Food

You can tell it’s good when you know it is. Additionally, SM is here to provide us with the best culinary experiences in the Metro when it comes to recently released cuisine recommendations.

Prepare to eat in your favorite mall as we highlight new restaurants that are sure to fulfill your appetite and make you exclaim, “Girl, we ate that!”.

It’s giving OG eats from Japan
Nothing beats the real ones! So, when it comes to Japanese flavors, we crave nothing but authenticity.

Kaiju Ramen

Serving authentic Japanese ramen, the soon-to-open Kaiju Ramen offers broths and noodles that hit just right. Their tonkotsu and shoyu bowls? Absolutely ate. First in the PH, every bite is a moment of pure, slurp‑worthy satisfaction at Level 5, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall.

Yappari

It’s giving classic. It’s giving rich. It’s giving TASTE! Known for its premium steak offerings, this new Japanese restaurant in Upper Ground, SM Southmall, turns every slice into celebration.

Slayin’ the soft life, one sip at a time

Life’s solid when everything’s just chill, with vibes that leave you feeling happy, unbothered, and completely in your lane.

Super Matcha

For soft-life vibes, watch out for the first-in-PH Super Matcha, soon to open at Ground Level, Mega Fashion Hall-SM Megamall, and indulge in drinks that are as aesthetic as they are delicious. Enjoy matcha lattes, iced blends, and visuals that are giving 10s across the board.

These Crowd Flavorites are a SERVE
Eat it, eat it, eat it! Category is: global dining faves! We’re here to serve you meals perfect for your discerning taste.

PoBros

Here’s a bowl deserving of a star-studded applause: known for its loaded rice bowls, hearty portions, and bold flavor combos, PoBros at Level 2, SM Southmall, is sure to keep you coming back for that mouth-watering comfort.

Goobne

Goobne specializes in oven-roasted chicken with succulent, expertly seasoned meat, serving Korean flavors with unparalleled grace. Locate your fulfilling match at SM Southmall’s Upper Ground Floor.

Literally, I ate and left no crumbs! When dining among the greatest, the Metro’s cuisine is simply outstanding. SM Supermalls is your favorite mall for anything food-related, offering everything from international cuisines to classic Japanese dishes.

For the most recent information and activities, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media.

From Left to Right: Jonalyn Penas, BEST Sustainability Programs Officer, BEST Sustainability Executive Ayn Latorre, Top 1 SariCycler for 2024 & 2025, Carmen Ladisla, APC Chief Sustainability Officer Ernie Carlos, QC CCESD Programs Officer, Virgie Bangalan

In many Filipino communities, meaningful change often begins in the most familiar settings and starts with small actions—a sari-sari store counter neatly organizing sachets, or a mindful neighbor dropping off recyclables on the way home. When these simple efforts are multiplied across hundreds of people, they grow into more than just a community—they become a movement.

This everyday spirit of bayanihan was highlighted as Ajinomoto Philippine Corporation (APC) marked the second anniversary of SariCycle®, an innovative and adaptable plastic waste collection program that empowers local micro-entrepreneurs, particularly sari-sari store owners, to take an active role in reducing plastic waste and pollution in their communities.

In two years, SariCycle® has grown from a promising pilot into a working model of circularity  at the grassroots level. The program recovered over 27 metric tons or 27,000 kilograms of  single-use plastics (SUPs) in 2025. Overall, that’s equivalent to approximately 54 million  sachets, three times more of what was collected in 2024.

Behind the solid achievement are the more than 1000 SariCyclers across 30 barangays,  supported by APC’s significant collaboration with Basic Environmental Systems and  Technologies Inc. (BEST) and Quezon City’s Climate Change and Environmental  Sustainability Department.

At its heart, SariCycle® is a lifestyle program, as much as it is a sustainability initiative. Turning sari-sari stores into accessible eco-hubs encourages responsible waste behavior  that is convenient and rewarding. When recycling is simpler and incentivized, more  community members are likely to participate, and the continued collective effort is key to  moving communities closer to a sustainable circular economy.

During the celebration, APC honored the best SariCycling Barangays and SariCyclers,  whose consistent efforts essentially formed the backbone of this transformative program.

The top 5 SariCycling Barangays are: Barangay Pasong Tamo, Barangay Baesa, Barangay  Talayan, Barangay Bagong Silangan, and Lunas HOA Litex in Barangay Commonwealth.

Hon. Stephanie Tricia Pilar, Barangay Captain of Pasong Tamo, shared her delight as their  community took the first place, “Maraming salamat po sa Ajinomoto at sa QC government sa  napakagandang programa na ito. Dahil hindi lang po ito nakakatulong sa kalikasan, kundi  pati na rin sa bawat residente at komunidad.”

In addition, the program also recognized Carmen Ladisla as the Top SariCycler with her  consistent dedication and outstanding collection efforts. Completing the Top 3 SariCyclers  were Patria Uchi and Alicia Obedencia.

“Konting sipag lang at kayang kaya natin mag ipon (ng sachet at basura) para iwas baha at  iwas polusyon. Para sa mas ligtas at mas maayos na buhay ng ating pamilya,” Ladisla shared.

As part of the initiative’s success, a new award category was also introduced: the Aji  Packaging Champions. This award recognizes the top collectors of Ajinomoto packaging,  reinforcing the importance of shared responsibility across the value chain. Alicia Obedencia  was recognized as the top Ajinomoto Packaging Champion, followed by Josephine Valdez and Naly Ramos, respectively.

For APC, addressing plastic pollution isn’t a solo effort. The company recognizes it as a  system built through partnerships to come up with innovations that are practical, scalable,  and rooted in real-life behavior.

This collaborative approach strengthens APC’s broader sustainability strategy and supports  its 2030 Roadmap goal of reducing environmental impact by 50%.

“I believe we are on track, based on our numerical records. From our plastic collection,  plastic reduction, even innovation in our packaging. In terms of greenhouse gas, our two  factories, one in Bulacan and one in Cebu are now operating under 100% renewable  energy,” stated Ernie Carlos, Chief Sustainability Officer of APC.

As SariCycle® enters its third year, APC remains committed to expanding its network of  SariCyclers, empowering more store owners, engaging more households, and designing  smarter and accessible ways for Filipinos to keep on recycling.

“For year three, we are very excited to announce that we will be expanding to several cities.  We are hoping to have the same engagement in other communities as well, by applying the  same strategies,” said Ayn Latorre, Sustainability Executive of Basic Environmental Systems  and Technologies Inc.

Sometimes, the most impactful environmental solutions don’t begin in boardrooms or factories—they start at the neighborhood store, among neighbors united by a shared purpose, all working sama-sama (all together) toward a cleaner, more circular Philippines.

 To learn more, visit www.ajinomoto.com.

Barangay Tejeros is recognized as the top-performing barangay at the Tapon to Ipon Fiesta awarding ceremony, honoring collective effort and barangay-led action toward proper waste segregation.

Makati City’s Barangay Tejeros has demonstrated how common objectives can transform routine recycling into a long-lasting community activity. barrio Tejeros, which was named the best-performing barrio in Coca-Cola Philippines’ Barangay Tapon to Ipon program, showed how cooperation enhanced waste segregation, promoted inclusive recycling, and increased community ties.

A community fiesta with sports and activities followed the awarding ceremony, which took place at the Barangay Tejeros basketball court. Barangay Tejeros, which had finished second the year before, took first place in the most recent iteration of the program, demonstrating the community’s continued involvement and dedication.

The event brings the community together through interactive games, prizes, and shared merienda, celebrating the winning barangay’s achievement while reinforcing recycling as a fun, inclusive, and owned community practice.

Recognizing grassroots recycling efforts

Barangay Tapon to Ipon is a yearly, nationwide community recycling initiative powered by Coca-Cola Philippines in partnership with barangays, local leaders, and sari-sari store owners. The program engaged barangays, residents, and sari-sari stores across Metro Manila to collect and properly segregate PET bottles. It supports barangays in implementing Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, while helping build sustainable recycling habits at the grassroots level.

This year, 20 barangays around Metro Manila joined the friendly competition, collecting PET bottles while strengthening waste segregation and recycling practices. The awarding ceremony recognized the barangay’s collective effort, highlighting the role of residents, youth volunteers, and sari-sari stores in driving impact at the local level.

Barangay Tejeros collected nearly 40,000 PET bottles, equivalent to 698 kilograms, followed by Barangay 114 in Caloocan City in second place with a collection of about 21,000 (375 KG), and Barangay Moonwalk in Parañaque City for third place with 17,000 (310 KG).

Barangay Chairman Wilfredo S. Leonardo said visible results motivated their community to stay engaged and take pride in their efforts. “Noong nakaraang taon po, second place lang kami. Siyempre, gusto na naming maging number one. Kaya nang dumating ang pagkakataong ito, sinabi ko talaga sa mga kasamahan ko na gagawin namin ang lahat para makuha ang number one,” Leonardo said. “Pinasasalamatan po namin ang Coca-Cola sa patuloy na pagpili sa’ming barangay upang maging bahagi ng programang ito. Kaya inalagaan at sinuportahan namin nang husto ang aming pagsali dito.”

(“Last year, we were only in second place. Of course, we wanted to be number one. That’s why when this opportunity came around, I encouraged everyone to do our best so we can be number one.” Leonardo said. “We are grateful for Coca-Cola for consistently inviting us to join their program. We will continue supporting and joining this cause.”)

Barangay Tejeros receives tools to help sustain recycling and cleanliness initiatives, supporting the community’s efforts to keep participation strong beyond the campaign.

Along with their recognition, Barangay Tejeros was given 10 Coca-Cola stools made from recycled plastic, a Barangay Tapon to Ipon tent, Coca-Cola beverages for community events, and a Premium Linis Barangay Kit with cleaning and safety supplies. The barangay plans to integrate these into existing programs and continue encouraging participation from households and sari-sari stores.

Sustaining momentum beyond the campaign

For Coca-Cola Philippines, the nationwide recycling initiative forms part of a broader collection initiative, which includes over 6,000 collection points nationwide. The aim is to bring the collected bottles to PETValue Philippines, the country’s first food-grade bottle-to-bottle recycling facility located in General Trias, Cavite. PETValue Philippines processes used PET bottles and transforms them into recycled PET (rPET), which can be used to produce new food-grade beverage bottles.

“Programs like Barangay Tapon to Ipon foster the spirit of bayanihan, bringing communities together to achieve a shared goal,” said Tony Del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines and Vice President for Franchise Operations East of Coca‑Cola Far East Limited (CCFEL). “By making recycling fun and engaging, we help barangays build a culture of sustainability, where collective action at the grassroots creates ripple effects that can help strengthen recycling practices in communities across the country.”

By collaborating with barangays and local partners to transform local action into long-term recycling habits and appropriate waste management, Coca-Cola Philippines continues its dedication to collection and sustainability.

Visit Coca-Cola Philippines’ Sustainability Hub at www.coca-cola.com/ph/en/sustainability to find out more about the company’s sustainability efforts.

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

With the introduction of LIFT Berry Bolt in Cebu, a new taste designed for today’s competitors who are constantly on the go, Coca-Cola Philippines expands LIFT throughout Central Visayas. LIFT Berry Bolt’s “berry bold ang flavor” provides a vibrant, tasty boost that adapts to every transition, whether it’s from work mode to school mode or everything in between.

LIFT Berry Bolt’s distinctive berry-bodied flavor explodes in every sip, making it ideal for ambitious people who transition between modes. Now offered in a handy, recyclable PET bottle, it’s simple to grab, carry with you, and savor whenever you need a burst of berry-flavored refreshment throughout the day.

LIFT Berry Bolt showed up where everyday moments happen in the days leading up to the launch. Crate Drop teasers popped up from February 20 to 22, 2026 at Mandaue Public Market and SM City Cebu, sparking curiosity across the city. Vendo sampling followed from February 20 to 21, 2026 at Puso Village and Cebu South Bus Terminal, giving Cebuanos their first taste of LIFT Berry Bolt as they moved through their day.

The energy carried into the main event on February 21, 2026 at SM City Cebu, where the full LIFT Berry experience came to life. Guests got first dibs on the new flavor, took on exciting booth challenges, and caught live performances.

Attendees struck creative poses at the LIFT Art Photo Wall, tested their strength at the LIFT Up Bar, and experienced LIFT with Ruru Madrid.

Leading the way, Ruru Madrid leapt into the action and joined guests in taking on various tasks. The grand revelation of LIFT Berry Bolt, which formally introduced its berry-bodied flavor to Cebu, marked the event’s culmination.

The LIFT Berry Bolt, designed for daily challengers and ambitious individuals, blends in perfectly with people’s frequent mode switching. With its Citrus Blast flavor currently accessible in sari-sari stores in Western Visayas and Southern Luzon, this most recent release expands LIFT’s expanding national footprint.

Take a chance on switching. To find out what’s coming up, follow LIFT on Facebook and Instagram.

Reading Informational Labels

In a time when many Filipino homes rely heavily on pre-packaged foods, the seemingly inconspicuous food label has a surprising amount of power. These labels are essential tools that enable consumers to make educated dietary decisions that have a direct influence on their health and well-being, going beyond simple regulatory compliance. Understanding these labels is essential to navigating our food landscape and managing our health, according to Arlene R. Reario, President of the Philippine Association of Nutrition (PAN), Inc.

“Food labels are more than just a regulatory requirement; they are powerful tools for empowerment,” states Reario. “They offer a window into what we truly consume, allowing us to align our food choices with our personal health goals and lifestyle needs, without feeling restricted.”

The Power of Clear and Transparent Labeling

A significant aspect of this empowerment lies in the clarity of food labels. Reario emphasizes that labels should be designed to facilitate understanding. “A well-designed label informs so that consumers can explore options confidently,” she explains. “When information is clear, concise, and easy to interpret, shoppers can make quicker, more confident choices, compare similar products effectively, and ultimately select what best suits their families.”

Such transparency also builds critical consumer trust. Labels serve as tangible proof that a product adheres to Philippine food safety laws and regulations, including crucial Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. “When consumers see proper labeling, they know the company is committed to quality and safety,” Reario notes. This assurance fosters confidence in the products they bring home.

Taking Health Into Our Own Hands: The Role of Nutrition Literacy

While clear labels are essential, the responsibility also falls on consumers to cultivate nutrition literacy – the ability to understand and utilize the information provided. Reario points out that many Filipinos often overlook crucial sections of a label, missing out on valuable insights.

“By improving nutrition literacy, Filipinos can transform how they approach their daily meals,” Reario asserts. “It’s about understanding terms, recognizing nutrient content, and knowing how to apply that information to build healthier habits.” This knowledge empowers individuals to critically evaluate claims, compare nutritional values, and ultimately make decisions that support a healthier lifestyle.

For parents, this takes on added significance. “Label information is an invaluable guide for parents to make informed choices for their children’s diets,” Reario advises. “It helps them identify snacks with more nutritional value, monitor sugar and sodium intake, and teach their children about balanced eating from a young age.”

To improve nutrition literacy, you can reach out to a registered nutritionist-dietitian and other health professionals who are knowledgeable on nutrition.

Balance and Moderation Remain Key

Despite the wealth of information available on labels, Reario reiterates that the fundamental principles of nutrition – balance and moderation – continue to hold the most weight. “Understanding labels is a crucial step, but it must be viewed within the larger context of a balanced diet, like that promoted by the Philippine Food Pyramid and ‘Pinggang Pinoy’ and regular physical activity,” she explains. “No single food is inherently ‘bad’ when consumed in moderation as part of a varied diet. Labels and a personal understanding of your diet can help you achieve that balance.”

Reario recommends a straightforward daily routine to begin this journey: “Start by consistently checking the serving size and the nutrition facts panel, especially for sugar, sodium, and fat content. This small step can lead to significant changes in our overall dietary patterns.”

Amidst an abundance of food options, the modest food label becomes a potent ally. Filipino consumers can genuinely take charge of their health and well-being, one smart decision at a time, by promoting clear information, encouraging nutrition literacy, and reminding ourselves of the timeless value of balance.