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Demonstrating the strength of its brand portfolio, the Jollibee Group continues to make its mark on the global stage, with well-loved brands Jollibee, Mang Inasal, and Chowking recognized as the top three most valuable restaurant brands in Brand Finance’s ASEAN 500 2024 report.

Brand Finance is the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy. It conducts more than 6,000 brand valuations, supported by original market research, and publishes over 100 reports which rank brands across all sectors and countries. The ASEAN 500 2024 report reveals that the region’s food, retail, hospitality, and leisure and tourism sectors are spearheading regional economic growth, driven by rising post-pandemic consumer spending and digital innovation.

“The top rankings of Jollibee, Mang Inasal, and Chowking as restaurant brands in Brand Finance’s ASEAN 500 2024 report is a testament to our collective commitment to excellence and sustainable growth,” said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Global Chief Executive Officer of the Jollibee Group. “We thank our teams who consistently make every experience at our stores delightful. We also share this recognition with our franchisees,and business partners who share our values and our mission while driving long-term growth.” 

Jollibee: Most Valuable Restaurant Brand in ASEAN

Jollibee Group’s iconic flagship brand, Jollibee, recorded an impressive 51% increase in brand value, reaching USD2.3 billion. This milestone crowned Jollibee as the most valuable restaurant brand in ASEAN and propelled it 19 places higher to secure the 23rd spot among the region's most valuable brands across categories.

This significant growth reflects Jollibee’s commitment to customer-centricity, product innovation, aggressive global expansion, strategic partnerships, and a stronger focus on sustainability—factors that have propelled its brand value and strength to new heights.

In a separate listing covering restaurant brands across the globe, Brand Finance has assessed Jollibee as the Top 2 fastest growing restaurant brand in the world, outperforming international giants.

Mang Inasal: ASEAN’s Fastest-Growing Brand

Mang Inasal, Jollibee Group’s beloved Filipino casual dining brand celebrated for its signature chicken inasal, was recognized as ASEAN’s fastest-growing brand for 2024 across categories. With an impressive 201% surge in brand value to USD 374 million, it soared 136 spots to rank as the 146th most valuable brand in the region. Notably, it also became the second most valuable restaurant brand in ASEAN, following its sister brand, Jollibee.

Brand Finance’s research highlights Mang Inasal’s exceptional scores in ‘familiarity’ and ‘recommendation,’ underscoring its strong recognition and enduring loyalty among consumers.

Earlier this year, Brand Finance has also cited Mang Inasal as the strongest brand in the Philippines.

Chowking: Top 3 Most Valuable ASEAN Restaurant Brand

Chowking, Jollibee Group’s popular brand blending Filipino and Chinese cuisines, demonstrated impressive growth with a 56% increase in brand value, reaching USD 252 million. With a strong Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 75.6 out of 100 and an AA+ brand strength rating, Chowking earned near-perfect marks in familiarity and consideration metrics. It is now recognized as the 22nd most valuable brand in the Philippines and has risen to become the third most valuable restaurant brand in
ASEAN.

Alex Haigh, Managing Director of Brand Finance, Asia Pacific, said in a statement, “As the impact of strategic alignment and shared resources in building consumer loyalty and driving sustained growth, iconic brands like Mang Inasal and Jollibee are growing and excelling within their sector. The collective strength of these brands reflects ASEAN’s unique ability to adapt and thrive, with its sector’s progress amplifying the region’s overall resilience and forward momentum.”

[December 17, 2024] Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has announced that its Smart Philippine Tourist eSIM now comes with unlimited data, making it easier for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and foreign tourists to enjoy fast and reliable connectivity while traveling around the country.

For only Php1,599, the Smart Philippine Tourist eSIM comes with unlimited data and unlimited local calls and texts valid for 30 days, to cover all the connectivity needs of users for a worry-free travel experience.

Those who prefer a fixed amount of data may still get the Smart Philippine Tourist eSIM for only P599, which comes with 24 GB of data, along with unlimited local call and texts to all networks, also valid for 30 days.

Designed for returning OFWs, foreign tourists

Now available on the Smart Online Store and select Smart Stores nationwide, the Smart Philippine Tourist eSIMs are designed specifically for tourists so they can enjoy local rates for data, calls, and texts, eliminating the usual concerns about high roaming fees or limited Wi-Fi access.

Activating the Smart Philippine Tourist eSIM is also simple and hassle-free. Because there is no physical SIM card, you can skip the often-tedious process of swapping or changing your main physical SIM with a local SIM.

Fast and reliable connectivity on your holiday travels

With the Smart Philippine Tourist eSIMs, you can enjoy fast and reliable connectivity while navigating through bustling cities using your go-to apps, search practical tips online while exploring remote islands, or book rides and tours on the go.

You can also effortlessly post photos of your adventures on social media, stream your favorite movies and series during your downtime, and connect with local businesses or emergency services when needed.

If Bonifacio Global City, Taguig is in your itinerary, the Smart Philippine Tourist eSIMs also enable you to enjoy Smart 5G Max, Smart’s leveled-up 5G connectivity in the area marked by faster upload and download speeds and ultra-low latency.

The Smart Philippine Tourist eSIMs are powered by Smart’s superior mobile network, which covers 97% of the Philippine population and is supported by the country’s largest integrated network.

From Boracay’s world-renowned beaches, Palawan’s picture-perfect lagoons, to Manila’s heritage sites, the Smart Philippine Tourist eSIMs guarantee a worry-free and connected holiday. Order it now here. #

Giving gifts to your loved ones that can last a long time is thoughtful and practical at the same time – it means that you are thinking of what they need the most while also getting the best value of your hard-earned money.

With the OPPO A60 and OPPO A3, OPPO’s latest A Series smartphones launched this year boasting durability and reliability, you can give your loved ones the gift of #OPPOLangSakalam this holiday season.

OPPO A3 – the gift of an ideal partner for outdoor battles

Still looking for a device for your loved one that empowers them to carry on with their daily life without skipping a beat? OPPO’s most durable and reliable A Series smartphone, the OPPO A3 is something that you should add to your Christmas shopping list.

Created to withstand accidental falls and spills from various liquids, the OPPO A3 embodies what #OPPOLangSakalam stands for and can be the ideal partner for Filipinos’ outdoor battles.

Perfect for friends who are subjected to rugged environments, the OPPO A3 is well fortified with the Military-Grade Shock Resistance and SGS Certification, ensuring that their phone comes out unscathed should it accidentally slip from their pocket or simply fall off their hand from as high as 1.6 meters.

The OPPO A3 is also bannered by Multiple Liquid Resistance and Splash Touch technology, making it the smart companion for those who’s always exposed to liquids like chefs, mothers, and the likes. With the Multiple Liquid Resistance, they can just rinse water, soda, or even hot coffee, tea or soup off of it and continue its use.

Apart from its 5,100mAh Large Battery and with a 45W SUPERVOOC™ Flash Charge, the OPPO A3 is also powered by the pioneering BeaconLink technology, enabling you to still make calls with supported devices via Bluetooth from distances of up to 80 meters in open and unobstructed areas and about 10 meters in crowded places.

Get your family and friends the ideal daily partner with the OPPO A3 in different variants and colorways. The OPPO A3 in 6GB ROM+128GB RAM is priced at PHP 8,999 and is available in Starry Purple and Sparkle Black while the 8GB ROM+128GB RAM and 8GB ROM+256GB RAM are priced at PHP 9,999 and PHP 11,999, respectively, and is available in Starlight White and Sparkle Black.

OPPO A60 – the gift of a durable and reliable daily driver

Designed with durability at its core, the OPPO A60 is crafted to handle life’s unexpected moments.

If you know someone who always drops their phone or goes to work on a daily basis, the OPPO A60 is perfect for them because this device is built with the Military-Grade Shock Resistance, making it susceptible to drops from up to from up to 1.22 meters.

For your loved one who cooks up a storm in the kitchen or uses their phone in the bathroom, the OPPO A60 is also engineered with the Splash Touch technology which allows users to continue using the phone seamlessly even if the screen gets wet.

The OPPO A60 is also ideal for busy individuals who need a device that can keep up with their activities with its 5,000mAh battery matched with a 45W SUPERVOOC™ Flash Charge feature which can power up the device from 0% to 50% in just 30 minutes.

The OPPO A60 is available in Ripple Blue or Midnight Purple colorways, both sleek and stylish that can match any everyday style. You can get the OPPO A60 in two variants – the 8GB+128G is priced at just Php 9,999 while the 8GB+256GB version is available for Php 11,999.

Enjoy a #MaligayangPaskOPPO in the My OPPO app and in OPPO brand stores nationwide

Are you a My OPPO App user? Register now to participate in the Maligayang PaskOPPO promo where over Php 500 million worth of gifts await Filipino shoppers until January 5, 2025 both online and in stores.

Download the My OPPO App or visit this link to know more or drop by your nearest OPPO stores nationwide to enjoy these exciting perks.

For more information, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

MANILA, PH – (December 12, 2024) – Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF)

As part of its ongoing commitment to expand healthcare access, Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation) recently turned over four new Barangay Health Stations (BHS) in Central Luzon.

A joint initiative with Health Futures Foundation, Inc. (HFI), the Sun Life Barangay Health Stations program aims to bring primary health services like regular health monitoring, prenatal checkups, and health education closer to remote communities. It also encourages residents to take part in managing their health through the Community-Based Health and Wellness Program (CBHWP), where a Community Health Nurse equips community members with knowledge and skills to serve as Barangay Health Workers, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, and Cluster Leaders.

The Tthree stations are in Brgy. San Vicente in San Manuel, Brgy. Moriones in San Jose, and Brgy. Bigbiga in Mayantoc, all in Tarlac, while a fourth is located in Brgy. Recuerdo in Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija. This brings the total number of operational stations to 13. Three more are under construction and slated for turnover inby 2025, in time for Sun Life’s 130th anniversary in the Philippines.

“The Sun Life Barangay Health Stations program aims to empower residents and aid in building healthy, resilient, and thriving communities,” said Alex Narciso, President of the Sun Life Foundation. “Having a health station helps eliminate distance as a barrier to forging a brighter future.”

As the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, the country’s first and longest-standing life insurance company, the Sun Life Foundation supports holistic initiatives that promote the health of Filipinos.

“The residents attended a seminar on lifestyle diseases, and they are very thankful because it improved their life and increased their awareness of the importance of health,” said Dominique Dayag, Community Health Nurse at San Vicente BHS in San Manuel, Tarlac. “That’s the effect of having a BHS: they became more health-oriented.”

Managing finances efficiently is not just about keeping books up to date but ensuring they can support rapid decision-making and scalable growth. Particularly for restaurants and businesses in the F&B sector, there are many moving parts and internal controls that require precise and timely tracking to help prevent errors and fraud, maintaining accurate and reliable records and improving internal processes like inventory management, payroll, and more.


Enter CloudCFO, a cloud accounting firm that leverages advanced technology to revamp the traditional bookkeeping process in accounting, delivering real-time financial data for agile business operations. As an outsourcing provider specializing in accounting, bookkeeping, and finance services, CloudCFO offers customized, technology-driven solutions, enhancing the financial operations and strategic decision-making of startups and SMEs.


“The team has been highly responsive to our day-to-day accounting needs, always ready to address concerns quickly and efficiently,” says Leo Araneta of Kashmir, an Indian restaurant in Makati. “The owner brings deep expertise, stepping in as our CFO whenever major financial decisions arise, offering invaluable insights.”


Now more than ever, with rising costs due to inflation, maintaining profitability through rigorous control over margins is key to not only staying competitive in the F&B industry, but also to setting your restaurant up for the future. Just like Kashmir, CloudCFO helps manage your books, as well as provides strategic direction to keep your business healthy and thriving. Here are five ways CloudCFO does just that:

1. Customized financial solutions

Prior to managing books, the team at CloudCFO first does an in-depth assessment of a company’s business model and current practices, ensuring that they provide tailor-fit services that are specific to
each client’s needs and long-term goals. For restaurants, the review covers various internal controls such as POS systems, reconciliation of multi-channel payments, inventory management, and regulatory compliance. Rather than providing a standard “one size fits all”-type of service, CloudCFO works hand in hand with their clients to ensure optimized efficiency on business processes and strategic decision-making, leading to scalable growth for the restaurant.
2 .Proprietary technology and integration capabilities

CloudCFO doesn’t just use off-the-shelf software; the team has developed proprietary technology tailored to the nuanced needs of businesses in the Philippines. This technology supports basic bookkeeping functions and integrates seamlessly with other business systems, enhancing overall functionality and data coherence. Through this system, CloudCFO provides a holistic and instant view of a restaurant’s finances, allowing leaders to quickly identify opportunities to act on, and deal with possible challenges.

3. Consolidation across multiple payment gateways and branches

As customers can pay through different channels such as cash, credit cards, and e-wallets, and even order through online partners like Grab and Foodpanda, it’s essential to implement strong controls to match these payments with POS reports, for accurate records of daily sales. Further adding branches and channels through which customers can order food makes bookkeeping more complex. CloudCFO helps restaurants manage and accurately account for each transaction, to minimize any discrepancies for cash received and total sales.

4. Tracking costs and inventory across branches

In busy restaurant operations, tracking costs of raw ingredients and exact portion control can be challenging. As ingredient costs fluctuate and theoretical costs may not always align with reality, CloudCFO helps restaurants stay on top of price adjustments through its technology-backed solutions, allowing you to regularly review how these cost changes affect profit margins. This, then, leads to better management of any branch’s inventory, and accurate food cost calculations.
5.  Operational efficiency and compliance with local regulations

The operational efficiency provided by CloudCFO’s bookkeeping services in the Philippines helps startups streamline their processes and reduce costs associated with traditional bookkeeping.


Moreover, CloudCFO’s systems are built to ensure compliance with local regulations, which is often a complex challenge for SMEs due to their limited resources. Accurate bookkeeping ensures that startups meet regulatory requirements and are prepared for audits, avoiding penalties and ensuring compliance.



Beyond bookkeeping, financial reporting and compliance, the CloudCFO team provides strategic financial guidance to business owners, advising them on key decisions leading to their overall growth. More than accountants, the CloudCFO team acts as an extension of your company’s finance department to give accurate and timely reporting, using this to help plan what’s next for your growth.

“What sets CloudCFO apart is their genuine commitment to our success. It’s the first time we’ve felt like a supplier truly views us as a partner—our growth is clearly their priority, too,” says Araneta. “Their tech-savvy approach has been a huge plus, allowing us to seamlessly integrate with online applications. With their experience in the F&B industry, they understand the unique challenges we face and provide tailored solutions.”




Choosing CloudCFO means opting for a partner who understands the dynamics of the F&B industry, and is committed to the long-term growth of your company. By providing accurate, real-time financial data, and end-to-end services from payroll to tax compliance and financial consultancy, CloudCFO expertly manages the numbers, ensuring restaurant owners can focus on what they love: serving great food.




Learn more about CloudCFO and book a consultation by visiting https://cloudcfo.ph/ today.

Mondelēz International in the Philippines celebrated a major milestone in its sustainability journey as it has been conferred the Plastic Cleanup Partner Seal by the PCX Markets.

This recognition highlights the company’s commitment to sustainable practices, particularly its adherence to the Philippine Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law and ongoing efforts to manage plastic waste within the snacking industry.

The Plastic Cleanup Partner label is awarded to companies that take significant, measurable actions to clean up plastic waste. Mondelēz International’s involvement in this initiative is part of a broader sustainability strategy focused on reducing packaging waste, evolving packaging designs, and improving recycling systems to contribute to a circular economy. PCX Markets is a plastic credit marketplace which collaborates with organizations that collect and divert post-consumer plastic waste
through a transparent, environmentally sound, and socially responsible framework.

“Achieving the Plastic Cleanup Partner seal is an important milestone for us,” said Aleli Arcilla, Managing Director of Mondelēz International in the Philippines. “This seal is a powerful message to
our stakeholders, consumers, and partners that we are actively working to ensure that plastic waste is
diverted from nature and the landfill. It is a symbol of our dedication to our Sustainable Snacking
Strategy,’ ensuring that the right snack is delivered in the right way.”

In addition to receiving the Plastic Cleanup Partner seal, Mondelēz International also discussed its ongoing efforts to support the EPR Law. The company is committed to complying with the law’s
guidelines and actively participates in initiatives to make packaging materials more circular and less
wasteful.

“We believe compliance with the EPR Law is not just about meeting requirements; it’s about leading by example and advocating for others to follow,” added Arcilla. “At Mondelēz International, we are committed to reducing plastic packaging, evolving our materials to use recycled content, and improving waste management systems in countries where we operate. That is why for every kilo of post-consumer plastic packaging we introduce to the market; we ensure the equivalent amount is collected and diverted from nature here in the Philippines.” This commitment goes beyond the 40% collection and diversion requirement of the EPR Law this 2024.

The company’s sustainability programs also extends beyond certification. Their ‘Trash Right’ program, which educates teachers and schoolchildren about waste management and plastic collection, has already engaged twenty-seven public elementary schools in Parañaque City together with ocean advocacy group Save Philippine Seas. Mondelēz International has successfully collected almost ten metric tons of plastic for diversion to upcycling through this initiative.

Furthermore, the company has just launched two new Aling Tindera sites in Parañaque City, providing local collection points to further support community recycling and sustainability efforts. This program, which transforms women micro-entrepreneurs running small “sari-sari” stores into sustainability leaders, allows local residents to sell their plastic waste directly to their neighborhood Aling Tindera. These women collect, clean, and store the plastic, which is then responsibly processed, with compensation provided for each delivery.

 

 

Adds Rudi Ramin, Commercial Director of PCX Markets, “Mondelēz International’s achievement of the Plastic Cleanup Partner Seal in the Philippines shows their commitment to real, measurable action against plastic waste. Their initiatives, like ‘Trash Right’ and Aling Tindera, go beyond compliance—they empower communities and set the standard for sustainability in business. At PCX Markets, we’re proud to partner with Mondelēz International in creating a cleaner, more circular future.”

The company’s commitment to diverting plastic pollution from nature is part of a wider plastic sustainability plan. Globally, Mondelēz International aims to ensure 98% or more of its packaging is designed for recyclability, and to reduce the amount of virgin plastic it uses by 2025.

With its ongoing efforts and future commitments, Mondelēz International aims to continue its collection and diversion of its total post-consumer plastic packaging onwards, making sustainability a core aspect of its operations and contributing to a circular economy where plastic is seen as a valuable resource and does not end up as waste.

Videos of beloved stars—Kim Atienza, Ian Veneracion, Marc Nelson, Julie Eigenmann, and Jackie Lou Blanco—left fans in shock when their usual fun and engaging clips suddenly glitched, only to be interrupted by an ominous message about an “HZ_90 virus.”

To clear the air, actor Ian Veneracion addressed the buzz in a video, stating, “Akala nila, baka na-hack na yung account ko. Hindi po ako na-hack.” So, if there was no hacking involved, what’s the real story behind this viral takeover? The actor revealed that he took part in a campaign that raises awareness about a serious disease.

His fans often catch glimpses of him on his big bikes, embarking on road trips that reflect his dedication to a healthy lifestyle—one of the ways he maintains his looks and charm as one of the industry’s leading men. This focus is why Ian is raising awareness about this serious disease.

Like him, TV host Kim Atienza, popularly known as “Kuya Kim,” recognizes the importance of taking care of one’s health. His journey is particularly inspiring, especially considering the health scares like stroke and being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that once led him to step back from the public eye on TV.

But Kuya Kim continues to inspire his followers by promoting an active lifestyle, with his Instagram feed filled with snapshots of him conquering triathlons. Now he used his platform to inform about the serious disease that the campaign aims to highlight. In his signature informative style, he explains, “Ang shingles ay nagpe-presenta bilang paltos o di kaya’y mga pantal-pantal or painful rashes sa balat.¹ Nakakabahala, diba? Ang virus na ito ay nananatili sa system mo at hinihintay na lamang na ma-reactivate bilang shingles² ng walang ka-warning-warning kahit feeling mo healthy ka.”

The real viral attack

TV host Marc Nelson shared his perspective on shingles, drawing from a personal experience involving someone close to him. “I remember one of my best friends got shingles a few years ago, and he was in so much pain and itchy discomfort for weeks. He was one of the lucky ones—some people deal with it for months.”

As someone who values fitness and enjoys outdoor adventures like hiking, Marc understands the importance of staying in tune with his body. He became acutely aware that shingles can bring debilitating pain,³ leaving individuals unable to engage in activities they love.

So, what exactly is shingles? Shingles, also known as herpes zoster (HZ), is a painful viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus responsible for chickenpox.¹ Even after recovering from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate later in life as shingles,² especially in adults over 50.¹ So the hZ_90 campaign cleverly employs digital glitches as a metaphor for how shingles can suddenly disrupt life, much like a digital interruption.

Being aware by this, Julie Eigenmann, the wife of actor Michael De Mesa, expressed her concerns about being at risk. “I had chickenpox as a teen, which means I’m at risk of getting shingles.” Just like her, who shares valuable advice on tackling home projects and lifestyle hacks, there are effective ways to prevent this disease.

Veteran actress Jackie Lou Blanco previously shared that embracing change and making necessary adjustments is key to aging gracefully and maintaining good health. She emphasized the importance of discussing prevention and treatment options with healthcare providers. “A proper diet, good sleeping habits, regular exercise⁴, and getting vaccinated are effective ways to maintain strong immunity and prevent diseases like shingles.³”

The HZ_90 campaign aims to empower individuals to recognize the signs of shingles and take preventive measures before this unexpected invader strikes. Taking preventive steps now can help you avoid the pain and discomfort of shingles in the future. Consult your doctor for shingles treatment and prevention or visit whatisshingles.ph for more information.