Food and lifestyle brands rolled out new offerings, expansions, campaigns, and shared recognitions this month.
Here are food scene updates this May, from homegrown meals and desserts to global fast-food growth and lifestyle collaborations.
Horchata concept space
Siesta, known for its horchata offerings, has expanded in the South with a new BF Homes, Parañaque branch alongside a concept space called Ola by Siesta at Alabang West Parade.
“Returning to the South is a full-circle moment for us. Siesta started in the South with a simple love for horchata that I would share with family and friends, and seeing that passion grow into a dedicated concept space feels surreal,” said founder Paola Huyong.
Ola by Siesta features a Horchata Tasting Flight available Fridays to Sundays at 6 p.m., offering five curated pours paired with dessert in limited sessions.
“With the launch of the Horchata Tasting Flight, we wanted to create an experience that feels entirely new,” Huyong added.
View this post on Instagram
Drive-thru and digital channel
Grill expert Mang Inasal continues to widen access to its Ihaw-Sarap meals through dine-in, delivery, and drive-thru expansion.
Customers can visit 613 stores nationwide for favorites such as Chicken Inasal Paa or Pecho, Pork BBQ, Palabo, and Extra Creamy Halo-Halo.
The brand has also expanded its delivery reach through its app and partners GrabFood and foodpanda, alongside ongoing drive-thru growth.
Recent openings include its eighth drive-thru store in Mariveles, Bataan, along with locations in Sta. Maria and Norzagaray in Bulacan, JP Rizal Nangka Marikina, Ejercito Taytay in Rizal, Calamba Crossing in Laguna, Maysan Valenzuela and Sto. Tomas Batangas.
“All these form part of our commitment to make the Unli-Saya experience accessible not only for dine-in but also for takeout, drive thru, and delivery,” Mang Inasal president Mike Castro said.
Named 2025 Top Brand in Philippines by Influential Brands®
Mang Inasal was also recognized as the 2025 Top Brand in the Philippines under the QSR Grilled Category by Influential Brands®, reinforcing its strong consumer presence.
“We are truly honored for Mang Inasal to be recognized as the 2025 Top Brand… This reflects the continued trust and love of our customers,” Castro said.
The recognition highlights both customer loyalty and the brand’s workforce behind its Ihaw-Sarap and Unli-Saya experience.
#MomInasal
The fast food restaurant chain also spotlighted modern Filipino moms through its #MomInasal narrative, showing how families balance home cooking with convenience dining.
“When I order Mang Inasal, the faces of my sons light up,” Mayen del Mundo-Comia said.
Others noted how mealtime decisions reflect care even when meals are not home-cooked.
New Manhattan store
Jollibee Group continues its North American expansion with a new store at East 42nd Street in Manhattan, New York.
The store saw strong opening demand, with long queues and sustained customer traffic following launch.
“The response to our East 42nd Street opening is very encouraging,” Jollibee North America President Beth Dela Cru said.
The group now operates 109 stores across the U.S. and Canada.
GameJoy Combos with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
The fast food chain has also partnered with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) for its GameJoy Combos campaign, blending fast food with gaming rewards.
“Filipino players have helped shape MLBB into the cultural phenomenon it is today,” MOONTON Games representative Kevin Acuña said.
The campaign includes P169 meals bundled with collectible hero cards, PIN-based rewards, and in-game items such as skins and emotes.
Spotlight on Chickenjoy Sarap Savers
Jollibee is likewise expanding its Chickenjoy lineup with the launch of Chickenjoy Sarap Savers, offering more affordable meal options as Filipinos look for value-driven dining choices.
The meals feature the brand’s signature fried chicken known for its crispy skin and juicy meat, with complete meal options starting at P99.
“At a time when people are being more careful with how they spend, we want to make sure they can still enjoy Chickenjoy in a meal that is filling and worth the price,” Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines, said.
She added that the offer provides practical choices without changing the taste consumers love.
The campaign is supported by actress Belle Mariano and highlights everyday moments when consumers look for affordable, satisfying meals.
Chickenjoy Sarap Savers are available nationwide for dine-in, takeout, drive-thru and delivery.
Summer Bundle features limited-edition bag charms
Meanwhile, Jollibee fans can now collect the Limited Edition Jollibee Bag Charm and the new Hetty Bag Charm as part of the Summer Bundle, priced at P455.
The bundle is available in participating stores nationwide via dine-in, takeout and drive-thru from May 15 to June 15.
The collectible items add a lifestyle and merch element to Jollibee’s seasonal offerings alongside its food promotions.
More details are available via Jollibee’s official promo page: Jollibee Summer Joy Treats
3G Sustainability Reporting Award, wins service excellence honor
Amid food offerings and expansion, Jollibee Group has been recognized with the 3G Excellence in Sustainability Reporting Award 2026, marking its second consecutive year of recognition.
The award highlights the company’s transparent and standards-aligned sustainability reporting under its “Joy for Tomorrow” framework, which covers Food, People, and Planet initiatives.
The group also received the 3G Championship Award for Service Excellence, recognizing strong customer service performance alongside sustainability efforts.
“These recognitions reflect our teams’ dedication across markets in advancing our Joy for Tomorrow agenda and elevating customer experience,” Global Chief Sustainability and Public Affairs Officer Pepot Miñana said.
TIME’s Most Influential Companies
The fast food chain was also included in the TIME100 Most Influential Companies 2026 list and ranked among the Top 10 Food & Drink companies globally.
TIME described Jollibee as a “fried chicken phenom,” citing its global expansion and strong market leadership.
The group now operates more than 10,400 stores and cafés across 33 countries.
Ernesto Tanmantiong said the recognition reflects disciplined expansion and long-term brand building.
“Say Cheese(Cake)!” dessert collection
Dairy Queen introduced its Say Cheese(Cake)! lineup featuring six dessert items combining cheesecake with fruits, chocolate, and soft serve.
Offerings include Mango Cheesecake Bliss Blizzard, Blueberry Cheesecake Fluff Blizzard, Berry KitKat Cheesecake Blizzard, and more, designed as visually driven, shareable treats.
Nightlife curated experiences
Johnnie Walker launched Ruby Nights, a nightlife series featuring curated DJ sets and themed cocktails across Metro Manila venues.
Signature drinks include Librarian’s Julep and Ruby Reverie, served in locations such as The Spirits Library and Medusa at The Palace.
View this post on Instagram
The series combines music, cocktails and nightlife culture across multiple bar activations.
