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Food entrepreneurs and merchants from across the Visayas recently converged in Cebu City for foodpanda’s CRAVE Partner Summit & Awards 2026, underscoring the platform’s growing role in helping regional food businesses reach more customers, streamline operations, and expand beyond their home markets. The gathering spotlighted how digital platforms are enabling local food enterprises to scale their presence and tap into opportunities across provincial borders.

Patricia Jacinto, Director for Growth and Marketing, previewed upcoming Christmas campaigns to help partner vendors capture seasonal demand and drive growth

Restaurant leaders from key hubs across Central, Eastern, and Western Visayas came together at the summit, which centered on equipping homegrown merchants with the digital tools and capabilities they need to adapt, grow, and stay competitive in an evolving market. 

Beyond delivery logistics, foodpanda is enabling regional vendors to leverage real-time customer analytics, targeted marketing solutions, and improved delivery fulfillment to capture demand both locally and from visiting tourists.

“Our mission is to actively power the growth of our merchant partners,” said Patricia Jacinto, Director for Growth and Marketing at foodpanda Philippines. “When Visayan restaurants combine their culinary expertise with foodpanda’s ecosystem and insights, they can respond faster to market shifts, drive higher order volumes, and sustainably scale their businesses beyond physical storefronts.”

Honoring the Visayas’ Top-Growing Brands

CRAVE 2026 celebrated regional partner vendors across the Visayas that leveraged foodpanda’s platform to achieve exceptional business performance and operational scale. 

Rose Pharmacy was recognized with the gold Operational Excellence in foodpanda shops Award for seamless and reliable service.

Market leadership and sales performance were recognized through the Pau-Pau’s Top of Table award, which went to Alberto’s Pizza, Sal’s Bar and Restaurant, Dimsum Break, Ribshack, and PorkHub. 

Alberto’s Pizza received the gold Pau Pau’s Top of Table Award for outstanding sales performance and market leadership.

Felisa’s Cafe & Restaurant earned the gold Pau Pau’s Brand Spotlight Award for innovative marketing and business growth.

Meanwhile, Felisa’s Cafe & Restaurant, Mom Rose, Cebu’s Tasty Lechon, Cribs, and Ram’s Pizza, Pasta and Milktea, and Metro Retail Supermarket were honored with the Pau-Pau’s Brand Spotlight for their innovative marketing and strong platform partnership. 

Metro Retail Supermarket claimed the gold Pau Pau’s Brand Spotlight in foodpanda shops Award for consistent growth and partnership.

Hybrid Coffee was honored with the gold Operational Excellence Award for high operational standards and reliable service.

Demonstrating seamless fulfillment and high service reliability, Hybrid Coffee, Somac Korean Restaurant, Got Tea? Crafted Milk Tea, Popcha Milktea Station, Gabby’s Bistro, and Rose Pharmacy took home the Operational Excellence award. 

Hukad Everyday Filipino took the gold People’s Palate Award for its strong customer following and ratings.

Sisigan Sa Doctors claimed the gold Pau Pau’s Momentum Master Award for strong H1 2026 performance.

Finally, the People’s Palate Award recognized crowd favorites with outstanding customer ratings and repeat orders, honoring Hukad Everyday Filipino, SAJ HUT, Mango Magic, Dapogan, and Wingers Unlimited.

Driving Continuous Merchant Scale

To support long-term restaurant growth ahead of the upcoming holiday season, foodpanda is deepening its ecosystem with enhanced AI-driven forecasting tools and automated marketing features designed to help regional vendors maximize daily capacity and attract repeat diners.

CRAVE 2026 brought together foodpanda partner vendors from across the Visayas to celebrate their shared achievements and growth-driven partnerships.

“We view ourselves as a complete growth engine for regional entrepreneurs,” added Jacinto. “We’re here to ensure local food brands across the Visayas have every technological advantage needed to thrive.”

Following its successful Cebu event, the nationwide CRAVE 2026 roadshow heads to Manila for its final leg.

Consider the daily routine of a young, aspiring digital creator: attending school during the day and dedicating their free time to gaming, watching livestreams, and producing original digital content.

It’s a familiar story nowadays as millions of Filipino youth dream of becoming a professional gamer, a podcast host, or a top-tier content creator, and inevitably, they wonder when it will be their turn. 

For those outside the capital, such big goals can feel a bit out of reach. But Converge is changing the game and pulling out all the stops to make sure the Filipino youth, no matter where they live, get the break they’ve been waiting for.

This is the beating heart of the Converge FiberX Student League Ambassador program Season 2. Following its launch in Cebu this past July, Converge made a promise: to shine a spotlight on the world-class talent emerging throughout Visayas and Mindanao.

Dreams come forward

Instead of waiting for these young hopefuls packing their bags to find their way to the capital, Converge set up the ultimate digital stage and drove it straight to their city.

Last August 10, the LimitlessXPRESS truck made its highly anticipated first stop at Southwestern University PHINMA in Cebu. The mobile stage cruised through Cebu’s most iconic streets to bring interactive gaming, experience zones, and other fun activities in the region.

Converge LimitlessXPRESS truck

The truck went on a journey from Urgello Street and Osmena Boulevard, past the Fuente Osmena Circle and Carbon Market, all the way to the modern hubs of Cebu Business Park and IT Park.  And bringing the dreams closer to the students, it also passed by the University of the Visayas, University of San Carlos, and the University of the Philippines Cebu, letting the whole city know that the digital revolution has arrived.

A stage for the youth

Inside, the students are greeted with a high-tech playground designed for the modern youth; a space where passions meet pure fiber power. 

Inside Converge LimitlessXPRESS truck

Aspiring esports gamers stepped inside for high-stakes 1v1 gaming battles, testing their competitive edge. On the other hand, future storytellers and musicians found their voice in a professional live audio setup, trying their hand at podcasting about back-to-school or simply singing their hearts out. Students also enjoyed Converge’s digital platform where they could register, earn rewards, and take their very first steps toward becoming a student ambassador.

But beyond the interactive activities and high-speed connectivity, the LimitlessXPRESS truck carries a much deeper message: it is a symbol of recognizing the regional youth's potential. By bringing this one-of-a-kind experience directly to the young dreamers of Cebu, Converge is telling them that their passions matter and that their future is worthy investing in.

The journey continues

The best part is that the journey is just getting started. As the LimitlessXPRESS truck continues its campus tour across Cebu, Converge is also gearing up to bring this unstoppable energy to meet the brilliant young minds of Mindanao.

LimitlessXPRESS truck

“For us, our move to Visayas and Mindanao is not just an expansion, but is our direct investment to nation-building by giving the youth the opportunity to explore and enhance their potential so they can succeed and become the digital leaders of tomorrow,” shared JP Aguilar, SVP & Consumer Business Group Head of Converge.

“The LimitlessXPRESS truck is one of the most exciting parts of our campaign to date,” added Orange Ramirez, VP and Brand & Marketing Head of Converge. “We know these students are looking for their big break, so instead of waiting for them to find us, we decided to roll up and make it accessible to them. This truck aims to give the students a memorable experience of finding their ‘X’ which is the essence of this year’s campaign.”

The wheels are turning, the stage is set, and for the students of VisMin, the possibilities are finally limitless.

Want to keep up with the journey? Follow the official Converge Facebook page for all the latest on the FiberX Student League Ambassadors Program Season 2.

ABOUT CONVERGE ICT SOLUTIONS, INC.

Converge Information and Communications Technology Solutions, Inc. (PSE:CNVRG) is the fastest-growing fixed broadband service provider in the Philippines. It is the first to run an end- to-end pure fiber internet network in the country, providing Filipinos simple, fast, and reliable connectivity. Aside from broadband services, Converge also offers integrated data center and network solutions services. With over 900,000 kilometers of fiber optic assets nationwide, it has one of the most extensive fiber networks in the Philippines.

With the company’s fiber-powered network, Converge provides premium world-class digital experiences for residential, enterprise, and wholesale customers. Converge is ISO 9001 and CE2.0 Certified. 

Go to www.convergeict.com for more information.

ABOUT CCEPlay

CCEPlay, is the gamified community platform of WP/Gaming, a culture-led consulting and

marketing company. CCEPlay is dedicated to advancing education and hands-on experiences in gaming and technology. Through engaging digital content, competitive leagues and tournaments, and community-driven initiatives, CCEPlay enables brands and college students to engage meaningfully with the gaming industry: cultivating student passion, strengthening community connection, and contributing to a thriving gaming ecosystem that delivers long-term value and sustainable opportunities.

Tripartite partnership equips local entrepreneurs with digital commerce skills, connectivity, and market access

Acting Regional Director of DTI Region VII Esperanza Melgar (second from left); TikTok Shop Philippines Marketing Lead Franco Aligaen (center); and Converge ICT Solutions Inc. Senior Vice President and Head of SME Business Group Dindo Marzan (second from right) formalize their tripartite partnership to expand digital commerce opportunities for MSMEs through TikTok Shop’s Unlad Lokal program in Cebu City.

TikTok Shop, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Converge ICT Solutions Inc. are joining forces to expand access to digital commerce opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Visayas.

The partnership brings together the DTI’s expertise and network in MSME development, Converge’s connectivity capabilities, and TikTok Shop’s discovery-led commerce platform and seller education resources under its Unlad Lokal program. Launched in Cebu, which also serves as the first Visayas leg of Unlad Lokal, the program aims to help local entrepreneurs and creators build their digital capabilities, reach wider markets, and participate more actively in the digital economy. 

"Digitalization creates new opportunities for Filipino entrepreneurs to build businesses beyond the limitations of geography, but access to the right knowledge, tools, and support remains critical. Through Unlad Lokal, we are bringing these capabilities closer to communities outside Luzon, starting with Cebu. As the digital commerce ecosystem continues to grow across Visayas and Mindanao, our partnership with the DTI and Converge allows us to invest further in seller and creator empowerment, allowing more Filipinos to benefit from TikTok Shop's discovery commerce ecosystem for business growth and livelihood," said Franco Aligaen, Marketing Lead for TikTok Shop Philippines.

Bringing digital commerce closer to regional entrepreneurs

From July 2025 to July 2026, TikTok Shop orders across Visayas and Mindanao grew by 140%, while the number of sellers and creators increased by 50% and 160%, respectively, driven by on-ground acquisition, education, and partnership. LIVE gross merchandise value (GMV) also increased by 130% during the same period, reflecting the significant role of content and creators in driving commerce across the region.

The growth points to a thriving digital commerce and content ecosystem in VisMin, creating more opportunities for local businesses to connect with consumers and for creators to participate in content-driven commerce.

The partnership also comes as the City of Cebu continues to thrive, with its economy growing by 7.0% in 2024, reaching an estimated ₱334.48 billion, while the Province of Cebu recorded 7.3% growth to ₱441.14 billion during the same period, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

The Department of Trade and Industry, TikTok Shop, and Converge SME Solutions share insights on digitalization, connectivity, and opportunities for MSMEs during the Cebu launch of Unlad Lokal.

“This tripartite partnership reaffirms DTI commitment to capacitate our Filipino MSMEs with the tools and skills needed to participate effectively and efficiently in the digital economy,” said Acting Regional Director of DTI Region VII Esperanza Melgar. “We are not just getting entrepreneurs online, we are equipping them to thrive online.”

Through Unlad Lokal, participants received practical training on TikTok Shop's seller ecosystem, including short-form content creation, LIVE selling, affiliate marketing, campaigns, and other tools designed to strengthen product discovery and customer engagement. TikTok Shop's discovery e-commerce model enables consumers to discover products through engaging content, giving local entrepreneurs new ways to showcase their products, tell their brand stories, and reach customers beyond their immediate markets. The program also introduces ways local businesses can combine content and commerce to build visibility and grow their businesses online.

Since its launch, Unlad Lokal has trained over 35,000 MSMEs nationwide and expanded to more than 15 cities and regions, extending seller education and digital entrepreneurship initiatives to communities across the country.

Connecting businesses to the digital economy

For many entrepreneurs, access to digital platforms is closely linked to access to reliable connectivity. Through the tripartite partnership, Converge aims to complement digital commerce and MSME development efforts by supporting the infrastructure that enables entrepreneurs to create content, manage online businesses, engage customers, and participate in activities such as LIVE selling.

“If technology feels too complicated or too expensive, MSMEs will simply leave it on the shelf. Our job is to make technology simple, affordable, and useful enough to become part of their everyday business. That is how we earn their trust,” said Dindo Marzan, Senior Vice President and Head of SME Business Group of Converge SME Solutions Inc.

The partnership also reflects the growing role of cross-sector collaboration in helping MSMEs navigate digital transformation. By combining government support with private-sector technology, connectivity, and platform expertise, the initiative aims to lower practical barriers for entrepreneurs who want to establish or expand their presence online.

Cebuano entrepreneurs participate in TikTok Shop's Unlad Lokal training, gaining practical skills in digital commerce, content creation, and online selling.

Preparing Cebu sellers for the 9.9 Mega Campaign

The Cebu launch also gives participating sellers an opportunity to put digital commerce strategies into practice and connect their products with a broader pool of customers leading up to TikTok Shop's Mega Sale Season, across 9.9, 11.11, and 12.12. 

Ahead of major campaign moments, sellers can strengthen their storefronts and content, develop short-form videos that showcase their products, and use LIVE selling and affiliate marketing to drive discovery and engagement. Beyond content and promotions, sellers are encouraged to ramp up their operations, including product information, inventory, pricing, fulfillment, and customer service, to ensure they can respond effectively to increased customer interest and demand. TikTok Shop is also working with local warehouse and logistics partners to enable more seamless delivery across the Visayas and Mindanao. 

“Major sales moments give local sellers an opportunity to reach new customers and showcase their products to a wider audience. Through Unlad Lokal, we want Cebuano entrepreneurs to have the practical skills to make the most of these opportunities, from creating engaging content and going LIVE to preparing their businesses to meet customer demand,” added Aligaen.

As Unlad Lokal continues to expand, TikTok Shop aims to build on the program's learnings from communities across the country and provide entrepreneurs with continued access to education, mentorship, platform resources, and opportunities to connect with customers and creators.

About TikTok Shop

TikTok Shop is a one-stop e-commerce solution for driving brand growth and sales directly on TikTok. With TikTok Shop, merchants can tap into a full commerce experience with the capability to upload products and manage everything from shipping to fulfillment and point of purchase. Products are recommended to TikTok audiences through shoppable content formats such as in-feed short videos (embedded with product links), live shopping events, as well as a marketplace through the new Shop Tab.

Starbucks Philippines welcomes the Mid-Autumn Festival with the launch of its Starbucks® Mooncake Gift Set, a modern take on a tradition long associated with reunion, gratitude and shared moments! The Starbucks® Mooncake Gift Set is available starting August 15, 2026 in Starbucks stores nationwide for a limited time only.

A modern, molten-centered take on the traditional Mid-Autumn mooncake, the limited-edition Starbucks® Mooncake Gift Set invites you to savor festive laughter and enjoy time together with your loved ones this Mid-Autumn Festival. 

The set comes with 2 flavor assortments: 

• Lava Custard (4 pcs) – Filled with rich custard center wrapped in a soft delicate pastry for a luxurious festive treat
• Lava Cappuccino (2 pcs) – Filled with smooth molten cappuccino lava, combining creamy coffee notes with delicate handcrafted pastry

As a symbol of unity and gratitude, the Starbucks® Mooncake gift set is crafted for sharing and designed to pair with Starbucks whole bean coffee or Starbucks VIA® Ready Brew for a complete at-home festive ritual.

MSRP: PHP 2,295.00

Some athletes don't come to Mactan for races. Some of them already work here, too.

Guests at Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown may know Laurence Amistad from Housekeeping, Ian Keith Generalao as a Beach Lifeguard, and Michel Filoteo as a Duty Manager.

But beyond their hotel roles, the three share another identity: they are athletes who make time to stay active and challenge themselves.

That was put into action when they joined the Sunrise Sprint, stepping away from their usual roles supporting athletes and becoming participants themselves.

For Laurence, Ian, and Michel, being an athlete means finding time to train while balancing the demands of their jobs. Laurence brings his physical energy from Housekeeping into running, Ian’s work as a Beach Lifeguard requires physical readiness, and Michel balances responsibilities as Duty Manager with his own active lifestyle.

“Supporting our employees in initiatives like the Sunrise Sprint is one way we encourage them to challenge themselves and be part of the sporting community,” said Josef Victor Chiongbian, General Manager of Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown. “We are proud of Laurence, Michel, and Ian for taking on the challenge.”

Their participation reflects Savoy’s broader involvement in Mactan’s sports community.

For four consecutive years, the hotel has served as a partner accommodation for IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu Philippines presented by Megaworld, welcoming athletes and their teams as they prepare, compete, and recover during the event.

Savoy has also supported Philippine Airlines athletes Dalton Simon Castaneda, Sheila Co, and Matthew Geremy Tan, as well as long-time partner and Kevlo Spa owner Mark Geniston, reflecting Savoy’s belief that sports are also about the connections built around them. Events bring together athletes, businesses, organizations, and communities, creating opportunities to support one another beyond the race itself.

“Sports bring different people and organizations together,” Chiongbian added. “We value the partnerships we have built through these events, and we are happy to extend our support not only to our own employees, but also to the athletes and partners who are part of the wider community.”

Mactan is no stranger to sporting events. With marathons, triathlons, and other races regularly taking place across the island, sports have become an established part of the destination’s identity. Its waters, roads, and landscapes provide the natural setting, while hotels, businesses, organizers, and communities help create the environment that supports the athletes who come here.

For Savoy, that support begins close to home.

The athletes who bring energy to Mactan’s sporting events are not always visitors arriving from somewhere else. Sometimes, they are the people already here, working, living, and becoming part of the destination in their own way.

And for Savoy, supporting Mactan’s sports scene means making sure these athletes have a place in it, too.

2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu presented by Megaworld

Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) transformed World Gin Day, from Luzon to Visayas and Mindanao, into a month-long celebration of gin through Ginuman X—a series of fun, fresh, immersive events that brought together music, cocktails, community, and Pinoy camaraderie.

Ginuman X, City of Talisay, Cebu

Held in June across four major locations—RSA Sports Complex in Balayan, Batangas; Talisay City, Cebu; Robinsons Antipolo; and Pueblo de Oro in Cagayan de Oro—Ginuman X marked the newest evolution of the company's iconic Ginumanfest, bringing World Gin Day celebration closer to more consumers nationwide.

More than a concert series, Ginuman X showcased how gin continues to evolve alongside today's generation of consumers while remaining deeply rooted in Filipino culture. For decades, Ginebra San Miguel has been part of countless celebrations, reunions, milestones, and simple moments shared among family and friends. Through Ginuman X, the brand demonstrated that gin remains as relevant as ever—bringing together Gen Z, Millennials, and long-time gin enthusiasts.

Festivalfoers at Ginuman X Festival

"Gin is the only liquor with botanicals highlighting the juniper berry. Brandy, rum and other liquors do not have botanicals, hence gin is unique in both ingredients and flavor.”, said Ron Molina, GSMI Marketing Manager. "Through Ginuman X, we created a more immersive experience that celebrates not only the versatility and quality of gin, but also the spirit of togetherness that has always defined the Ginebra brand. It is our way of showing that gin continues to bring people together across generations."

Building on more than a decade of World Gin Day celebrations, Ginuman X represents the latest chapter in GSMI's continuing efforts to elevate gin appreciation in the country. Since introducing the first World Gin Day celebration in the Asia-Pacific Region in 2014 during the 180th anniversary of flagship brand, Ginebra San Miguel, GSMI has consistently expanded the celebration through innovative consumer experiences, including the One Ginebra Nation Tour, the "Gin Is In" campaign, and last year's "Your World of Gin Experience."

This year, the company raised the bar once again.

The "X" in Ginuman X stands for “eXperience, eXtraordinary, and eXciting”—three elements that defined every stop of the nationwide celebration.

Filipino hip-hop group ALLMO$T at Ginuman X

Chocolate Factory at Ginuman X festival

Ginuman X Festivalgoers enjoying the games

Oh! Caraga at Ginuman X

Festivalgoers also enjoyed interactive cocktail demonstrations, games, raffle prizes, exclusive merchandise, and engaging brand activities that encouraged participation while showcasing the versatility of Ginebra products in modern cocktail culture.

For Paolo Jose "Tooper" Tupaz, GSMI Group Product Manager, Ginuman X reflects how the company continues to innovate while staying true to its heritage.

"Ginuman X is our biggest and most immersive World Gin Month celebration yet. We created an experience where people don't simply attend an event—they become part of it. We introduced a new way of celebrating gin while keeping alive the Filipino spirit of tagayan, friendship, and community that has always made Ginebra special," Tupaz said.

Ginuman X Festival

Beyond entertainment, Ginuman X also carried a deeper purpose.

A portion of the proceeds from the nationwide events was donated to the San Miguel Foundation, allowing every celebration to contribute to meaningful community programs.

"Celebrations become even more meaningful when they create a positive impact beyond the event itself," Tupaz added. "Every ticket, every toast, and every shared experience helped support communities through the San Miguel Foundation. It's our way of reminding everyone that great celebrations can also give back."

With the successful holding of Ginuman X, GSMI has not only reimagined the country's largest World Gin Month celebration—it has also reaffirmed its leadership in shaping the future of gin appreciation for a new generation of Filipinos.

Ginuman X, City of Talisay, Cebu

GSMI is the producer of the world’s largest-selling gin, Ginebra San Miguel. Its other quality distilled spirits include GSM Blue Mojito, GSM Blue Lychee Martini, GSM Blue Margarita, GSM Blue Gin Pomelo, GSM Blue Light Gin, Ginebra San Miguel Premium Gin, 1834 Premium Distilled Gin, Archangel Reserve Premium Dry Gin, Antonov Vodka, Freedom Island Light Rum, Primera Light Brandy, the Philippines’ no. 1 Chinese wine Vino Kulafu, and Vamos Tequila Gold.