Category: Food

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Seoul Snow Is Bringing a Korean Winter Wonderland to the Philippines

If you’ve ever dreamed of tasting winter in a cup, Seoul Snow might just be your next favorite stop.

This fast-rising Filipino brand is turning heads (and cooling down taste buds) with its authentic Korean snow bingsu—ultra-fine, milk-based shaved ice so soft and fluffy, it melts like fresh snow on your tongue. Think sweet, creamy, and refreshingly light—the kind of dessert that instantly transports you straight to the streets of Seoul.

And now, it’s not just one or two stores.
Seoul Snow is gearing up to open over 70 branches nationwide.

Yep—your Korean dessert fix might soon be right around the corner.

A Taste of Korea, with a Pinoy Twist

At the heart of Seoul Snow’s menu is its signature snow-like texture, made possible by specialized machines that create impossibly fine shaved ice. It’s smoother than traditional halo-halo and lighter than ice cream—basically the best of both worlds.

The flavors? Comforting, playful, and very Instagram-worthy.

Originals

  • Choco Cheese Snow

  • Strawberry Cheese Snow

  • Ube Cheese Snow (a clear local favorite!)

New Flavors

  • Coco Peanut Snow

  • Melon Cheese Snow

  • Seoul Snow Original

Prices stay budget-friendly too, ranging from PHP 49 to PHP 179, making it an easy treat whether you’re a student, barkada, or family out on a mall day.

From Cavite to the Rest of the Country

Seoul Snow’s journey started just recently, opening its pioneer branch in Cavite in November 2025. Not long after, it popped up in Fora Mall, Tagaytay, quickly attracting curious dessert lovers and K-culture fans.

And they’re just getting started.

Coming soon are branches in:

  • Davao (Segue Building)

  • Robinsons Las Piñas

  • Pure Ride Makati

Plus planned openings in Marikina, Antipolo, Baliwag, and Malate.

By early 2026, the brand is set to roll out over 70 stores nationwide—a rapid expansion that demonstrates the strong demand for this popular Korean treat.

More Than a Dessert—A Business Opportunity

Beyond serving sweet snow cups, Seoul Snow is also carving a name in the franchise scene.

Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, the business model focuses on:

  • simple operations

  • compact kiosk setups

  • standardized systems

  • controlled costs

With franchise packages starting at PHP 299,000 and a projected 2–3 month ROI, it’s positioned as an accessible entry point for those looking to start a food business—especially fans of Korean culture who want to turn their love for bingsu into something bigger.

Your Next Cool Craving

Whether you’re chasing dessert after dinner, hanging out with friends, or simply looking for something new to try, Seoul Snow offers a sweet little escape—a Korean winter wonderland in every spoonful.

And with dozens of branches on the way, you won’t have to travel far to get your snow fix.

Follow Seoul Snow on social media to catch the next store opening near you.

Trust us—this is one trend you’ll want to chill with. ❄️🍧

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Get Ready for a Bold Filipino Culinary Experience at Siklab+

Filipino flavors are about to turn up the heat—literally. Siklab, The Bistro Group’s proudly local dining concept, is kicking off the year with its biggest milestone yet: the opening of its largest branch to date at Conrad S’Maison this January 8.

Following the strong reception of Siklab’s earlier locations, the brand is entering 2026 with confidence and ambition, unveiling aggressive expansion plans that will bring its bold take on Filipino cuisine to even more diners across the metro and beyond.

A New Destination for Dining and Celebrations

More than just a restaurant, Siklab at S’Maison is designed to be a vibrant gathering place. With seating for up to 265 guests, the new branch is ideal for everything from intimate family celebrations to large-scale corporate events. It features three fully equipped function rooms that can host groups ranging from 30 to over 100 guests.

Whether it’s a birthday, reunion, wedding, business meeting, or company celebration, Siklab makes hosting seamless and stress-free. Guests can enjoy access to accredited event suppliers, curated and customizable party food packages, and on-ground logistical support—everything thoughtfully arranged to create memorable experiences.

Expansion Fueled by Love for Local Flavors

The opening of the S’Maison branch signals just the beginning. Siklab is set for successive openings in the first quarter of the year, with new locations slated for Kamagong Street in Makati City, Park Triangle in BGC, Vermosa in Cavite, and Evia Lifestyle Mall in Las Piñas.

This rapid expansion reflects The Bistro Group’s strategic focus on scaling high-performing brands, enhancing customer experiences, and responding to the growing demand for boldly familiar Filipino food.

“In a short time, Siklab has resonated deeply with guests who are looking for bold yet familiar Filipino food,” shares Guia Abuel, Chief Operating Officer of The Bistro Group. “The brand has become a key driver of Bistro’s growth, reflecting both the strength of the concept and the growing appetite for proudly local flavors. Our biggest branch is more than just a restaurant—it’s where Filipino food brings people together in a spacious and welcoming ambiance.”

Classic Filipino Dishes, Boldly Done

At the heart of Siklab is its crowd-favorite menu—comforting, exciting, and deeply rooted in Filipino tradition. Whether you’re a local craving comfort food, a tourist discovering Filipino cuisine for the first time, or a balikbayan reconnecting with the flavors of home, Siklab offers something to love.

Signature dishes like Kuhol ni Tanggo, Gising Gising Na, Paboritong Pork Sisig, and Trio Sinigang na Baboy headline the menu, alongside beloved merienda classics such as pancit, palitaw, and bibingka. New surprises add an extra spark, ensuring every visit feels fresh yet familiar.

Blending rustic Filipino charm with contemporary design, Siklab creates a dining experience that celebrates culture, community, and cuisine—appealing to every generation, young and old alike.

Stay updated on opening dates, special events, and exclusive promos by following @siklabph. Your next bold Filipino food adventure starts here.

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ALEJO RESTAURANT AND BAR AT CITADINES ROCES QUEZON CITY LAUNCHES NOSTALGIC FILIPINO CLASSICS WITH A MODERN TWIST

The new menu at Alejo Restaurant & Bar, the dining spot for Citadines Roces Quezon City, allows customers to rediscover Filipino comfort food. Alejo is located at 100 Don A. Roces Avenue in Quezon City. The restaurant is changing the dining landscape by combining old and new ideas.

The new menu is based on the premise that food is memory, and it fits with the idea of “Where memory meets flavor.” It lets people go back to the foods they ate as kids, from simple meals to memorable family gatherings, but with strong, modern twists that make them taste better for today’s diners.

The New Menu: Something Old, Something New

Guests can enjoy Filipino favorites that have been given a new twist. Each dish is meant to bring back memories while also bringing new culinary surprises:

Thrice-Cooked Lechon Kawali is a new take on the Filipino classic that is cooked to a beautiful golden crisp. Alejo’s Fried Chicken is a classic comfort food that Alejo has made even better with his own style.


Baby Squid in Olive Oil is a dish that comes from both Filipino and Spanish cultures. Salmon Kilawin in a Cup is a new twist on a classic dish that is cool and tart. Grilled Pork with Cerveza Sauce: Pork with a strong beer-based sauce for a tasty variation. Camaron Gising-Gising is shrimp mixed with a spicy, creamy sauce for a strong bite.

Chef Timothy Javier Trinidad is behind the flavors.

Chef Timothy Javier Trinidad, an award-winning chef who puts his heart and everything into the Alejo kitchen, is the creative force behind the menu. Chef Timothy is known for his love of tradition and his desire to try new things. He takes Filipino native favorites and turns them into dishes that are both warm and interesting.


Chef Timothy explains, “Every dish has a story.” “We wanted to capture the feeling of nostalgia—the food you grew up with and shared with family—and present it in a way that speaks to both the past and the present.”

A Filipino Cultural Dining Experience

Alejo is more than just a restaurant; it’s a location where cuisine connects the past and the present. Alejo wants to make experiences that touch both the heart and the taste buds by putting new spins on old Filipino flavors.

The unveiling of the new menu is an exciting step for Alejo as it works to become a place where people can have excellent meals in Quezon City. It fits perfectly with the lifestyle experience at Citadines Roces.

You can now get the new menu every day at Alejo Restaurant & Bar, which is at Citadines Roces Quezon City.

Please call +63 962 523 6330 to make a reservation or ask a question.

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2GO Travel Joins DTI’s OTOP Program to Promote Local Products Across the Philippines

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and 2GO, the best sea travel company in the Philippines, have teamed up to promote locally made goods through the One Town, One Product (OTOP) program and its Biyahe2Business campaign.

The goal of the partnership is to make regional micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) more visible in the market by displaying their OTOP products in special kiosks on 2GO Travel ships. This program turns every trip into a showcase of Filipino pride, regional flavors, and craftsmanship.

The Biyahe2Business program officially launches the partnership by showcasing OTOP products from Region 12. The local DTI office will work with MV 2GO Masinag to set up a special OTOP nook on board that will show off accredited products. Soon, more OTOP displays from other areas will be on more 2GO ships.

This project backs DTI’s Supply Chain and Logistics Center (SCLC), which gives MSMEs real-time logistics information, market connections, and programs to help them grow.

“This partnership lets DTI regional offices bring and promote their goods across islands using creative and practical logistics solutions,” said Flora D. Politud-Gabunales, CESO V, DTI-12 Regional Director and DTI-RAPID Growth Project National Director. ” 2GO has made it easier for MSMEs to reach more customers and for travelers to learn about real Filipino food and crafts from all over the country.”

The partnership fits with 2GO Travel’s ongoing goal to help small businesses by making it easier for them to get transportation and logistics help through the 2GO Travel Biyahe2Business platform. With this program, 2GO connects local business owners with bigger markets. This makes sure that Filipino-made goods can travel as far and as proudly as the people who make them.

Francis John Chua, Business Unit Head for 2GO Travel, said, “This partnership shows our long-term commitment to helping small businesses succeed by giving them flexible, affordable, and reliable transportation options.” ” Our generous 50 kg luggage allowance makes it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to move their goods and supplies between islands.” This benefit helps them grow and reach more people. We at 2GO think that sea travel is not just about getting from one place to another; it’s also about bringing people together, celebrating culture, and making business possible. ” We’re bringing the best of each region to more Filipinos through this program.”

2GO Travel, DTI’s official travel and logistics partner, will do more than just show off local goods. They will also offer group tour packages and special travel discounts for MSMEs. These programs will give business owners reliable and affordable ways to get around. 2GO keeps making trade and business easier across the country by adding new direct routes from Manila to major trade centers like Iloilo, Bacolod, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and its newest stops, Davao and General Santos City.

As part of the deal, 2GO will also offer consulting and logistics advice that is specific to the needs of MSMEs and help set up Logistics Support Desks at certain Negosyo Centers in important areas.

If you have questions about travel and logistics deals just for MSMEs, email tours_groups@2go.com. ph.

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2GO Travel Launches “Taste of the Philippines”

Celebrating Filipino culture and cuisine through education and experience

2GO Travel, the country’s premier sea travel operator, introduces Taste of the Philippines, a one-of-a-kind cultural and culinary journey at sea, specially designed to immerse future tourism, hospitality and culinary professionals with firsthand experiences of authentic Filipino flavors, regional traditions, and the rich food heritage of the islands, all brought to life through meaningful, real-world learning onboard and ashore.

Developed in partnership with FEATR Media, a digital platform dedicated to Filipino food and travel stories, the program combines travel, education, and cultural appreciation. Students and culinary enthusiasts will embark on curated voyages that highlight regional specialties, local markets, and cooking traditions unique to Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Participants will dive into hands-on discovery of authentic Filipino flavors and traditions through culinary workshops and live cooking demonstrations led by acclaimed chefs, complemented by guided market tours and curated tastings that highlight the Philippines’ rich and diverse food heritage. Beyond the masterclass sessions, the program fosters meaningful connections with industry leaders, opening doors to valuable mentorship and networking opportunities for aspiring professionals pursuing careers in hospitality and the culinary arts, both locally and on the global stage.

“We are proud to partner with 2GO in championing local flavors and traditions through this program,” said Erwan Heussaff, co-founder of FEATR Media. “Filipino cuisine has rich regional stories that deserve more recognition. By immersing students in these experiences, we help nurture a deeper appreciation of our food culture and the value of telling these stories.”

As FEATR’s co-developer of the program, the channel will also document and share these culinary journeys, ensuring that Filipino food and heritage continue to gain visibility at home and worldwide.

“Taste of the Philippines is part of 2GO’s Educational Tour Series, which provides students with practical exposure to the industries they aspire to join,” said Francis Chua, 2GO Travel Business Unit Head. “Through this program, we not only celebrate Filipino cuisine but also strengthen the link between travel, education, and cultural appreciation.”

The inaugural run of Taste of the Philippines will begin in September 2025 as a limited program, sailing the Manila–Cebu–Cagayan de Oro route to link the country’s major islands while highlighting regional cuisines and culinary traditions.

To learn more about Taste of the Philippines, send us an email at tours_groups@2go.com.ph.

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Introducing OpenRice: The Platform to Search, Book & Review Restaurants, and Earn Rewards

With a vibrant food scene and countless restaurants around the Metro, finding your next meal can be a challenge. If you’re tired of endless scrolling to find the perfect restaurant, look no further than OpenRice, Hong Kong’s #1 dining platform, now making it easier than ever for Filipinos to search restaurants, book tables, post reviews, and earn rewards!

Founded in 1999, OpenRice has evolved into a leading culinary guide. Within 25 years of operations, OpenRice has evolved into the ultimate dining app, now operating across eight countries in Asia, including Hong Kong, Macau, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, and the Philippines.

The platform is designed to be your go-to resource for all things dining while connecting you with a vibrant community of fellow food lovers.

Key Features That Make OpenRice a Must-Have App

Search Restaurants with Ease: With over 19,000+ listed restaurants in Metro Manila alone, OpenRice helps you find the perfect spot for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a specific cuisine or looking for a restaurant in a particular location, their powerful search filters will guide you. You can even search via video for a more immersive experience.

Book Tables Instantly: Avoid the long queues and reserve your table with OpenRice. The platform allows you to book a table at over 150 partner restaurants (and counting), giving you instant confirmation and access to app-exclusive deals. OpenRice is partnered with restaurants such as Antonio’s, Single Origin, Le Feu Steakhouse, and Shi Lin, with more partners being added to the platform weekly.

Share Your Experience: As a dining enthusiast, your opinion matters! OpenRice encourages users to document their dining journey by writing reviews and sharing photos or videos. Your contributions help the community discover hidden gems and make informed decisions.

Earn Rewards While You Dine: Connect your GoRewards account to your OpenRice profile to earn points for confirmed bookings and reviews. (Earn up to 6 points per seat, 8 points for your first review.)

Are you eager to discover your next delicious meal? Download the OpenRice app from the App Store or Google Play Store today. Where to connect: For more information, visit our website at https://ph.openrice.com/en/manila or follow us on social media:
* Instagram: @openrice_ph
* TikTok: @openriceph
* Facebook: OpenRicePH
* Email: ph.marketing@openrice.com.ph