The holiday season is in full swing, and this December, food lovers have plenty to look forward to, from festive treats to innovative collaborations and new arrivals that promise to delight the senses.
From festive desserts to culinary collaborations and innovative rewards, December is shaping up to be a flavorful month for food enthusiasts.
Here’s a roundup of the latest happenings in the local food scene:
Cooking meets legacy: UFC x Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo
Filipino culinary heritage takes center stage as UFC, the country’s leading condiments brand, teams up with actress and chef Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo. Together, they aim to elevate everyday home cooking with world-class quality. The partnership features online content, special vlog series, and recipes that showcase UFC’s diverse range of condiments, meal mixes and sauces for home cooks.
“Food is my passion, and I believe in bringing the same level of care and quality to every meal,” the actress said.
“Partnering with UFC allows us to show that Filipino flavors deserve global recognition,” she added.
Dessert dreams from Korea: Dessert 39 arrives
Korean dessert sensation Dessert 39 opens its first Southeast Asian branch this December at SM Mall of Asia. Known for its airy Croissant Choux, soft Tokyo Roll Cakes, and signature drinks like the Brown Sugar Pong Latte, Dessert 39 offers a sweet escape straight from your K-drama fantasies. The menu also includes zero-calorie beverages and ready-to-heat savory options for those craving a quick, flavorful bite.
The new dessert destination, brought in by The Bistro Group, will open this month at the 2nd floor Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia. It will serve handcrafted desserts, signature drinks and the easy charm of grab-and-go dining.
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Festive flavors and holiday treats
Mang Inasal is spreading Christmas cheer with its ChristmaSAYA Deals, Family Fiesta bundles, and the return of the 4 Cheese Halo-Halo. The dessert, a playful twist on the Filipino classic halo-halo, combines ice cream, cheesecake bites, leche flan, and grated cheese—a sweet and slightly salty indulgence perfect for sharing. For families on the go, drive-thru and delivery options make celebrating easy and convenient.
Meanwhile, 7-Eleven brings back the City Cafe Christmas Blind Cups, featuring limited-edition YUMO bag charms with every hot drink purchase. Collectors and coffee lovers can grab these festive charms while supplies last, adding a touch of holiday cheer to their daily caffeine fix.
Fun and learning for kids
Jollibee is helping children learn to tell time with the Jolly Watch Squad, a line of colorful watches featuring all their favorite Jolly Squad characters. Each watch comes with a simple guide to learning time and is available with Jollibee Kids Meals from December 1 to January 31. It’s a playful way to combine learning and holiday fun.
Innovations in convenience and rewards
Tech meets food this season with Mang Inasal’s partnership with Google Wallet, allowing customers to save vouchers and redeem deals directly from their phones.
Similarly, the new EastWest foodpanda Visa Credit Card rewards users with cashback on every order, whether for foodpanda deliveries or daily purchases. These innovations show how convenience and rewards are becoming central to the modern foodie experience.
CHAGEE’s new leadership
CHAGEE Philippines announced Christopher “Sonny” Tiong as Country General Manager and Oliver “Ollie” Rabatan as Deputy General Manager in celebration of its 8th global anniversary.
Tiong, with experience leading Krispy Kreme, Jamba Juice, and Pancake House, oversees nationwide expansion and operations, while Rabatan, former McDonald’s CMO, leads brand innovation and consumer engagement.
“CHAGEE’s story has always been about blending tradition and innovation. As we celebrate our 8th global anniversary, our team is taking that story even further—reaching more Filipinos, expanding our presence, and strengthening our community built on quality, culture, and connection. We look forward to continued growth in the next year as we bring more people together one CHAGEE cup at a time,” Tiong said.
“As CHAGEE continues to grow in the Philippines, our focus will be on building deeper connections with consumers through creativity, insight, and authenticity. We see great potential to strengthen how CHAGEE engages Filipinos through storytelling, design, and experiences that reflect modern lifestyles while celebrating our craft, culture, and community,” Rabatan added.
Celebrating generosity
Beyond the meals and treats, the holiday season is also a time to honor kindness. Cadbury’s latest campaign highlights the story of Eugene Dela Cruz, a young man whose journey from hardship to academic success underscores the impact of everyday generosity. With limited-edition chocolate sleeves designed to share heartfelt messages, Cadbury encourages Filipinos to celebrate the small acts of kindness that brighten everyday life.
—With Rosette Adel
