The Philippines’ food landscape is seeing a dynamic mix of international flavors, local innovation, and seasonal offerings as the holidays approach.
Here are the holiday eats and treats you can savor this season:
U.S. cheeses gain popularity
The USA Cheese Guild has intensified efforts in the Philippines, offering specialized training programs for chefs, culinary students, and retailers.
The USA Cheese Specialist™ Certification Program equips participants with knowledge about handling, pairing, and showcasing American cheeses.
Recent data shows U.S. cheese exports to the Philippines rose 24% in 2024, driven by growing demand for varieties such as cream cheese, cheddar, and Monterey Jack. Collaborations with local restaurants, including Subway® Philippines, are helping introduce these cheeses to Filipino diners.
World Kitchens launches holiday menu
Araneta City’s World Kitchens has unveiled a holiday menu featuring Japanese, Italian, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asian cuisines.
Seasonal offerings include seafood cakes, char siu ribs, festive pizzas, and Filipino-inspired holiday drinks. Designed for group dining, the destination provides interactive experiences across 15 showkitchens and over 700 seats, aiming to make holiday meals both flavorful and engaging.
CHAGEE and tanned Hello Kitty offer festive tea
CHAGEE introduces its seasonal Cocoa Oolong Milk Tea, blended with premium Wuyi Oolong and Côte d’Ivoire cocoa.
The beverage is paired with collectible Tanned Hello Kitty merchandise, bringing a playful and cozy touch to the holidays.
A pop-up at Trinoma Activity Center offers tastings, interactive activities, and festive photo opportunities for fans.
GCredit helps ease Noche Buena planning
GCredit, a digital credit line from GCash, offers flexible options for breadwinners to upgrade their Noche Buena spread.
Tips for stress-free holiday preparations include early menu planning, meal prep, and small upgrades to classic dishes.
GCredit allows purchases at supermarkets, restaurants, and e-commerce platforms, helping families celebrate without financial strain.
Jolly Heart Mate turns cooking into acts of compassion
Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil celebrated the success of its “Share-the-Love with Heart Mate” campaign, which ran from July 15 to Oct. 15, 2025. For every product purchased at Robinsons Supermarket during the period, P5 was donated to the Philippine General Hospital Medical Foundation, surpassing the initial P1 million pledge and raising P1,227,450.
The official turnover took place on November 27 at Robinsons Supermarket Ermita. The donation supports essential medical programs and services for PGH patients, turning everyday cooking into meaningful contributions.
Fly Ace Corporation Vice President for Marketing Abigail Ng-Reyes said the milestone also marked the brand’s 25th anniversary, reinforcing Jolly Heart Mate’s commitment to heart-healthy cooking and community wellness.
“We are very humbled as a company that throughout these 25 years, our consumers have given their trust, love, and support to Heart Mate, allowing us to become the number one canola oil brand in the market today,” she added.
foodpanda launches commuter ‘We Gotchu Stops’
To support holiday commuters, food delivery service foodpanda has installed vending machines and rest stops across key locations in Metro Manila, including One Ayala and PITX.
These “We Gotchu Stops” provide free essentials such as water, sanitizer, hand fans, and charging stations, offering practical relief during the busy season.
Daily Beer brings Korean Chimaek culture to Manila
Daily Beer, a Korean chain specializing in craft beer and fried chicken, opened its first Manila branch at Arcovia City.
The menu features signature fried chicken, craft beers, and Korean comfort dishes, providing a casual yet lively dining experience.
Plans for additional branches in Fairview and Makati are already underway.
View this post on Instagram
Korean chicken craze joins baon tradition
Preparing packed meals, or baon, is a shared Asian love language that reflects care and affection, from Korean dosirak and Japanese bento to the ever-reliable Filipino lunch bag. Embracing the Korean chicken craze, Bounty Fresh recently introduced K-Fried Chikin, a ready-to-cook, Korean-inspired fried chicken perfect for both home meals and packed treats.
Available in BBQ and Sweet Vinegar flavors, it’s a saucy, crunchy option that fits modern, on-the-go lifestyles. The product joins Bounty Fresh’s Basta Baon line, reinforcing its commitment to convenient, high-quality food for Filipino families.
Jollibee Group partners with GrabFood for Rush Hour Rewards
The Jollibee Group and GrabFood have launched Rush Hour Rewards to help commuters in Greater Metro Manila. Customers can enjoy P100 discounts on orders from participating brands during morning and evening rush hours until Dec. 26, 2025. The initiative encourages advance ordering and aims to make busy commutes more convenient.
With a mix of international imports, seasonal dishes, and practical holiday initiatives, Filipino consumers have plenty of reasons to celebrate this season through food.
—with Rosette Adel
READ: December food roundup: Sweet treats, holiday deals, culinary collaborations
