Category: Food

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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

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Pop Open A Can And Enjoy: Slay With New Maria Clara Sparkling Sangria

Take a sip, dazzle, and dazzle some more. Maria Clara Sparkling Sangria, a sparkling spin on the original Filipino sangria, is a new addition to the brand’s legacy.

Last June 10, 2025, Azadore Restaurant, Sacred Heart, Quezon City, launched this exciting new variation, delighting both loyal fans and new drinkers. Maria Clara Sparkling Sangria is lively, refreshing, and celebration-ready with its signature sweet red wine and citrus hint heightened by a brilliant fizz.

The new Sparkling Sangria, in a compact 330-ml aluminium can, is light, vibrant, and easy to drink from the fridge, on ice, or from the can. Its 7% ABV (14 proof) is perfect for sunny days, spontaneous hangouts, rooftop sunsets, and cosy nights in.

For busy people, its ready-to-drink format is ideal. No corkscrew needed; Maria Clara Sparkling Sangria is a delightful, simple solution for meetings, events, and weekends.

Maria Clara Sangria’s creative assortment includes the classic red wine favorite since 1985, the non-alcoholic Virgin Sangria, and the halal-certified Maria Clara Punch, created to open more communities to the celebration.

7-Eleven locations countrywide sell Maria Clara Sparkling Sangria exclusively.

Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc., the country’s oldest distillery and maker of White Castle Whisky, El Hombre Tequila Flavoured Spirit, and Napoleon VSOP Brandy, proudly produces this sparkling sangria as another milestone in its legacy of innovation and Filipino pride.

Seize the moment. Elevate your style.

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Dine out with up to 55% off—only with BDO Pay!

Dining out is much more delicious with a discount—especially if it’s up to 55% off! All you have to do is pay the bill with your BDO Credit Card through BDO Pay.

This April, BDO Elite and Gold Credit Cardholders can enjoy 50% off and an extra 5% off when paying through BDO Pay in these restaurants:

  • Botejyu: An authentic Japanese traditional cuisine restaurant serving a variety of dishes – from sushi and ramen to the signature okosoba or okonomiyaki. Dine in with a minimum of P3,000 and get 55% off using BDO Elite or Gold Credit Cards on BDO Pay.
  • Greyhound Café: Craving Thai food? Greyhound Cafe offers ‘Thai food with a twist’. Pay using your BDO Elite or Gold Credit Card through BDO Pay and get 55% off a minimum dine-in bill of P3,000.

Standard, Classic, or Co-Brand BDO Cardholders can also enjoy 30% off plus an extra 5% off with BDO Pay.

Ready to enjoy this deal? Download the BDO Pay app, sign up for an account, and link your BDO Credit Card. After the app launches, use its scanning feature to settle your restaurant bill, which will subsequently charge your credit card.

Get it while it’s hot—these discounts are valid Monday through Friday until April 30, 2025, only!

For more promo details, visit the BDO website and search for the restaurant’s name.

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Tip-Top Chicken imparts “Wa-Ease” kitchen hacks to home cooks, beginners

In a time when the quality of being wais (or “Wa-Ease”, as coined by Tip-Top Chicken) feels scarce, Tip-Top Chicken keeps this Filipino trait alive with simple kitchen tips that help everyday Filipinos live out the spirit of “Wa-Ease-ness” at home and in the kitchen.

Tip-Top Chicken Products
  1. Buy only fresh and high-quality ingredients.

Every good meal starts with fresh, flavourful ingredients. Fresh ingredients are not just safer and healthier, but they also taste better. Therefore, don’t compromise on the quality of your ingredients!

Tip-Top Chicken ensures freshness by processing and packing a variety of choice cuts on the same day. Its product line, which includes Tip-Top Whole Chicken, Tip-Top Choice Cuts (breast with bone, thigh with bone, breast fillet, thigh fillet, wings, and drumsticks), Tip-Top Chicken Nuggets, and Tip-Top Chicken Tocino, comes at affordable prices for everyday grocers to stay within their budgets and still make delicious meals at home.

  1. Simple doesn’t have to mean bland.

You don’t need a complicated recipe to make a delicious ulam. If you season it well with salt and pepper, a simple dish can become the highlight of the dinner table. If you’re feeling daring, you can even add an acid like vinegar or lemon juice to give your cooking some tang.

For starters, you can experiment with tocino sisig using Tip-Top Chicken Tocino. It’s possible to make it with ingredients you already have at home, making it a low-maintenance dish for home cooks with high standards

Chicken Tocino Sisig Recipe

By Alonzo Cruel (@crucrukatchoo on Tiktok/Instagram)

Serving Size: 2-3 pax

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 Tip-Top Chicken Tocino
  • 2 green chillies
  • 1 red onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 Tbsp liquid seasoning
  • 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 pc calamansi
  • 1 egg
  • 1 siling labuyo (optional)

Instructions:

  • Cook the chicken tocino according to the packaged instructions on the pack. Once cooked, dice into pieces.
  • In a pan, add the green chillies, red onion, and garlic, and cook until the onion has softened.
  • Add back in the chicken tocino, and then add liquid seasoning, oyster sauce, black pepper, sugar, calamansi, and one egg.
  • Top it with more diced red onions, green chillies, and siling labuyo.
  1. Liven up your recipes with seasonal ingredients.

Using ingredients that are readily available year-round makes cooking more convenient, but challenging yourself to use a few different ingredients here and there is a step towards becoming more confident in your skills. If you’re uncertain about how to begin experimenting, consider starting with what’s seasonally available.

For instance, summer is perfect for cooking with the Philippines’ delicious fruits! Summer is a wonderful time for mangoes, so why not incorporate them into your next dish? It does not necessarily have to be a viand. You can play around with salads and side dishes, too.

  1. Freeze food to avoid wastage.

Putting your food in the freezer is a simple trick to keep ingredients fresh and reduce your stress on a lazy Sunday evening. Storing them in the refrigerator might keep them edible for a few days, but freezer storage can help them stay fresh for months.

You can save yourself multiple trips to the grocery store in a month by buying more ingredients at once and then storing what you don’t immediately need in the freezer, from vegetables to meats and fish.

If you have leftovers that you’re unsure about having for another meal, store them in the freezer. They’ll be safe to reheat and consume the next time that you find a craving for them—no cooking is required.

  1. Have fun!

“Our goal is to make every kitchen activity enjoyable with your kids, your friends, and also yourself!” shared Ralph Recaido, brand marketing manager of Tip-Top, at its first-ever “Tip-Top Fiesta” event. “We hope you find Tip-Top to be the Wa-Ease Choice and that you also find the fun in cooking.”

What is the benefit of learning to cook if it isn’t enjoyable? There are little things that make the activity more joyful. You can play music while prepping ingredients, do some stretches while waiting for your food to cook, or invite a family member or a friend to join you and make a bonding activity out of it.

Cooking is a time of adventure and discovery within the four corners of your home, so let Tip-Top Chicken accompany you as you find the dishes that make you fall in love with cooking and celebrate your Wa-Ease moments!

Tip-Top Chicken is a brand of C-Joy Poultry Meats Productions, Inc., a joint venture between Cargill Philippines and Jollibee Foods Corporation. Tip-Top offers consumers budget-friendly chicken products that are high in protein, free of salitre, made with 100% chicken meat, and processed and packed on the same day. Its choice cuts are available in major groceries like Robinsons Supermarket, The Marketplace, and Shopwise.

For more information on Tip-Top Chicken and its offerings, visit their Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages (@tiptopchickenph).