Food

[L-R] Rob Kaplan, Founder and CEO of Circulate Capital; Hon. Jonas Leones, Undersecretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); Antonio “Tony” Del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines; Dr. René van Berkel, Co-Convenor of the ASEAN Circular Economy Business Alliance; and Chris Humphrey, Executive Director of the EU-ASEAN Business Council, during the panel discussion at the summit.

Organized by the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) in support of the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship, the summit brought together representatives from the public and private sectors to exchange insights on policy coordination, implementation strategies, and creating an enabling environment for sustainable investments.

Throughout the summit, speakers stressed that the success of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiatives relies on consistent implementation, supportive investment policies, political stability, cross-border collaboration, and knowledge exchange—particularly as ASEAN countries vary in the maturity of their waste management and recycling infrastructure.

As a total beverage company, Coca-Cola shared several considerations for effective EPR systems and to maximize compliance models, including: clear and enforceable regulatory EPR system design; alignment with local collection and recycling infrastructure;  inclusion of informal waste workers within recycling value chain and recovery systems; and stronger incentives that support recycled material use and infrastructure investment across the region.

Antonio “Tony” Del Rosario, president of Coca-Cola Philippines, joined fellow panelists from government, ASEAN institutions, and civil society to discuss implementation challenges and lessons from early-stage EPR markets.

Antonio “Tony” Del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines, shares Coca-Cola’s perspectives on effective EPR implementation.

“EPR systems work best when design, enforcement, and on-the-ground realities are aligned,” Del Rosario said. “That requires coordination across government, industry, and waste management stakeholders.”

Discussions throughout the summit similarly underscored that successful EPR systems require coordinated action across governments, businesses, financial institutions, waste management stakeholders, and communities. Speakers also highlighted the importance of ensuring that frameworks remain practical and locally relevant, recognizing the differing levels of infrastructure and market maturity across ASEAN economies.

Coca-Cola Philippines referenced examples from its local experience supporting collection and recycling efforts locally. These include Tapon to Ipon, a collection initiative now operating through more than 6,000 community drop-off points nationwide, and partnerships focused on waste recovery and recycling infrastructure. The company also noted the role of its philanthropic arm, the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, in supporting programs that engage informal waste workers in the recycling value chain.

The company also cited PETValue Philippines, the country’s first bottle-to-bottle PET recycling facility established through a joint venture between Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines and Indorama Ventures, as an example of private sector investment contributing to domestic recycling capacity.

Speakers across the summit emphasized that EPR outcomes depend on consistent implementation, investment-enabling policies, political stability, knowledge-sharing and collaboration across markets, particularly given differences in infrastructure maturity across ASEAN economies.

Coca-Cola Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and community partners as EPR policies continue to develop across the region.

To learn more about the company’s sustainability efforts, visit the Coca-Cola Philippines Sustainability platform.

Learn more at Coca-Cola Philippines and follow Coca-Cola Philippines on social media.

Abi Marquez

Award-winning food content creator Abi “Lumpia Queen” Marquez reached another milestone in championing Filipino cuisine after being named a FoodPHILIPPINES Advocate Par Excellence for the third straight year.

In addition to this recognition, Abi took on a new responsibility at IFEX Philippines 2026 by serving for the first time on the Board of Judges for the KATHA Award for Food. One of the event’s premier recognition programs, the KATHA Award honors Philippine food products and producers that demonstrate outstanding creativity, innovation, cultural authenticity, and global market potential.

The recognition highlighted Abi’s continued role as one of today’s leading voices in modern Filipino food storytelling. Known for her creative takes on Filipino favorites and her ability to make local flavors resonate with global audiences, Abi has used her platform to champion Philippine cuisine, local ingredients, and the stories behind the food Filipinos proudly share.

This year, Abi was recognized as one of only three FoodPHILIPPINES Advocates Par Excellence for 2026, alongside seasoned broadcast journalist Cheryl Cosim and internationally recognized pastry chef Chef Nouel Catis. Together, they represented this year’s FoodPHILIPPINES advocacy roster, each bringing a distinct voice to the shared mission of championing Filipino food, local flavors, and the global potential of Philippine cuisine. The evening also separately recognized Aya Fernandez of Eco-Uling as Sustainability Advocate Par Excellence for her work in advancing sustainability and eco-conscious innovation.

Abi Marquez with Aya Fernandez and Chef Nouel Catis

Abi’s third-year recognition was spotlighted during the opening day of IFEX Philippines 2026, held from May 21 to 23, 2026 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. The event also featured the KATHA Awards, which celebrated Filipino food innovation and recognized standout products from established and emerging foodmakers.

Abi Marquez at the KATHA Award for Food judging / IFEX Philippines 2026

For Abi, being recognized for a third consecutive year and taking part in the KATHA judging process reflected the deeper purpose behind her platform.

“Being recognized as a FoodPHILIPPINES Advocate Par Excellence for the third year in a row means so much to me,” Marquez shared. “I’ve always believed that Filipino food deserves to be seen, tasted, and celebrated everywhere. Every recipe, every story, and every video is a chance to show the world how rich, creative, and meaningful our food culture is.”

As a judge for the KATHA Award for Food, Abi had the opportunity to engage more closely with the creativity and innovation of Filipino food producers. From regional ingredients and proudly local flavors to export-ready products designed for global markets, the experience further affirmed the strength of the country’s food industry and the importance of telling these stories in ways that connect with modern audiences.

Abi with KATHA Award for Food finalists and winners

Managed by NYMA Talent Management, Abi has become one of the Philippines’ most globally recognized food content creators, building a community of millions across platforms and earning international recognition for her work. From her viral lumpia creations to global collaborations and award-winning content, Abi has continued to prove that Filipino food can spark curiosity, connection, and pride across borders.

Her continued partnership with FoodPHILIPPINES also reflected the evolving role of digital creators in promoting the country’s food industry. Since first receiving the recognition in 2024, Abi has consistently used her platform to spotlight Filipino cuisine in ways that are accessible, entertaining, and proudly rooted in culture.

Abi’s work has consistently bridged entertainment, education, and advocacy. What began as joyful experiments in her family kitchen has grown into a platform that celebrates Filipino creativity, regional flavors, and the potential of Philippine food to stand proudly in the international market.

“Filipino food has always been world-class,” Abi added. “My hope is to keep using my platform to bring more people closer to our food, our farmers, our makers, and the stories that make every dish meaningful.”

As she celebrated her third consecutive year as a FoodPHILIPPINES Advocate Par Excellence and her inaugural year on the KATHA Award for Food Board of Judges, Abi continued to champion a simple yet meaningful belief: Filipino cuisine does not need to be reinvented to earn recognition—it simply needs to be shared with the world.

Abi with FoodPHILIPPINES / IFEX Philippines representatives

With every dish she creates, every video she shares, every collaboration she joins, and now through her role in highlighting Filipino food innovation, Abi Marquez continues to bring Philippine cuisine closer to the world—one story and one bite at a time.

Mabuhay and congratulations, Abi!

FOLLOW ABI MARQUEZ AND HER FOOD ADVENTURES ON:

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE |  X

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ABI MARQUEZ, PLEASE CONTACT:

Karen Tumbali | [email protected]

To learn more about NYMA, visit nyma.ph

Abi Marquez wearing the Hedley & Bennett apron

Managed by NYMA Talent Management, Filipino food content creator Abi Marquez has reached another international milestone as she partners with Los Angeles-based Hedley & Bennett in the brand’s first collaboration with a Filipino creator.

Popularly known online as the internet’s “Lumpia Queen,” Abi has grown a global following by transforming Filipino cuisine into fun, approachable, and widely shared content. She now extends her passion for Filipino food into a kitchen essential designed for home cooks, creators, and food enthusiasts worldwide.

The Abi Marquez x Hedley & Bennett apron marks a meaningful first for both Abi and the brand, celebrating Filipino creativity, culture, and pride through a piece designed to be worn in the kitchen and beyond.

“This collaboration means so much to me because it brings together two things I love: cooking and sharing Filipino culture with the world,” Abi shares. “I’ve always believed that the kitchen is one of the best places to tell our stories, and I hope this apron inspires more people to cook with confidence, creativity, and pride.”

Close-up detail shot of the apron design

Hedley & Bennett is known for creating high-quality aprons and kitchen workwear trusted by chefs, restaurants, and passionate home cooks. Through collaborations that span chefs, creators, artists, fashion names, sports leagues, and pop culture favorites, the Los Angeles-based brand has turned the apron into a canvas for personality, storytelling, and craft.

Its past collaborations include collections with Disney, Superman, MLB, NFL, ONE PIECE, Bob’s Burgers, Rifle Paper Co., LoveShackFancy, Made with Liberty Fabric, Star Wars, and Friends, alongside creator-led pieces with culinary names such as Kenji Lopez-Alt, Cassie Yeung, Nigel Kabvina, Chef Adam Libby, Food My Muse, and Chef Reactions. Now, Abi brings a distinctly Filipino story to that roster as Hedley & Bennett’s first Filipino collaborator.

For Abi, the apron is more than just kitchen wear. It is a tribute to the community that has supported her from her early cooking videos to her growing presence on the global food stage. Through her content, Abi has introduced Filipino flavors to audiences around the world, using familiar dishes, playful formats, and heartfelt storytelling to make Filipino cuisine feel both proudly local and globally exciting.

Abi cooking while wearing the apron

This collaboration arrives as Abi continues to earn growing international recognition for her work as a Filipino food creator. With millions of followers across various platforms and appearances on global stages, she has become one of the most prominent voices highlighting Filipino food culture in the digital space.

The Abi Marquez x Hedley & Bennett apron reflects that journey—from home cooking to the global stage, from everyday meals to cultural storytelling, and from one creator’s passion for Filipino cuisine to a worldwide community embracing that pride.

Product shot of the Abi Marquez x Hedley & Bennett apron

FOLLOW ABI MARQUEZ AND HER FOOD ADVENTURES ON: FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE | X

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ABI MARQUEZ, PLEASE CONTACT: Karen Tumbali | [email protected]

To learn more about NYMA, visit nyma.ph

Dennis Trillo with daughter Dylan and wife, Jen Mercado

Cooking brings more than just meals to the table—it also creates meaningful connections. Today’s fathers, including Ian Veneracion and Dennis Trillo, are increasingly turning the kitchen into a space for bonding, shared moments, and valuable learning experiences.

Cooking together can become an enjoyable way to build everyday skills: following recipes helps develop reading comprehension, measuring ingredients introduces practical math, and cleaning up afterward encourages hygiene and responsibility. It becomes a form of teamwork where children actively participate while guided by their fathers, working together to prepare a satisfying meal that the whole family can enjoy.

The Cooking Connection

Ian Veneracion with sons Draco and Duccio

In the home of Ian Veneracion, the kitchen cradles some of the best conversations of the brood.  He explains that cooking together feels safe and relaxing. It is not a stiff, serious environment that gives off an intimidating “we-need-to-talk” vibe.

“Kitchen time equals quality time, walang pressure, walang agenda.” He explains that “you’re just thinking of something funny to say, while chopping, frying, or waiting for the food to be cooked. And while your hands are busy, conversations become easier and more honest.”

As someone who enjoys preparing tasty family meals, Ian shares that one of his go-to dishes at home is fried chicken, made with Ajinomoto Crispy Fry® Breading Mix.  Made from a special blend of seasonings and spices, Ajinomoto Crispy Fry®  is Ian’s trusted partner in cooking crispy-sarap recipes.

Meanwhile in Dennis’ household, it’s common to see the whole family huddled in the kitchen. “Nagtutulong-tulong kami in preparing our food. Para samin, sitting down and eating our meals is our main type of bonding,” he shares.

Their ‘dinnertime ritual’ is less about the meal but more about being fully present with one another.

“Pinaka na-e-enjoy namin ang pagluluto kasi nakakatuwa na ang mga bata ay natututo na on their own. Mas magiging responsible sila,” Dennis adds.

With cooking companions like  Sarsaya® Bulgogi Sauce, cooking their favorite dishes is convenient, even kids can join in the fun. Affordable, perfectly blended, and easy to cook  Sarsaya® Bulgogi Sauce, empowers families to prepare restaurant-quality food with an authentic and rich Bulgogi taste.

The joy in the mess

Like many memorable family moments, cooking together isn’t always perfect — but those are the ones that are etched in the heart.

Dennis recalls one instance when his children accidentally spilled some ingredients while they were preparing a meal. Instead of getting frustrated, the family turned the mishap into a creative opportunity by adjusting the recipe.

“Sabi ko sa kanila, you don’t need to be a perfect cook.” He emphasized that “ang importante is you have fun cooking.”

Ian recounts a similar experience while teaching his kids how to make the “perfect omelette.”

“Somehow it ended up as a lesson on ‘how not to make an omelette,’” he jokes. But somewhere between the failed flips and uneven eggs, this is where the inevitable joy takes place.

“Years from now, they probably won’t remember the taste. But they’ll remember sitting around the table, laughing, being present, and spending quality time with each other.”

Shared moments in the kitchen truly deepen connections, and for Ian Veneracion and Dennis Trillo, cooking together becomes a meaningful part of fatherhood that helps strengthen family relationships.

Cook at home

For warm and memorable kitchen experiences with your loved ones, try Ian’s favorite—Mojos, Tofu, and Potato Wedges with Aioli Dip—or Dennis’ flavorful Beef Bulgogi recipe.

(See recipe below)

Mojos, Tofu, and Potato Wedges with Aioli Dip

Ingredients

2 cups Potato, unpeeled, sliced

1 pack Tofu, cubed

2 cups Potato, unpeeled, wedges

3 packs of 62 g Crispy Fry ® Breading Mix

2 cups Cooking oil

Aioli Dip:

3/4 cup AJI-Mayo ® Professional-Style Mayonnaise

3 cloves Garlic, minced

2 tsp Lemon juice

1/2 tsp Salt

1/8 tsp Pepper

Procedure:

COAT. Using a bowl, evenly coat the potatoes and tofu with Crispy Fry ®.

DEEP-FRY. Heat oil in a pot then deep-fry for 5 minutes or until the surface is golden brown. Place the mojos, tofu, and wedges on a strainer to drain excess oil.

MIX . In a separate bowl, make the dip by mixing Aji-Mayo®, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.

SERVE. Transfer the mojos, tofu, and wedges to a plate before serving.

Beef Bulgogi

Ingredients

3/4 cup (200g) Beef, thinly sliced or tapa cut

1 pack (40g) Sarsaya® Bulgogi Sauce

8 tsps. (40ml) Water

2 cups (100g) Cabbage, strips

Procedure

MARINATE. In a bowl, combine beef and Sarsaya® Bulgogi Sauce. Mix well and marinate for at least 15 minutes.

STIR-FRY. In a heated pan, add the marinated beef and water. Stir-fry for a minute. Add cabbage strips and continue to stir-fry for 3 minutes.

SERVE. Transfer onto a serving plate.

Mornings these days often don’t start gently. Alarms ring too soon, emails start piling up, and endless to-do lists begin before the day even settles in. For many Filipinos—especially students and young professionals—this fast rhythm makes mid-morning and afternoon energy dips feel like a normal part of daily life.

Rather than just powering through these low-energy moments, more people are now choosing small, mindful routines to help reset their mood and regain focus. Simple habits, like sipping a refreshing glass of Minute Maid Nutri+, are becoming part of how they take back control of their day—one moment at a time.

For this generation of vitalisers, wellness now comes in the form of smaller, more human-sized terms that are actually doable. No more lifestyle overhauls. Instead, small rituals like quick walk breaks or a few minutes of journaling is all they need to create space and regain a sense of control in otherwise packed schedules.

In these in-between moments, a new kind of habit is taking shape: the “zest moment.” It’s the little pause that refreshes, gently breaks the day’s monotony, and helps shift one’s mindset. It might happen in the morning before the day fully picks up, during an afternoon lull when boredom hits, or even in the middle of a busy stretch when everything starts to feel overwhelming. What makes it powerful is its simplicity. A brief reset can be enough to turn  dull mornings into microments.

For many, these moments are anchored by something familiar and enjoyable—like a drink that feels both refreshing and uplifting. This is where Minute Maid Nutri+ naturally fits in. With its bright, zesty taste and the added boost of Vitamin C and fiber, it complements these small rituals without demanding extra effort. It becomes part of a routine that feels easy to maintain, whether paired with breakfast, enjoyed alongside meals, or taken as a quick break in between tasks.

“I used to rush through everything,” shared Bianca, a young marker in Quezon City. “Now, I make it a point to slow down, even just for a few minutes in the morning. I’ll play music, take a sip of something refreshing, and ease into the day. It sounds simple, but it really changes how I feel.”

That same idea carries through the day. A student describes stepping away from their screen during long study sessions to reset, while a freelance creative shared how brief pauses help restore clarity when ideas stall. Across different routines, the pattern is the same: small, consistent habits can create a noticeable shift in both mood and motivation.

In a world that often rewards nonstop movement, these brief pauses are quietly becoming more important than ever. They serve as a reminder that productivity isn’t only about working harder—it’s also about knowing when to slow down for a moment and recharge.

With Minute Maid Nutri+, it becomes easier to create those small resets, helping even the most ordinary mornings feel a little more uplifting. Brighten your mood and enjoy the zest with Minute Maid Nutri+, now available in supermarkets near you.

Since 2018, Project E-REDUCE has been collaborating with communities in General Santos City to promote a more organized and inclusive household waste management system. The initiative is backed by the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc. (CCFPI) in partnership with Sarangani Province Empowerment and Community Transformation Forum Inc. (SPECTRUM), and is carried out in coordination with local government units, civil society organizations, and community-based groups.

The program aims to enhance local waste management practices while helping improve the livelihoods and working conditions of informal waste workers, whose efforts are essential to waste collection and resource recovery in their communities.

Supporting waste workers within local systems

A core component of Project E-REDUCE is support for waste workers through training on waste segregation, classification, and basic record-keeping. Partner waste workers are also provided with protective equipment to help improve safety on the job.

To support more organized operations, participating waste workers receive identification cards, designated collection routes, and padyak units to assist with daily collection activities. These measures help integrate waste workers into barangay-level collection systems coordinated with local authorities.

Project E-REDUCE has also supported the establishment and strengthening of Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) across the city, working in coordination with the LGU to improve sorting and diversion of collected materials.

“Project E-REDUCE reflects the importance of working with local partners and communities who are closest to the challenge,” said Cecile Alcantara, President of CCFPI. “Our role is to support practical, community-led approaches that help waste workers operate more safely and with greater stability over time.”

From community action to city alignment

Project E-REDUCE, initially known as Project REDUCE, began with clean-up activities and post-collection efforts in coastal communities, working with local partners and schools to address plastic waste. Early activities focused on waste recovery systems, MRF establishment, and basic disposal practices, anchored in community participation.

As the program evolved, waste management systems were piloted in schools, riverbank areas, and selected barangays, alongside information campaigns and hands-on training to encourage consistent waste segregation at the household level.

Over time, collaboration with LGUs and barangays has deepened. Informal waste workers were integrated into more structured collection networks, and barangay-level plans were developed in alignment with General Santos City’s Ecological Solid Waste Management Plan. Today, the initiative supports activities across 26 barangays, contributing to local implementation efforts already underway.

“When communities are involved, people take ownership and accountability. That’s what makes systems sustainable,” said Kim Bogador of SPECTRUM Inc.

A more stable path for waste workers

For Elmer Rodrigo, a padyak partner working in various barangays, Project E-REDUCE brought more structure and stability to a job that was once uncertain.

Elmer Rodrigo, a waste worker under Project E-REDUCE, stands beside his padyak used for daily collection across barangays in General Santos City, supporting more organized and safer waste management.

Before joining the program, Elmer worked without clear routes, with unreliable equipment, and with limited protective equipment.

Through Project E-REDUCE, he received training, protective gear, and a new padyak, allowing him to operate within a defined collection system.

Elmer removes the cap and label from a PET bottle as part of proper waste segregation, applying his training on which materials can be recovered and have value.

“Dati, mababa ang tingin sa amin. May mga pagkakataon pa na ninanakaw ang padyak ko,” Elmershared. “Ngayon, dahil mas maayos na ang sistema at may pagkilala na sa amin, mas nirerespeto na kami. Mas kampante na ako sa araw-araw na trabaho, at mas ramdam ko na ang dignidad ng aming hanapbuhay.” (People looked down on us before. There was even a time that someone stole my padyak. Now, because there is a system in place and people recognize what we do and our work, people now treat us better and with more respect. I feel more secure with my work and I feel there’s dignity in what I am doing.)

With clearer routes and improved safety, Elmer now earns more consistently and takes pride in his role. Households in his area have also become more proactive, increasingly setting aside recyclables for collection.

Communities taking the lead

ZSSFA members leading the community on picking up waste at Brgy. Bula’s coastal area.

Project E-REDUCE has also supported grassroots organizations in coastal communities, including the Zone Six Small Fishermen Association (ZSSFA) in Barangay Bula, led by ZSSFA President Cheryl Galo.

With training and organization support, the association formalized its leadership structures and strengthened its capacity to lead clean-up activities and environmental education in the community.

The group also manages a community-built boardwalk that includes a sari-sari store, a canteen, and a modest entrance fee that supports mangrove planting.

The group also manages a community-built boardwalk that serves as both a tourist site and a source of supplementary income while reinforcing conservation and community stewardship.

“After the training sessions, mas naging organisado at mas napalakas ang aming samahan,” Cheryl said. “Mas kaya na naming mag-train ng iba at mas dumalas ang coastal clean-ups. Nakikita rin namin na mas aware na ang komunidad at mas nakikilahok na sila sa pag-aalaga ng kalikasan.” (After the training sessions, we are now more organized, and our sense of community has been strengthened. We can now train other people and our coastal clean-ups are now more frequent. We also notice how our community is more aware and has been more active in helping take care of our environment.)

The association now holds regular clean-ups and manages a mangrove nursery that supplies seedlings to neighboring communities.

Continuing through partnerships

Through Project E-REDUCE, the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc. continues to support waste workers and communities by working with local partners on training, systems development, and community engagement. The initiative reflects how livelihood support and waste system improvements can reinforce each other when led locally and carried out in partnership.

Project E-REDUCE supports Coca-Cola Philippines’ continuing efforts to enhance packaging recovery and recycling systems. The initiative complements the company’s broader sustainability programs, including promoting the use of recycled materials such as rPET in areas where recycling facilities and partnerships are established, in cooperation with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and local communities.

To learn more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ sustainability initiatives, visit its sustainability page, https://www.coca-cola.com/ph/en/brands/coca-cola/sustainability.

Learn more at www.coca-cola.com/ph/ and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.