The new year is off to a delicious start, with January serving up a feast for food lovers across the Philippines.
Here’s a look at the month’s standout food and drink highlights, featuring exciting offerings from local favorites and more.
Ice cream and sweet indulgence
Carmen’s Best kicked off the year by expanding its product lineup with limited-edition ice cream flavors and a new milk bar.
The new Ube Halaya and Tiramisu flavors are “familiar, well-loved desserts, but made the Carmen’s Best way: 100% fresh milk, no shortcuts, and handcrafted using only the finest ingredients,” Cammie Jimenez, senior brand manager, shared.
Part of the sales from these flavors goes toward building public school classrooms in partnership with HOPE Philippines.
The brand also introduced the Carmen’s Best Milk Bar, a 183-calorie treat made with pure milk that provides 12% of the daily calcium intake.
“Whether you’re a longtime Carmen’s Best fan or just about to discover its ultra-indulgent, 100% fresh milk, and its #NoShortcuts philosophy…this is your chance to treat yourself,” the brand noted.
Dairy Queen also added a spark of childhood nostalgia with its January Blizzard of the Month: the Poppin’ Candy Fantasy collection. Featuring treats like the Popping Cotton Candy Blizzard and Blueberry Popping Candy Blizzard, each dessert mixes soft serve with popping candies and syrup for a whimsical, playful bite.
Savory and spicy favorites
Fans of Filipino barbecue can continue enjoying Mang Inasal’s Spicy Pork BBQ, extended until April 30.
“We will continue serving the spicy Pork BBQ for another quarter…for that juicy-lambot sarap with a kick!” Mang Inasal President Mike Castro said.
Jollibee brought back Mix & Match, giving customers the freedom to pair popular mains and sides starting at P78.
“Mix & Match is all about bringing people together over the Jollibee favorites they love…Kahit anong piliin mo, masarap. Kahit sinong kasama mo, mas masaya!” Dorothy Ching, VP for Marketing, explained.
This year, Mix & Match is endorsed by BINI, the Nation’s Girl Group.
“BINI reflects what Mix & Match stands for. Just like with food, life is better when everything you love comes together,” Ching added.
Siklab+, the Filipino dining concept under The Bistro Group, opened its biggest branch at Conrad S’Maison, accommodating 265 guests and three function rooms.
“Our biggest branch is more than just a restaurant. It is where Filipino food brings people together, sharing precious experiences, in a spacious and welcoming ambiance,” Guia Abuel, COO of The Bistro Group, shared.
The menu continues to serve bold Filipino flavors, from Kuhol ni Tanggol to Paboritong Pork Sisig and Trio Sinigang na Baboy.
International flavors and cocktail experiences
For a taste of Latin culture, Waterside at Solaire Resort launched Latin Nights, featuring dishes like Bourbon Barbecue Pork Ribs, Chimichurri Chicken, and Pastel De Fideo. The buffet is paired with cocktails including Mojitos, Caipirinhas, and Piña Coladas, creating a “truly immersive culinary journey” led by Chef Sherwin Reyes.
Cocktail enthusiasts can also look forward to Philippine Cocktail Week, presented by Maya Black, happening February 5 to 8. The event brings together 28 international bars and 28 of Manila’s top local bars in citywide collaborations.
“Philippine Cocktail Week reflects the best of modern Filipino hospitality…we’re proud to support an event that positions Manila confidently on the global stage,” Maya’s Chief Marketing Officer Pepe Torres said.
Denny’s unveiled its first-ever all-day cocktails and mocktails, available 24/7 at select branches. From dessert-inspired Mudslide to the floral Make ’Em Blush and indulgent Ube Cream Cocktail, the drinks are served with dramatic tableside flair, giving diners a visually and gustatorily memorable experience.
Everyday convenience and food savings
Starting the year smart, foodpanda’s pandapro Pro Weeks ran from January 22 to 31, giving subscribers exclusive deals on food delivery, groceries, and pick-up orders.
“Saving does not have to mean sacrificing convenience…turning good intentions at the start of the year into something more sustainable,” the service noted, with discounts on brands like KFC, Shakey’s Pizza and CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice.
Industry moves
Finally, in the corporate side of food and beverage, Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines appointed Chris Pesigan as its new CEO, effective January 2026.
“It is an honor to lead Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines at such a transformative and exciting time…we are more driven than ever to deliver sustainable growth for our people, customers, and communities,” Pesigan reflected.
—With Rosette Adel
