(Updated March 27, 6:45 p.m.) From heritage-driven culinary initiatives to value-focused meals and heat-beating beverages, the Philippine food scene this month reflects how tradition, affordability and experience continue to shape how Filipinos eat.
Here are the latest developments in the Philippine food scene this March.
Reviving heritage through modern Filipino cooking
The Maya Kitchen is reviving its Maya Culinary Elite program, reframing it as a platform to reconnect Filipino cooks with heritage ingredients while adapting them for modern kitchens.
Originally created by Liberty Commodities Corporation, the initiative gathers chefs, creators, and culinary advocates to collaborate on recipes and food education. Its return places stronger emphasis on regional ingredients and storytelling, in partnership with FEATR.
“For decades, Maya has been part of Filipino family traditions—from breakfast hotcakes to first baking experiences in the kitchen,” Ernesto Fajardo, president of Liberty Commodities Corporation, said.
“Reviving the Maya Culinary Elite allows us to strengthen that legacy…” he added.
A key collaborator is Erwan Heussaff, who introduces the concept “Not-So Modern Filipino Pantry,” reinterpreting heritage ingredients into contemporary recipes.
“What makes this partnership special for me is that it connects storytelling with ingredients that people can actually cook with at home,” Heussaff said.
Fast food leans into value meals
Amid rising costs, Jollibee has introduced a new Super Meal lineup combining several of its core products into one plate.
The Super Meal A includes Chickenjoy, Jolly Spaghetti, and Yumburger with rice and a drink, priced at P185. Other variations offer combinations with fries or burger steak, reflecting efforts to balance variety and affordability.
“We understand everyone’s looking to make smart, practical choices these days,” Dorothy Dee-Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines, said.
New concepts reshape urban dining spaces
In Taguig’s Forbes Town, a wave of new concepts highlights the blending of food, wellness, and nightlife.
Upcoming openings include Uncle Bob’s, The Fat Seed Cafe + Roastery, and The Lunch Lady, alongside nightlife-oriented venues such as Three Dots and GotSoul MNL, pointing to a growing demand for spaces that combine dining with lifestyle experiences.
Meanwhile, CHAGEE continues to expand locally, including a new location at PNB Makati Center.
Summer offerings
CHAGEE is also strengthening its Philippine lineup with a new Iced Lemon Fruit Tea series, reflecting demand for lighter, fruit-based drinks during the hot season.
The lineup includes jasmine, da hong pao and glutinous lemon variants, alongside a peach oolong option.
Positioned as a permanent addition, the drinks signal the brand’s continued push into the premium tea segment while adapting to local preferences for refreshing beverages.
“We are thrilled to introduce our much-anticipated Iced Lemon Fruit Tea series—a new category that pairs authentic and high-quality tea bases with real fruit flavors, setting a new, higher standard for the ultimate summer refreshment,” Christopher “Sonny” Tiong, the brand’s general manager, said.
“Here in the Philippines, refreshment isn’t optional—it’s a must. That’s why we’re excited to make the Iced Lemon Fruit Tea series a permanent part of our menu, giving every Filipino a lighter, brighter, and more refreshing drink infused with CHAGEE’s trusted tea DNA,” the exec added.
Brunch and beyond
At Solaire Resort Entertainment City, Italian restaurant Finestra is introducing “Brunchissimo,” a curated Sunday dining experience by Chef Andrea Spagoni.
The offering combines buffet selections, live cooking stations, and cocktail service, underscoring the shift toward experiential dining formats where atmosphere and variety are as important as the food itself.
Halo-halo blowout
Mang Inasal is rolling out its annual National Halo-Halo Blowout, highlighting its Extra Creamy Halo-Halo as a summer staple.
Customers can avail of discounted offers on March 22 for dine-in and takeout, followed by a separate delivery promotion on March 29. The campaign coincides with product updates, including added milk components aimed at extending creaminess and refreshed packaging.
The push is supported by brand ambassador Fyang Smith, who fronts the Extra Creamy Halo-Halo in current campaign materials and digital content.
Sustainability efforts
Beyond dining, sustainability remains a growing focus across the food industry.
Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines is expanding its Tapon to Ipon recycling initiative through a partnership with the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines and the provincial government of Quirino.
The program aims to increase PET bottle recovery and strengthen recycling systems across local government units, including support for collection infrastructure and equipment.
Similarly, Nestlé Philippines was recognized at the 2026 EPR Recognition Program for its role in advancing plastic recovery and recycling systems under the country’s Extended Producer Responsibility framework.
New ambassadors
7-Eleven City Cafe added Kapuso actors Miguel Tanfelix and Cassy Legaspi to coffee ambassador team
Joining Darren Espanto, Miguel and Cassy now complete 7-Eleven’s City Cafe Next-Gen Coffee Besties, bringing energy and flavor to daily coffee runs. Darren is described as “the total performer,” Miguel “the always-in-action star,” and Cassy “the bubbly ball of sunshine.”
To highlight the announcement, the trio shared their favorite drinks and a 2 + 1 coffee promo running until March 31, which features Brewed Coffee, French Vanilla, Mochaccino, Signature Hot Chocolate, and Spanish Latte made with 100% Arabica beans, with optional Hazelnut or Caramel syrup for an extra P10.
PICKUP COFFEE’s 4th year anniversary
Celebrating more than 500 stores nationwide, PICKUP COFFEE commemorated its fourth anniversary with partners, stakeholders, and endorsers Donny Pangilinan and Hannah Pangilinan.
“Reaching four years is both a moment to reflect and a signal of what’s ahead for PICKUP. It’s less about the brand turning four, and more about the everyday routines we’ve built with our customers—cup after cup, across the country,” Francis Flores, Global Managing Director, said.
The brand is also expanding its offerings, including Protein UP, the Summer Fresh Fruits series, and a strengthened PICKUP App, which now handles over 1.8 million transactions a year. Franchising opportunities will be officially introduced at the Philippine Franchise Asia Expo from April 24–26, 2026.
pandamart now open 24/7 for grocery needs
Foodpanda’s pandamart is now fully operational 24/7 across major cities, offering fresh produce, raw meats, pantry staples, and household essentials delivered to your door.
“With our 24/7 stores, customers can now get grocery essentials anytime they need them, with the quality they expect at prices they can afford. Whether it’s fruits and vegetables at 3 PM or 3 AM, pandamart is ready to deliver,” Joseph Wijesekara, director for Q-Commerce, said.
Morton’s The Steakhouse launches decadent new menu additions
The iconic fine-dining chain now serves French Oscietra Caviar, Seared Foie Gras, a 36-oz Whole Baked Lobster, and a 70-oz Veal Shank Osso Bucco, complementing its signature USDA Prime steaks and seafood offerings.
The steakhouse is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for unch service, and 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. for dinner. Tables can be reserved via mortons.com.ph or by calling its contact number at 0917 144 9415.
Earth Hour
Jollibee Group mobilizes over 5,300 stores for Earth Hour 2026
For Earth Hour 2026, the Jollibee Group will switch off non-essential lights across its 5,354 stores and facilities worldwide, encouraging global climate action.
“Our participation reflects our belief that collective action across thousands of locations can create meaningful momentum for environmental responsibility,” Pepot Miñana, Jollibee Group Global Chief Sustainability and Public Affairs Officer, said.
The participating brands include Jollibee, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Tim Ho Wan, Smashburger, Chowking, Red Ribbon, Highlands Coffee, Milksha, Greenwich, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Yonghe King, Mang Inasal, Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters and Tiong Bahru Bakery.
Meanwhile, over 4,000 7-Eleven stores nationwide will turn off non-essential lights and dim signage from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on March 28, as part of the global initiative.
The brand also promotes eco-friendly practices year-round, including the Good Coffee, Good Habits campaign for reusable cups, the Bring Your Own Bag initiative, and the Mindanao Farm to Cup program supporting local farmers.
—With Rosette Adel
