ensure better service and quality products in the future, the Jollibee Group has gathered 600 key global and country suppliers to foster a more robust and effective partnership by aligning with them the company’s business priorities and innovations in the coming years.

With the topic “Accelerating Growth Through Partnership,” the recently finished event highlighted Jollibee Group’s critical actions in improving customer experience and maintaining the highest food safety and quality standards in collaboration with its suppliers. It also reaffirmed Jollibee Group’s commitment to sustainable business practices, as embodied in its ‘Joy for Tomorrow’ global sustainability agenda, as a company that collaborates with reputable suppliers who share its values of serving trusted food, improving people’s lives, and treating the planet responsibly.


Business outlook. Jollibee Group chief executive officer Ernesto Tanmantiong shared insights on the Company’s business performance and future strategies

“Our suppliers have been one of our greatest resources, playing a crucial role in helping us meet our operational and sustainable business goals. As partners in our growth, we aim to keep them informed of our directions and initiatives, and to communicate our commitments to quality, consistency, and excellence,” Jollibee Group President and Chief Executive Officer Ernesto Tanmantiong said.

Tanmantiong, followed by William Tan Untiong, Jollibee Group’s Chief Business Support Office, and other Jollibee Group executives each gave their business presentations, which aimed to empower the suppliers with new knowledge as they continue working with Jollibee Group to provide great tasting food that people can trust.  

Recognition of Quality and Reliability


CSR at the forefront. Jollibee Group Foundation Chairperson Grace Tan Caktiong (first row: seated, third from left) and Jollibee Group Foundation president Gisela Tiongson (first row: seated, second from left) led the recognition of FEP partners for their dedication and unwavering commitment at the Supplier Awards Night.

Culminating the summit is Jollibee Group’s first-ever Supplier Awards Night, which honored its suppliers’ outstanding performances in reaching elevated supplier targets and metrics as well as  suppliers’ innovation, and sustainability efforts.

The top recognition known as the Champion Partner of Joy award was presented to Kerry Manufacturing (Philippines), Inc. for embodying the highest standards of quality, innovation, sustainability, and partnership, as well as a sustained high-level performance in the Procurement Value Matrix and supplier scorecards.

Arla Foods Corporation received the Special Award for Innovation for providing creative solutions, products, or processes that have notably enhanced their operations or customer experience. They also received the notable Special Award for Sustainability for demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility and contributing to a more sustainable future for communities and the planet. 

Meanwhile, Alaska Milk Corporation and Nueva Ecija-based farmer group KALASAG Multipurpose Cooperative, along with two other companies, received the Special Award for Quality for consistently delivering products or services that meet or exceed the company’s high quality standards. Finally, marketing services providers DDB Philippines and Widescope Advertising Agency received the Special Citation for Quality.

“The Supplier Awards Night is a celebration of excellence and shared commitments. It also highlights how powerful collaborations truly accelerate growth. We hope that these recognitions will boost the trust and motivation of our suppliers, as well as reinforce the strength of our partnerships as we expand the business with our common goal: To serve great-tasting food and bring the joy of eating to everyone,” Tan Untiong said.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

Food

Jollibee Foods Corporation partners with DTI for the first MSME learning session


To bigger dreams and businesses. The Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) shared its business and marketing expertise with the MSMEs as part of its partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in mentoring entrepreneurs in the country.  Joining DTI Undersecretary Ma. Cristina Roque (first row: middle in light blue) in the photo are leaders from JFC (L-R, first row) Steve Piczon, Assistance Vice President , Government Affairs; Atty. Raul Academia, Vice President and Public Affairs Head; Gisela Tiongson, President, Jollibee Group Foundation; Kenneth Lingan, President, Chowking Philippines; Bryan Tividad, JFC’s Assistant Vice President and Head of Global Procurement Services; Joanna Ignacio, MJB Meat Processing Inc.’s Procurement Head; and Marievic Bonoan, DTI’s Director for Bureau of Market Development Promotions, and OTOP Office.
 

Over 30 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSMEs) entrepreneurs benefited from a recent learning session hosted by the Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) and its social development arm, the Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry. The first learning session, which complements Republic Act 9501, focuses on capacity building and knowledge exchange to help MSMEs improve their business and marketing abilities so they may scale their firms.

 DTI Undersecretary Ma. Cristina Roque attended the learning session named “Joy in Learning: MSME Meet and Learn,” which discussed the company’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program under JGF as well as the company’s strategies in conducting Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) engagements.

“I began my entrepreneurial journey 30 years ago with a mere capital of P6,000, a prayer, and a dream.  Once in my lifetime, someone has opened the door for me, and I realized that I, too, should open the door for others. I hope that through these learning sessions, the MSMEs will have a different mindset and open their eyes to the possibilities. Remember, not so long ago, Jollibee was an MSME, too,” said Usec. Roque.

DTI recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the JFC and JGF to help MSMEs grow through capacity building and knowledge sharing. The partnership supports Republic Act 9501, also known as the Magna Carta for MSMEs, which aims to promote MSME growth by expanding entrepreneurship training programs, fostering linkages between large and small enterprises, and encouraging private sector engagements.

“We are truly grateful for the support of DTI in our goal of enriching the lives of MSMEs in the country. By sharing our expertise and experiences, we hope to inspire and empower these entrepreneurs to dream bigger and succeed in their businesses,” said JFC President and Chief Executive Officer Ernesto Tanmantiong.

FEP engagement

JGF’s President Gisela Tiongson opened the learning session by discussing how institutional markets like JFC established relationships with MSMEs and highlighting the Foundation’s experience in linking smallholder farmers as suppliers to the Company.

Launched in 2008, the Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP) organizes and transforms small-scale farmers into agro-entrepreneurs. With the help of its partners and stakeholders from various sectors across the country, the Foundation has helped farmers sharpen their technical and business acumen and link them with institutional markets such as the JFC for increased and steady income.

“Through the shared knowledge and hard work of our teams, partners, and stakeholders, FEP farmers could innovate their practices, understand the importance of calculated risks, and aim for bigger goals for themselves and their businesses. Apart from capacitating them as agro-entrepreneurs, the opportunity empowers them to have a sustainable livelihood and uplift their lives and communities,” Tiongson said.

Stakeholder engagement

Aside from the farmers, the session also allowed the MSMEs to discover the different options and considerations for business development for B2B and B2C engagements.


Onboarding suppliers. JFC’s Assistant Vice President and Head of Global Procurement Bryan Tividad provided an overview of the company’s Procurement Value Matrix, which expounds buyers’ decision points. This allowed the attendees to understand the key criteria of institutional markets before onboarding suppliers.
 

JFC’s Assistant Vice President and Head of Global Procurement Services Bryan Tividad provided an overview of JFC’s Procurement Value Matrix, which expounds buyers’ decision points. The session also allowed the attendees to understand the key criteria of institutional markets before onboarding suppliers.

“While it may seem daunting, we wanted to give our MSMEs inspiration that it is doable and that there are B2B opportunities for them. We hope that through this session, they can learn the expectations and validations that companies like the JFC require from their suppliers. How they can prepare their businesses for effective and successful B2B transactions,” Tividad added.

Cited as an example is MJB Meat Processing Inc., one of the JFC’s longtime suppliers since 2008. One thing that Joanna Ignacio, the Procurement Head of MJB Meat Processing Inc., did not expect is that their once small family business, with the family members being the employees themselves, would eventually venture into supplying an institutional partner like the JFC.


Successful Partnership Story. One thing that Joanna Ignacio, the Procurement Head of MJB Meat Processing Inc., did not expect is that their once small family business, with the family members being the employees themselves, would eventually venture into supplying an institutional partner like the JFC.

Being part of their family business meant growing with the company and learning along the way. According to Ignacio, one thing that inspired them to really work hard is how their parents triumphed over all the challenges with a positive mindset.

“They always told us: ‘You should be ready to take on all the challenges coming your way.’ And I’m happy that we took that advice to heart because that led us to where our company is today,” she said.

MJB produces processed meat products such as bacon, ham, and longanisa. As a trusted supplier, MJB understands the Company’s customer values and performs against high standards, establishing its capability and credibility.

“JFC has guided and helped us overcome the initial hesitations and challenges of scaling our business. With constant and open communication regarding expectations and capacity, we learned how to be flexible and reliable enough to meet their requirements, particularly on food safety compliance–which also benefits our retail brand today,” Joanna Ignacio, Procurement Head of MJB Meat Processing Inc. said.


Customer Focus. Chowking President Kenneth Lingan tackled the ins-and-outs of Business-to-Consumer (B2C) while underscoring customer focus as its core value.

Meanwhile, Chowking President Kenneth Lingan tackled the ins and outs of Business-to-Consumer (B2C) while underscoring customer focus as its core value.

According to him, gaining the hearts of customers helps to strengthen the consumer’s engagement with the business. Lingan explained how they put customer focus into action in Chowking by identifying their target market, developing a unique selling proposition (USP), and implementing the Marketing Mix Strategy, which focuses on Product, Price, Place, and Promotion, or 4Ps.

JFC looks forward to further cooperation with DTI as it continues to play an active role in improving the lives of more Filipinos, particularly MSMEs.

Food, Lifestyle

Exclusive Father’s Day Deals at Rizal Park Hotel

Special Father’s Day Deals at Rizal Park Hotel Rizal Park Hotel is thrilled to present special Father’s Day deals. Treat dad to an amazing experience with exceptional deals meant to make this Father’s Day genuinely memorable. Valid from June 15 to June 30, 2024, the Father’s Day hotel special is only P8,000 and includes overnight lodging in a deluxe room, complimentary breakfast for two, and a soothing 90-minute massage for two. This offer is an excellent way to express gratitude while also allowing dad to relax in comfort.

Additionally, The Deck, the hotel’s rooftop bar, is offering discounts on wines and spirits until June 30. Get a 10% discount on purchases of P1,000, 15% off purchases of P2,000, and 35% off purchases of P5,000 or more. Open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., enjoy breathtaking views of Manila Bay while sipping your favorite wines and spirits. This limited-time offer is the ideal opportunity to celebrate Dad and share special moments together.

Rizal Park Hotel is a top choice for elegance and comfort in the center of Manila. With its rich history and gorgeous architecture, the hotel provides a unique blend of classic elegance and modern conveniences. Rizal Park Hotel offers an outstanding experience, whether you’re seeking for a quiet break or a place to celebrate significant occasions.

For reservations and queries, please call Rizal Park Hotel at 0917 657 1334.

For more information on Rizal Park Hotel and its facilities, visit https://www.facebook.com/RizalParkHotel and https://www.instagram.com/rizalparkhotel1911/.

Food

Jollibee Group and QC LGU’s Inclusive Jobs Program to Benefit Senior Citizens and People with Disabilities


Partners for Equal Employment Opportunity. The Jollibee Group and the Quezon City (QC) Local Government Unit signed a Memorandum of Agreement to provide employment opportunity to qualified senior citizens and persons with disabilities in Q.C. Mayor Joy Belmonte (4th from L) led the signatories from the QC LGU, while Jollibee Group signatories was led by Ruth Angeles, Head for Philippines HR (3rd from R).

The Jollibee Group, in collaboration with the Quezon City local government, is offering an inclusive job initiative that will help nearly 200 senior citizens (SC) and individuals with disabilities (PWDs). In Quezon City, there will be more than fifty Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Burger King locations for qualified SC and PWD workers to choose from.

The Jollibee Group and the Quezon City local government unit (LGU), headed by Mayor Joy Belmonte, recently formalized their cooperation with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).

“We support the local government of Quezon City in advancing the welfare of our elderly and persons with disabilities. Through this partnership, we honor their invaluable role in our society. We aim to give those who have the capacity and desire to work the opportunity to help spread joy to customers,” said Ruth Angeles, Vice President and Head, Global Organization, Leadership, and Culture, and Head for Philippines HR, Jollibee Group.

In her message during the signing ceremony, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte underscored the importance of partnerships with institutions like the Jollibee Group in promoting the well-being and dignity of SCs and PWDs through equal employment opportunities. “We thank the Jollibee Group for this gesture, which is a sign that they are with us in our crusade towards inclusivity. For us in Quezon City, progress must be inclusive; everyone must be part of our progress.”

“Age is just a number and a mindset, and we should not allow our age or our disability to be an obstacle to what we can contribute to our nation-building. I thank the Jollibee Group for taking away the obstacles that are preventing our SCs and PWDs from being active members of our workforce,” Mayor Belmonte added.

Interested SCs and PWDs can go to the Quezon City Public Employment Service Office (PESO) to help them with the requirements. They must also secure a fit-to-work certification from the Quezon City Health Department before they can proceed with the initial job screening by the City’s Social Services Department and the Persons with Disability Affairs Office.

The LGU will recommend SCs and PWDs to the Jollibee Group for employment in a limited number of company-owned stores in Quezon City after they meet the requirements. As guest relations employees, qualified SCs and PWDs can support store teams in serving patrons at the counter and dining areas.

“This partnership is consistent with Jollibee Group’s commitment to providing equal employment opportunities to different sectors and promoting inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. We are looking forward to partnering with other LGUs so we can find qualified individuals to join us in our mission of spreading the joy of eating to everyone,” Angeles added.

To carry out this inclusive employment program, the Jollibee Group has collaborated with the provincial government of Rizal, the municipal governments of Manila, Antipolo, Muntinlupa, and Pasig, in addition to Quezon City.

Advancing the Welfare of SCs and PWDs. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte underscores the importance of partnerships with institutions like the Jollibee Group in promoting the well-being and dignity of SCs and PWDs through equal employment opportunities.

Promoting an Inclusive Workplace. Since 2019, the Jollibee Group has partnered with various local government units in promoting an inclusive workplace where qualified SCs and PWDs can have the opportunity to join the Jollibee Group in its mission to serve great-tasting food, bringing the joy of eating to everyone.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com