Author: Press Release

Usher in the Majestic Dragon at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila
As the Lunar New Year dawns and the Wood Dragon arrives, Canton Road’s golden doors at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila glisten with anticipation. Prepare to indulge in a celebration of abundance with our exceptional feasts and delectable treats, crafted with the finest ingredients and presented with unparalleled elegance.

Indulge in the Exquisite Flavours

Celebrate Chinese New Year in style, where delightful specialty dishes and shared smiles unite to create cherished memories. Executive Chinese Chef Wang Wei Qing puts forward familiar flavours artfully combined with modern twists, resulting in a culinary experience that is as elegant as it is unforgettable.

Immerse yourself in a world of culinary perfection with our thoughtfully curated Emerald, Jade, Gold, and Diamond set menus. Each menu is a symphony of flavours, featuring enticing dishes such as succulent crispy tiger prawn with fruits and the delicate aroma of baked almond in Osmanthus sauce, savour the pan-fried mushroom stuffed shrimp paste and celery, enhanced with the sweetness of sesame and walnut in XO sauce. For a memorable experience, indulge in the sautéed Wagyu beef tender cubes with mushrooms, complemented by the rich intensity of black pepper sauce. Let us not forget the Atlantic smoked salmon yee sang, a dish that perfectly captures the essence of the New Year’s festivities.

Plan your ideal intimate get-togethers for your group of 5 to 15 in the hushed ambiance of one of our beautifully appointed private dining rooms. For more information and arrangements, email eats.slfm@shangri-la.com

An Abundance of Happiness

Usher auspicious new beginnings with Canton Road’s exquisite nian gao treasure boxes, meticulously crafted to ring in a year of prosperity and abundance. Imbued with the spirit of tradition and the flair of modern gastronomy, these culinary delights are available in 4 flavours and 2 variants:
- Prosperity Box (single layer nian gao treasure box) available at PHP2,888 net. Choose from the flavours available below:
  - 400g coconut milk fish-shaped nian gao
  - 800g ube and pandan red coconut sugar with almond nuts nian gao
  - 800g radish cake
  - 800g taro cake
- Double Happiness Box (double layer nian gao treasure box) available at PHP3,988 net. Choose two from the flavours available below:
  - 400g coconut milk fish-shaped nian gao
  - 800g ube and pandan red coconut sugar with almond nuts nian gao
  - 800g radish cake
Share the luck and good fortune to treasured family and friends with exclusive specialty hampers in 2 varieties:
- Longevity Hamper available at PHP5,888 net per hamper and contains the following featured items:
- Jasmine tea (4 pcs)
- Red bean with pine nuts (5 pcs)
- Mixed dried fruits (150g)
- Crispy mixed nut cookies (150g)
- Spicy minced US beef with mushroom sauce (150g)
- Conscious Cookies (10 pcs)
- Milk chocolate feuilletine bar (1 pc)
- Coconut milk fish-shaped nian gao (2pcs 400g)
- Spicy cashew (150g)
  - Gong Xi Fa Cai Hamper available at PHP7,888 net per hamper and contains the following featured items:
- Pineapple cookies (5 pcs)
- Goji berries (150g)
- Canned sea conch abalone sauce (1 can)
- Dried red dates (150g)
- Chinese sausage (150g)
- Vegetarian XO sauce (150g)
- Milk chocolate feuilletine bar (1 pc)
- Coconut milk fish-shaped nian gao (2pcs 400g)
- Spicy cashew (150g)
Elevate your Lunar New Year celebrations with Canton Road’s enchanting offerings. Immerse yourself in a world of grandeur and sophistication, where tradition meets contemporary indulgence at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila.

For more information on how to order, visit https://www.shangrilafortexclusives.com/ or email us at eats.slfm@shangri-la.com.
January 25, 2024
The Japanese Film Festival returns to Philippine cinemas this February 2024

Presented by the Japan Foundation, Manila, Japanese Film Festival (JFF) was launched in 1997 and has grown to become one of the most anticipated film festivals in the country. Every year it attracts over 25,000 audiences, treating them to a variety of cinematic delights from drama, anime, romance, mystery, and everything in between.

“For this year’s selection, we decided on the theme, ‘Nostalgia,’” says festival director Yojiro Tanaka. “We chose films that will make our audience feel nostalgic and remember their own fond memories and feelings.

The festival will showcase a range of Japanese films from various genres that is sure to cater to different tastes. This year’s JFF lineup has something for everyone, and guarantees the satisfaction of cinephiles, drama devotees, and comedy connoisseurs alike.

This year’s opening film comes from the hit anime franchise, Slam Dunk, a 1990s favorite among Filipino fans of both anime and basketball. The First Slam Dunk (2022) is an animated sports film written and directed by Takehiko Inoue. On top of the amazing animation and heart-pounding basketball action, the film also resonates with heartfelt emotions.

The JFF lineup also includes the classic masterpiece, Tokyo Story (1953), by Japanese auteur, Yasujiro Ozu, as well as recently released movies such as And Yet, You Are So Sweet (2023) and Angry Son (2022). Audiences can also look forward to nostalgic titles with movie versions of Voltes V (1999 and 2023) and Detective Conan (1997 and 2006) making their way into the lineup.

Tanaka san also added, “We hope that the wide range of films will entertain long-time festival goers and those who are already fans of Japanese films. We also welcome newcomers to enjoy Japanese films and the Japanese Film Festival.”

Admission is free for all screenings. Guests can simply visit their preferred participating theaters and queue before each screening of their chosen movie. Seats will be on a first-come-first-serve basis.

JFF kicks-off in Manila at the Shangri-La Red Carpet Cinema from February 1 to 11 and continues into the regions in SM Cinemas in Cebu, Baguio, Iloilo, and Davao. JFF screens in SM Seaside City Cebu from February 16 to 25, and in SM City Baguio, Iloilo, and Davao from February 23 to March 3. The festival will also have a special run at the UPFI Film Center in University of the Philippines Diliman from February 22 to March 2.

JFF is also supported by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, JT International (Philippines) Inc., and the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.

For more information on the festival’s full film lineup, comprehensive movie synopses, and complete screening schedules, please visit www.JapaneseFilmFestPH.jfmo.org.ph or follow the Japan Foundation, Manila and JFF on social media.

January 24, 2024
“Sweet Beginnings: Red Ribbon Unveils Irresistible Round Dedication Cakes for Every Occasion”

The dawn of 2024 beckons a year filled with moments waiting to be celebrated, and what better way to commemorate them than with the delectable allure of Red Ribbon’s latest offering? Introducing the ALL-NEW Round Dedication Cakes, these sweet creations promise to be the highlight of your festivities.

Elevate Your Celebrations

Experience a touch of sophistication with the all-new Round Dedication Cakes from Red Ribbon. These cakes feature classier and more elegant round designs, promising to be the perfect centerpiece for any occasion. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also deliver the same delightful taste that will captivate cake and dessert enthusiasts, making every celebration extraordinary.

A Symphony of Flavors

Indulge in rich chocolate celebrations with the luscious Round Chocolate Dedication Cake. Boasting moist chocolate filling and icing, this timeless flavor is a crowd-pleaser, making it the ideal choice for birthdays, anniversaries, and festive holidays.

For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Round Creamy Caramel Dedication Cake offers a soft vanilla chiffon base complemented by decadent caramel cream icing. This elegant creation, with its sweet and smooth caramel flavor, is perfect for elevating any moment, turning small victories into reasons for celebration.

Round Chocolate and Creamy Caramel

Introducing the stars of the show—the Red Ribbon Round Chocolate Dedication Cake and Round Creamy Caramel Dedication Cake! With prices starting at Php 450, these exquisite and expertly crafted cakes are currently available in selected Luzon stores. Ordering is made easy through the Red Ribbon app, official website, or their hotline at #87777. Moreover, you can also enjoy the convenience of placing orders via GrabFood and foodpanda.

Embrace the elegance and delectable flavors of Red Ribbon’s Round Dedication Cakes, ensuring that your celebrations are nothing short of extraordinary. Make every moment special, and let the festivities begin!

January 24, 2024
Jollibee Group Opens the First Common Man Coffee Roasters Café in PH

The Jollibee Group is off to a great start this 2024 with the opening of the first Common Man Coffee Roasters (CMCR) cafe in the Philippines at the Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City last January 11, 2024. This milestone opening is part of the Jollibee Group’s aggressive growth plans this year, consistent with its vision of becoming one of the top five restaurant companies in the world.

“We’re excited to bring the Common Man Coffee Roasters in the country and give the community an elevated café experience,” said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Jollibee Group’s President and CEO.

“Common Man’s consciously sourced coffee and numerous deliciously healthy brunch options contribute to this experience and help fulfill our mission of spreading the joy of eating to everyone. We invite everyone to come visit our first ever Common Man Coffee Roasters café,” he added.

Championing specialty coffee & brunch

Established in 2013, Common Man Coffee Roasters aims to champion specialty coffee and the best all-day brunch and has expanded from Singapore to Malaysia, and now the Philippines. It also roasts and sells coffee beans and operates the Coffee Barista Academy in Singapore and Malaysia, which provides coffee training to baristas and coffee enthusiasts.

In the Philippines, the breadth of the café’s menu includes different types of specialty coffee, bannered by the Nitro Honey Oat Latte and Filter Brew. Its brunch is thoughtfully crafted, headlined by the Common Man Full Breakfast that has generous servings of sausage, bacon, portobello mushroom, hash browns, house-made baked chorizo beans, and greens along with artisanal sourdough. The crowd favorite Common Man Beef Brisket Benedict packs an indulging punch of savory in its tender braised beef topped by poached eggs and creamy hollandaise.

The first location in the country, which has a modern, casual, “come as you are” ambiance, also features its own roastery.

“Having a roastery on site for us to showcase the roasting method will not only help the customers understand the coffee process better, but it will also offer a unique dining and sensory experience for them,” said Koon Beng Chua, CEO of the Spa Esprit Group, which operates Common Man Coffee Roasters in Singapore.

Celebrating partnerships

The Jollibee Group announced its joint venture with Food Collective Pte. Ltd. (FCPL) through FCJB Foods Inc. to own and operate Common Man Coffee Roasters in the Philippines in August 2023. The Jollibee Group owns 60 percent in FCJB Foods Inc.

“This is the first café from our partnership with the Spa Esprit Group and we’re looking forward to expanding the Common Man Coffee Roasters experience to more people. The strong collaboration between the two partners is very evident and is greatly rewarded by the enjoyment we see from people upon entering the café and upon tasting our menu selections. We recognize the increasingly discerning palate of Filipinos and we’re here to delight them,” said Joseph Tanbuntiong, Jollibee Group Chief Business Officer, during the store’s inauguration and opening.

The inauguration rites were attended by Singaporean Ambassador to the Philippines Constance See, Makati Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo, Spa Esprit Group CEO and Common Man Coffee Roasters’ co-founder Koon Beng Chua, Spa Esprit Food Group’s General Manager Michael Bovell, Ayala Malls President Mariana Zobel de Ayala, and Ayala Land Estates Group Deputy Head Chris Maglanoc. The Jollibee Group was represented by its President and CEO, Ernesto Tanmantiong, its Chief Business Support Officer and Chief Real Estate & Design Officer, William Tan Untiong, and its Chief Business Officer, Joseph Tanbuntiong, along with the President and Group Head for Greenwich, Red Ribbon, and Foreign Franchised Brands, JJ Alano, and AVP and Head of Business Development for Foreign Franchised Brands, Ned Bandojo.

The Common Man Coffee Roasters at Ayala Triangle is open every Monday to Sunday from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.

To learn more about Common Man Coffee Roasters Philippines, visit their website, or follow them on social media via Facebook and Instagram.

January 24, 2024
Japan Emerges as Top Lunar New Year Destination for Pinoy Travelers, Agoda Reveals

Aside from Japan, Filipinos are also visiting other short-haul flight destinations with Hong Kong, Thailand, South Korea, and Singapore rounding out the top five choices. The preferred international cities for Pinoy travelers include Tokyo, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Osaka, and Singapore.

Looking at which travelers will be visiting the Philippines during Lunar New Year, Agoda’s booking data highlights South Korea, China, United States, Japan, and Singapore as top inbound markets. The ranking showcases the diversity of tourists that the country continues to attract. The five most popular destinations visited within the Philippines are Manila, Cebu, and beach hotspots Boracay, Bohol, and Palawan.

Although officially celebrated on Saturday, February 10, 2024, the Lunar New Year holiday is extended to a long weekend in many markets across Asia and week-long celebrations for China, Japan (Spring Holiday) and Vietnam (Tet). The holiday, also referred to as Chinese New Year, is traditionally one of the peak travel moments for tourists from mainland China. For the first time since 2019, China is back in contention, ranking third source market overall and securing a spot in the top-five inbound lists for Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Enric Casals, Associate Vice President Southeast Asia at Agoda, commented, “The Lunar New Year period is a significant time for travel, and this year is no different. Since 2019, hotels and destinations have diversified the appeal of their markets with visa-free travel and other incentives. That has made them less reliant on one market and more appealing to new travelers. But the travel industry will no doubt be looking forward to welcoming back more travelers from China this year.”

Regionally, the trends echo a similar sentiment. The most outbound travelers hail from markets like South Korea, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and Japan. The most visited markets by these international tourists include Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, showcasing a wide array of cultural and leisure options. Cities like Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul, and Osaka remain appealing, underscoring the region’s rich urban and cultural diversity.

Agoda’s platform, offering over 3.9 million holiday properties, flights, and activities, is ideally positioned to cater to these evolving travel preferences, providing seamless experiences for those celebrating the Lunar New Year, whether within Thailand or across the region.

January 24, 2024
Corey Taylor, Frontman of Slipknot and Stone Sour, Announces CMF2 Tour Stop in Manila on April 1, 2024

Metal heads rejoice! Corey Taylor, the iconic frontman of Slipknot and Stone Sour, is finally coming to Manila and is set to take the stage at the New Frontier Theater on Monday, April 1, 2024!

Known for his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence, Corey Taylor is no stranger to metal & rock fans worldwide. With a career spanning over two decades, he has amassed a dedicated global following, and his live performances are nothing short of legendary. Fans can expect an evening filled with his biggest hits, both as a solo artist and as frontman of Slipknot and Stone Sour.

The upcoming concert promises to be a highlight of Manila’s 2024 music calendar, with a setlist that spans Taylor’s illustrious career and showcases his versatility as a musician and entertainer. From chart-topping hits like “Through Glass”, “Duality” and “Before I Forget” to hits from his solo album, “CMFT” and “CMF2”, Corey Taylor is going to deliver an unforgettable night of rock & roll!

Tickets for the Corey Taylor Manila show will go on sale starting Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 12:00 PM and will be available for purchase through www.InsigniaPresents.com or at any Ticketnet outlets nationwide.

For more information and updates on the event, please visit www.InsigniaPresents.com or follow us on social media @InsigniaPresents.

January 24, 2024
Celebrating the Year of the Wood Dragon in Full Swing at Edsa Shangri-La, Manila

Celebrate with festive gales, cherish reunions that forever last, as the golden dragon’s majestic cast, wishing peace unsurpassed. As the Year of the Wood Dragon approaches, gather in your premier dining destination of choice for Lunar New Year, Summer Palace and experience an extravagant array of signature dishes curated to elevate the spirit of celebration and usher in a prosperous year ahead at Edsa Shangri-La, Manila.

Embark on a culinary journey with Summer Palace’s meticulously prepared and curated set menus that seamlessly blend traditional flavours with a modern twist, promising an unforgettable dining experience for you and your loved ones. With Chefs Andy Liew and Boonhoe Bun at the helm, guests can choose from the rich selection of culinary options from Wealth Set Menu priced at Php25,388 net per table of 10, Prosperity Set Menu at Php27,688 net per table of 10, and Longevity Menu at Php38,888 net per table of 10, available from January 15 to February 12, 2024. Savour sumptuous dishes such as our Braised Supreme Seafood Soup and Pan-fried Codfish Fillet in Apple Fruit Sauce.

Welcome the Year of the Wood Dragon with the special Summer Palace Nian Gao collection, available at the restaurant located at the mezzanine floor or at the Lunar New Year counter located at the hotel lobby from January 16 to February 25, 2024. You may also shop now via our Shangri-La eBoutique through this link https://bit.ly/esllunarnewyeartreats.

From gourmet treats to symbolic treasures, each of these indulgent offers from The Bakeshop are prepared with care to bring abundance and good fortune to your festivities.

Fortune & Prosperity Hamper

Cakes and Pastries

For inquiries, please visit the Lunar New Year counter at the main lobby of Edsa Shangri-La, Manila, call (63 2) 8633-8888 local 8803, or e-mail restaurantrsvns.esl@shangri-la.com.

Visit www.shangri-la.com/manila/edsashangrila or like and follow us on our social media pages facebook.com/edsashangrila and @edsashangrila on Instagram to stay connected.

January 24, 2024
Beyond Wings: a new chapter unfolds at Buffalo Wild Wings Estancia Mall branch re-opens with modern, stylish interiors and new dishes!

Buffalo Wild Wings starts the year with a bang by reopening its better than ever Estancia Mall branch. The restaurant hits the ground running by sporting more modern and stylish interiors and launching new dishes. Indeed, it’s Beyond Wings at Buffalo Wild Wings.

Menu Beyond Wings

Beyond their famous wings, Buffalo Wild Wings goes the distance and gives its best shot by firing off 10 new dishes to complete this new beginning. If you loved the Original Nachos, you’ll fall equally in love with the new Bottomless Nachos which are warm tortilla chips with salsa (and we did say bottomless, right?). The nachos are also good with Ranch, Queso Sauce, or Chili Con Queso dips. Are you ready to take sides? Try the traditional wings, and also pop some Loaded Boneless Chicken.

Pass the pastas, please. You can get into the swing of things with the new Alfredo and Bolognese pastas, then dive in, mouth first to the new handcrafted pizzas! The Ultimate Cheese pizza is the perfect treat for those who love everything cheese-y. Imagine the pizza dough as the ultimate cheese board loaded with Mozzarella, Colby-Jack, Feta, Bleu Cheese. Now, if you can’t decide which pizza flavor to get, you will have the upper hand with the new Four Seasons pizza loaded with pepperoni, truffle mushroom, four cheese, and margherita. It’s the new thing you’ll love to devour any time of the year.

Get the ball rolling with the light but filling Fish and Chips and enjoy its perfectly crispy and flaky beer-battered Halibut that comes with tartar sauce. Finally, enjoy the feast further with the Home Run Sampler, a combination of Buffalo Wild Wings’ Calamari, Chicken Wings and Chipotle BBQ Chicken Spring Roll. Surely, this will knock it out of the park for you.

Of course, a visit to Buffalo Wild Wings won’t be complete without bites of their popular New York-style Buffalo wings that are spun fresh in dry seasonings (Salt & Vinegar, Lemon Pepper, Buffalo, Chipotle BBQ, and Desert Heat) or signature sauces (Sweet BBQ, Honey BBQ, Parmesan Garlic, Medium Buffalo, Asian Zing, Hot, Mango Habanero, Carolina Reaper). These flavors, ranging from mild to wild, will make you smile or sweat (!) but are definitely the perfect pair to a glass of imported, local, draft beer or the beverage of your choice while watching your favorite sports on HD monitors all over the place.

It’s a whole different ball game but same good ol’ Buffalo Wild Wings flavors, and everyone is invited at the newly reopened Estancia Mall branch. So, gloves out, wings on…and get ready for a new chapter of Buffalo Wild Wings that’s better than ever!

Follow @bwwingsph.

January 23, 2024
Level Up Your Health, Wellness & Beauty Shopping at Watsons’ Latest Stores in Power Plant Mall and Greenbelt 5!

Watsons, the leading health, wellness, and beauty retailer, remains dedicated to pioneering innovative ideas that elevate customer experiences within its stores. Prepare for an enjoyable shopping journey as Watsons opens its new stores in Power Plant Mall on January 18 and Greenbelt 5 on January 19.

This strategic expansion aims to redefine the retail landscape, offering customers an enhanced and immersive shopping experience. Whether you’re a wellness enthusiast, beauty aficionado, or someone seeking the latest in health products, Watsons is set to become your ultimate shopping destination.

Power Plant Mall Opening:

Residents near Power Plant Mall are in for a treat as Watsons makes its mark on January 18. Positioned at the heart of the mall, Watsons Power Plant Mall is poised to enhance your shopping journey. Here, customers can indulge in the complete Online plus Offline (O+O) shopping experience. Engage with Watsons’ knowledgeable and experienced pharmacists, explore a vast array of health and beauty products from both local and international brands, and seamlessly transition between in-store and online purchases through the Watsons App.

Greenbelt 5 Opening:

On January 19, the excitement continues with the grand opening of Watsons in Greenbelt 5. This new addition is set to provide a haven for those close to the store and mall enthusiasts alike. It will also feature a great selection of health and beauty sustainable choices products. Shoppers can immerse themselves in a shopping environment that prioritizes their well-being and beauty needs.

Both stores will showcase a well-curated selection of the latest brands in skin, cosmetics, health and wellness including Clinique, VMV Hypoallergenics, Round Lab, Basicare, Banila Co, Beauty of Joseon, BYS, W.Dressroom, Y.O.U, Clio, CosRx, DrJart+, Deoproce, Innisfree, Issy, Kaine, Laneige, Manic Panic, Maybelline, O.Two.O, Peripera, Some by Mi, Origins, Puritan’s Pride, Bioderma, Dr. Teal’s and Goli.

The Power Plant Mall and Greenbelt stores complement this diverse selection by featuring pharmacies with an extensive range of health and wellness products. Manned by well-trained pharmacists, these pharmacies go beyond dispensing by guiding customers on their prescription’s proper dosage, timing, and administration of medicines. They also offer recommendations for generic alternatives to prescription medicines.

Watsons Power Plant Mall and Greenbelt 5 stores are unveiling an enhanced shopping experience through innovative features. This includes the self-checkout counters, ensuring a faster and more efficient shopping journey for customers. The O+O model enables online shopping through the Watson app or website. With the Click & Collect service, shoppers can conveniently order online and get their purchases in-store within 30 minutes. Alternatively, they can also opt for the Express Delivery Service for guaranteed doorstep delivery within 3 hours. Watsons’ integration of its e-commerce platforms ensures a limitless product selection, allowing customers to access a broad and diverse selection of products with just a few clicks for delivery or store pickup. Customers are invited to explore the seamless blend of in-store and online shopping at Watsons.

“In response to customers’ desire for shorter wait times, we have introduced self-checkout stations. Additionally, we are streamlining prescription refills through our Watsons Pharmacists. Our digital-forward Online plus Offline (O+O) model is designed to adapt to the evolving omnichannel shopping preferences of our customers. Simultaneously, we maintain our commitment to providing a contemporary perspective on health and wellness that aligns with their needs ” said Jared De Guzman, Customer Director of Watsons Philippines.

Embrace the future of retail with Watsons and discover a whole new way of shopping experience by being a Watsons Club member. Unlock a host of exclusive benefits, including special promotions, bigger discounts, and additional reward points. Enjoy the privilege of receiving invitations to exclusive Watsons events that celebrate health, beauty, and wellness.

Visit the new Watsons stores in Power Plant Mall and Greenbelt 5, and explore exciting deals and offerings online at the Watsons Website. Download the Watsons App and complete your Watsons Club registration to unlock exclusive online and in-store promotions.

For more information, follow @watsonsph on Instagram, like @WatsonsPH on Facebook, and follow @watsonsphilippines on TikTok.

January 23, 2024
Starbucks Philippines’ Journey: Brewing Impact, Sipping Sustainability

Starbucks Philippines, in its pursuit of becoming a resource-positive company, reiterates its commitment to giving back more to the planet than it takes. As the company celebrates its 25th year milestone, a series of impactful initiatives reflects its dedication to creating positive change in the communities it serves.

Prioritizing Well-being and Sustainability

President Noey Lopez emphasizes the guiding principle driving Starbucks Philippines: prioritizing the well-being of customers and giving more than what is taken from the planet. It’s not just a promise; it’s a commitment to a sustainable future. “Our local initiatives align with the company’s promise to contribute positively to our communities and have also evolved to reflect our commitment to sustainable practices through our partners (employees) and customers. As we navigate towards a more sustainable future, our guiding principle remains unwavering — by prioritizing the well-being of our customers and giving more than what we take from our planet.”

Social Impact Initiatives: Empowering Communities

Achieving Gender Pay Equity

Since 2021, Starbucks Philippines has achieved a remarkable milestone by ensuring 100% gender pay equity. The commitment to inclusion and diversity has created opportunities for all partners, with female employees now representing more than 50% of the Starbucks Philippines workforce.

Community Store for Youth Education

In September 2023, Starbucks Philippines opened its inaugural Community Store in partnership with the Young Focus Foundation and AHA! Learning Center. The Abad Santos Tondo Community Store focuses on advancing youth education, with a portion of every purchase contributing to scholarships and after-school programs.

Starbucks Foodshare Program

Launched in March 2022 in collaboration with the Philippine Food Bank Foundation and Grab Philippines, the Starbucks Foodshare program has become a nationwide effort. The company has donated close to 1 million rescuable food items to communities in need, addressing food waste while supporting those facing hunger.

Providing Clean Water and Meals

Through partnerships with The Starbucks Foundation and Planet Water Foundation, Starbucks Philippines has provided access to clean, safe drinking water and hygiene education to over 7,000 people across Luzon. The construction of a fourth AquaTower in San Antonio Central School, Quezon, in April 2023, marks another milestone.

Global Community Impact Grants

Starbucks Philippines, through Global Community Impact Grants awarded by The Starbucks Foundation, strengthens its partnership with Gawad Kalinga’s Kusina ng Kalinga. This collaboration has served close to 250,000 meals to 1,800 children in Metro Manila, Cebu, Camarines Sur, and Bohol, making a meaningful difference in the fight against hunger.

Sipping Sustainability: Starbucks Philippines’ Environmental Commitments

Greener Stores for a Greener Tomorrow

In a monumental step towards environmental sustainability, Starbucks Philippines opened its first two Greener Stores this year. Located at The Shops at Ayala Triangle Garden and One Ayala, these stores are designed to reduce carbon emissions, minimize water usage, and cut landfill waste.

Plastic Credit Exchange Partnership

Actively involved in waste management, Starbucks Philippines, in partnership with the Plastic Credit Exchange, has offset over 200 metric tons of plastic as of 2023. The Aling Tindera Site in Palatiw, Pasig, serves as a livelihood center and a plastic waste collection hub.

Ongoing Waste Reduction Efforts

As part of ongoing waste reduction efforts, Starbucks Philippines has transitioned to 100% paper straws in all stores and for delivery orders. The shift from bubble wrap to carton boxes and carton filters in packages from their official Lazada store since 2021 further reinforces the commitment to reducing environmental impact.

Encouraging Reusables: Discounts and Rewards

Customers are encouraged to bring their reusable cups or tumblers, enjoying a Php 10 discount on handcrafted drinks. During the Starbucks Global Month of Good in April, Rewards members received 5 Bonus Stars for choosing reusables.

Explore Starbucks’ Impact

Starbucks invites everyone to learn more about its social impact and sustainability journey by visiting Starbucks Philippines’ Social Impact.

January 23, 2024