Jollibee’s Crunchy Chicken Sandwich Now Comes in Three Bold Flavors

Jollibee takes crunchy, juicy goodness to new heights with the Jollibee Crunchy Chicken Sandwich now available in three bold dressing flavors—featuring two new exciting limited-time offer (LTO) options, Golden BBQ and Chili Cheese, alongside the fan-favorite Creamy Ranch. Designed to give chicken sandwich fans more ways to indulge, the Jollibee Crunchy Chicken Sandwich is all about choice, flavor, and full-on sarap.

To kick off the flavorful celebration, Jollibee introduces Andres Muhlach as the new face of the Jollibee Crunchy Chicken Sandwich. Already part of the growing Jollibee family, Andres now brings his youthful charm, star talent, and undeniable energy to champion this exciting line of bold flavors.

“May pagka-thrill-seeker talaga ako as a person, always searching for adventure. I love food that’s crunchy, flavorful, and exciting—and Jollibee’s Crunchy Chicken Sandwich really delivers,” said Andres. “What’s even better is that now, you can pick your favorite flavor and make the sandwich your own.”

The Jollibee Crunchy Chicken Sandwich line-up features Jollibee’s signature crunchy chicken fillet, hugged by soft-glazed buns and made even better with bold, crave-worthy sauces. There's the already popular Creamy Ranch, which is tangy and creamy with just the right richness; the new Golden BBQ, a smoky-sweet dressing; and the debut of Chili Cheese, a cheesy blend with a balanced kick—perfect for those who like a bit of spice.

With these bold flavors, the Jollibee Crunchy Chicken Sandwich sets the bar even higher for what a chicken sandwich can be. Whether you’re loyal to one flavor or on a mission to try them all, the campaign invites you to rally behind your top pick and ask: What’s your Flavorite?

Perfect for a wide range of food-lovers who enjoy good food and fun discoveries, the Jollibee Crunchy Chicken Sandwich is now available in the following options:

• Solo: ₱62
• With Drink: ₱87
• With Fries & Drink: ₱125
• Also available in Mix & Match: ₱88

Available now, these flavor-packed sandwiches are already making waves in stores nationwide. Fans are already picking sides—are you Team Creamy Ranch, Team Golden BBQ, or Team Chili Cheese? Whichever you choose, one thing remains true: Lahat, serving sarap!

Choose your flavorite! Try the new Jollibee Crunchy Chicken Sandwich flavors now and have ‘em safely delivered to you via the Jollibee Delivery App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and foodpanda! Also available in Drive-Thru and Take Out.

For more info and updates on Jollibee products, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on X and Instagram. 

PICKUP COFFEE launches their first PICKUP PRIME branch at SM Seaside City Cebu!

PICKUP COFFEE, the proudly homegrown brand known for having its iconic green carts all over the nation, opens its first premium in-line branch, PICKUP PRIME at SM Seaside City Cebu. This milestone brings the company's mission to life: to UPlift every moment and everyone, offering a welcoming space for the PICKUP Community to pick-up their coffee fast, connect and enjoy an elevated PICKUP experience. 

“We’re not just here to serve great coffee — our bigger purpose is to UPlift.” says Bien Lee, Co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of PICKUP COFFEE. “While PICKUP COFFEE has always been about quick, feel-good moments on the go, we also wanted to create a space where our community could come together, connect, and enjoy a more elevated PICKUP experience. That’s what led us to launch PICKUP PRIME — a new chapter that brings our mission to UPlift to life in a whole new way.” 

Designed in collaboration with Hong Kong-based architectural partners, DEFT, the space brings together modern style and PICKUP COFFEE’s signature youthful energy—creating an environment that’s intentionally crafted to make you feel good and UPlifted. Adding to the experience are custom-designed art toys by Filipino artists Dondi Fernandez and Jesse Camacho. Playful, inspiring, and full of personality, each piece brings the spirit of PICKUP to life and invites customers to engage with the space in a fresh and meaningful way. 

PICKUP PRIME Exclusives 

PICKUP PRIME at SM Seaside City Cebu boasts a range of standout offerings designed to enhance the customer experience: 

● PRIME Exclusive Creations: As part of the new experience, the PICKUP PRIME menu will feature exclusive PRIME beverages that will be switched up every few months —givingmcustomers something new to look forward to. For its pilot release, the lineup brings a fresh take on your PICKUP favorites and well-loved Filipino flavors like mango, ube, and coconut. Taking these beloved flavors and adding a fun twist, PICKUP introduces exciting new beverages like the refreshing Mango Coco Milk, a creamy blend of coconut milk and mangoes with coconut bits, and Ube Coco Milk, made with coconut milk, ube, and macapuno. Also on the menu as part of the PRIME Exclusive Creations is your favorite Kape Kastila, now swirled with creamy espresso soft serve, creating the new Kape Kastila Sundae Swirl. 

● Local Collaboration: To complement their signature beverages, PICKUP COFFEE has partnered with Chef Kim from Cebu’s coveted LK Bakery to offer exclusive bites. Chef Kim is an award-winning pastry chef who has honed her craft from years of training locally and abroad. A graduate of ISCAHM, she further specialized in laminated pastries and sourdough in Malaysia and Las Vegas. Bringing her refined expertise back home, she established LK Bakery with her husband last year, where her creations continue to reflect both her skill and passion. For the exclusive collaboration with PICKUP COFFEE (PRIME), Chef Kim developed a line of savory and sweet croissants. Namely, the White Choco Matcha Croissant, Strawberry Custard Croissant, Hazelnut Caramel Croissant, Ham & Cheese Croissant, Creamy Truffle & Mushroom Croissant, and Espresso Crookie.. 

● Seamless PICKUP Experience: Embracing tech-savviness and efficiency, customers can continue to order via the PICKUP App or use the self-ordering kiosks at the store for a grab-and-go experience, allowing customers to PICKUP fast and seamlessly. 

Rapid growth and future plans 

PICKUP COFFEE has quickly established itself as a major player in the Philippine coffee scene. In just three years, the brand has grown to 400 branches nationwide, welcomed nearly half a million PICKUP App users, and sold over 40 million cups to date—each one adding to a growing community built on PICKUP moments. 

“We've seen incredible growth, and we're just getting started. We're excited to share that we'll be opening our first PICKUP PRIME in Metro Manila very soon,” notes Francis Flores, PICKUP COFFEE President and CEO. “It’s all part of our continued growth and commitment to giving our customers top-notch quality and doing it fast. PICKUP PRIME lets us do that in a vibrant atmosphere, all while staying true to our mission of UPlifting everyone, everywhere—one PICKUP at a time.” 

Your PRIME Experience Awaits! 

PICKUP COFFEE invites everyone to visit PICKUP PRIME at SM Seaside City Cebu and be among the first to experience their first-ever flagship store. To celebrate, customers can get 25% off (with a minimum spend of PHP 300) on all orders made through the PICKUP App from June 21 to July 5. 

Don’t miss out—experience PICKUP PRIME now! 

Smart surges ahead as the PH’s leading wireless broadband provider in terms of subscribers

Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is now the Philippines’ leading wireless broadband provider in terms of subscribers, as it serves over 430,000 customers nationwide as of the first quarter of 2025.

 

This translates to a significant 44% of the wireless broadband subscriber base share, outpacing its closest competitor’s 42% subscriber base share within the same period.

“This milestone achievement is a testament to our unwavering pursuit of customer satisfaction and network excellence. Our growing subscriber base and market leadership also reflect the trust our customers place in our network and our commitment to delivering world-class connectivity,” said Anastacio R. Martirez, Smart Chief Operating Officer. 

  

Connecting families in fiber-limited areas

 

Smart’s market-leading performance comes on the heels of its strategic launch of the Smart Home WiFi brand to carry products and services that cater to Filipino families living in fiber-limited areas, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age.

 

As part of its launch, Smart Home WiFi unveiled the Smart 5G Max Turbo WiFi. This prepaid and plug-and-play device offers unparalleled convenience, allowing customers to instantly set it up at home, in dorms, or small offices. It seamlessly connects up to 15 devices simultaneously, providing powerful internet access where fiber connectivity is unavailable.

 

Unlock the power of 5G

 

Smart Home WiFi is powered by Smart 5G, which enables customers to stream videos seamlessly, upload and download heavy files in seconds, instantly post and share content online, and play mobile games without lag.

 

Smart continues to strategically deploy its 5G infrastructure across the country as part of the PLDT Group’s continued investment in enhancing its integrated network, which is aligned with the Group’s commitment to deliver a leveled-up customer experience.

 

“The growth of our broadband subscriber base is just the beginning. Our customers can look forward to even more amazing products and innovative services as we continuously strive to delight them and cater to their evolving lifestyle needs - powered by our world-class network,” said Martirez. 

 

Cha-Ching expands financial literacy education across NCR, fully integrates into Bicol's DepEd curriculum

Pru Life UK and Prudence Foundation, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Junior Achievement (JA) Philippines, has expanded the Cha-Ching programme across the National Capital Region (NCR) and fully integrated into the Bicol Region (Region V) DepEd curriculum, reaffirming their commitment to fostering financial literacy among Filipino youth. 

Bicol Region (Region V) has become the first region in the Philippines to institutionalise and fully integrate Cha-Ching into the Department of Education’s school curriculum—marking a major milestone in the expansion of financial literacy education through Cha-Ching. The programme also continues to expand in NCR. To date, over 1.5 million children have been taught Cha-Ching in the Philippines and over 47,000 teachers have been trained and retrained. 

On 25 June, at an event themed “Cha-Ching: Creating a Financially Literate Future Together”, over 100 attendees—including representatives from Pru Life UK, Prudence Foundation, programme partners, and the Insurance Commission of the Philippines—gathered at the Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City to celebrate these milestones, strengthen partnerships, and spotlight the programme’s long-term vision. 

Paul Mandal, Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer of Pru Life UK, highlighted the company’s strong commitment to financial education and its partnership with DepEd in driving sustainable impact and building a resilient future. 

“When we teach children the value of money early on, we are empowering a generation to make smarter choices and build a financially secure future,” Mandal said.

Created by Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential plc, Pru Life UK’s parent company, Cha-Ching is an award-winning global financial literacy programme that empowers the next generation with the financial knowledge and skills to make informed decisions that build financial wellbeing and a resilient future. In collaboration with JA Asia Pacific, a school curriculum programme was developed for children aged seven to 12 to instill money smart values, knowledge, and behaviour. Over 3 million children have been taught the curriculum across 16 markets in Asia and Africa with over 87,000 teachers trained so far. 

At the event, a panel discussion covering best practices in financial education was held in support of ongoing efforts in advancing financial literacy in the Philippines. The panel included Dr. Gilbert T. Sadsad, Regional Director of DepEd-Region V; Dr. Miguel Mac Aposin, Assistant Regional Director, DepEd Region VI, and Mr. Jed Velarde, President of the JA Philippines Board of Trustees.

To conclude the event, Prudence Foundation also delivered a presentation on the future of the Cha-Ching programme and the importance of collaboration to address the global gap of financial literacy. 

Through these partnerships, Cha-Ching continues to empower the next generation and inspire change that begins from the classrooms and extend to the homes and wider communities.  

Freelancer Perks You Didn’t Know You Needed—Now in the Maya App

Let’s be real: freelancing looks like freedom, but behind the curated schedules and café-hopping gigs lies a truth every gig worker knows—one accident, one delay, one missed opportunity can throw your whole month off balance. No gigs, no income, no backup.

Maya, the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, gets it. That’s why it’s making it easier than ever for freelancers to enjoy perks usually reserved for the 9-to-5 crowd. We're talking high-yield savings, instant access to credit, seamless payments, and now, insurance coverage built for your lifestyle.

With Maya Savings, you can earn up to 15% interest per annum just by letting your money sit smart. Got an emergency? Maya Easy Credit gives you instant access to up to ₱30,000 right inside the app. And if you’re looking to spend smarter, Maya also offers credit cards built for your lifestyle: the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card gives you up to 5% cashback at Landers Superstores, 2% on dining, and 1% on most everyday spends, while the Maya Black Credit Card lets you earn Maya Miles on every swipe—use it to shop, dine, or soon fly wherever your hustle takes you. 

And because life doesn’t always go as planned, Maya now gives you access to Singlife’s Cash for Income Loss (Accidents), a straightforward insurance plan you can get for as low as ₱1,196/year, with cash benefits of up to ₱50,000 per month for 36 months  if an accident puts you out of work. No fine print, no long forms, just real financial support when you need it most. The best part? You can purchase it directly through the Maya app, along with other Singlife plans like Cash for Goals, Cash for Medical Costs, and the 3-in-1 Protection Plan.

Here’s your sign: When you purchase any of these Singlife plans in Maya until the end of June, you get ₱500 cashback. It's coverage with benefits, just the way freelancers like it.

Speaking of perks, if you’re transferring your freelance earnings from PayPal, make sure you’re doing it through Maya. With a minimum transfer of ₱7,000, you’ll get ₱250 cashback.

Whether you're recovering from a curveball or gearing up for your next big win, Maya’s got your back. From protection to perks, this is how freelance life should feel—empowered, supported, and paid in full.

Visit maya.ph/freelancer, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay in the loop. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor. 

Going Further for You: EastWest Ends its Anniversary Celebration with a Dream Run Grand Finale in Manila

Filinvest Event Grounds in Alabang burst into color and excitement as more than 6,000 runners joined the final and biggest leg of the EastWest Dream Run 2025, marking the Bank’s 30th anniversary and the Filinvest Group’s 70th year.

 

EastWest’s founders took part in the event, with Filinvest Chairman Jonathan Gotianun lacing up alongside EastWest teams, partners, and customers. It was a proud moment that brought together decades of shared dreams, milestones, and everyday wins.

 

“It was an initiative that united thousands,” said EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo. “Manila showed up with its whole heart. You could feel the excitement from start to finish. It was everything we hoped for and more.”

 

There were race categories for every kind of runner, from the lighthearted 1K Dog Run to the 30K Dream Challenge. But this wasn’t your typical race. The finish line opened into a festive village that felt more like a weekend fair. After the run, participants joined a high-energy Zumba session while enjoying free taho and sorbetes. Loot bags filled with treats from Gatorade, Monde Nuvi, Salonpas, Gumtect, Chlorelief, Park Access, Rexona, and EastWest-branded items made the experience even more fun and rewarding.

Interactive booths from various EastWest units and sponsors like Filinvest Land Inc., Filinvest City, Crimson Alabang, Galinco, Mogu Mogu, Surge Fitness + Lifestyle, and WeTake Wellness kept the energy going and gave everyone something to enjoy throughout the morning.

 

The event was also made possible with the support of Mazda, among other partners who helped bring the EastWest Dream Run to life.

 

All participants received a specially crafted Dreamcatcher medal, inspired by the Bank’s brand line Your Dream, Our Focus. It served as a reminder to keep chasing what matters. Top performers from each category were also recognized for their standout finishes. Here are the winners who made their mark on the course:

 

1K Dog Top Finishers

Female   1st: Clariza Tumesa and Birdie 2nd: Haydee Tabangay and Atorni 3rd: Patricia Natalie Reyes and Somi

Male   1st: Jojie Dagas-as and Storm 2nd: Moises Calastravo and Onzi 3rd: Ranelle John Vicente and Java

 

2K Kids Top Finishers

Female   1st: Althea Martinez 2nd: Rya Elize de Leon 3rd: Chrystin Jay Callos

Male   1st: King Agas 2nd: James Brua 3rd: James Daniel Dimaano

 

5K Top Finishers

Female   1st: Jo Punay 2nd: Wilma Nano 3rd: Mikhaila Maia Sophia Cordero

Male   1st: Mark Angelo Biagtan 2nd: Cavin Vidal 3rd: Kristoffer Troy Sison

 

10K Top Finishers

Female   1st: Bernadette Sales 2nd: Melody Lantad 3rd: Cristy Advincula

Male   1st: James Darrel Orduña 2nd: Takuya Nishio 3rd: Jaspher Delfino

 

30K Top Finishers

Female   1st: Edna Magtubo 2nd: Jennelyn Isibido 3rd: Roel Maestro

Male   1st: Eduard Flores 2nd: Edsel Moral 3rd: Vincent Arvin Avestruz

 

 

Beyond the podium finishes, the real spotlight was on the stories that unfolded throughout the day. There were families running their first race together, barkadas who trained for months, and everyday champions who showed up with grit and left with something more.

 

Coach Rio dela Cruz, head of Runrio and the creative force behind the event’s design, shared his thoughts on the grand finale. “Every leg had something special, but Manila was different. It was full of energy, full of heart. Nakakatuwang makita ang lahat ng tao na sama-sama sa goal na ‘to.”

 

“The Dream Run series may be over, but the spirit it sparked will carry on,” said Ngo. “This year was about finding new ways to connect with the people who believe in what EastWest stands for. That connection doesn’t stop here. We’re looking forward to bringing this experience to more cities and turning it into a tradition our communities can look forward to.”

 

To know more about EastWest’s community and wellness initiatives, visit www.eastwestbanker.com.

The Strength to Do More: Cheez Whiz and Ninja Monkeys Launch First-Ever ‘Strong Kid Camp’

With 8 out of 10 Filipino kids not getting enough physical activity, according to the latest DOST-FNRI National Nutrition Survey, Cheez Whiz—the country’s beloved cheese spread—is stepping up to make a difference by raising greater awareness of the problem and committing to provide the right solution.

 

“This is a serious concern that needs urgent attention,” said Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, retired Scientist IV, former Director of DOST-FNRI, and a nutrition expert. “Lack of physical activity can hinder kids’ muscle and bone development, weaken joint stability, and raise the risk of long-term health issues. Over time, it may prevent them from fully seizing life’s opportunities.” She added that Calcium, Phosphorus, and vitamins A and D are key minerals and vitamins that will help in this regard.

Addressing the problem head-on, Cheez Whiz is championing an essential approach: proper nutrition to support active play. With the said key nutrients— Calcium, Vitamins A and D, and Phosphorus—Cheez Whiz supports strength-building from within, making it the ideal partner for parents who want to help their kids do more things.

 

To bring this mission to life, Cheez Whiz held the Strong Kid Camp on May 31 and June 1 at the Bridgetowne Obstacle Park—an exciting event designed to get kids playing, moving, and building real strength through fun obstacle courses that allowed them to experience  the joys and benefits of being active outdoors, trying new things, and challenging themselves.

 

The Camp was activated with Ninja Monkeys Philippines, a youth-focused obstacle course club founded by multi-awarded Filipino athlete Kaizen Dela Serna, a pivotal figure in the advancement of obstacle course racing locally and internationally, who’s also a staunch promoter of active play.

 

Two hundred and ninety-three kids, cheered on by their parents, took on specially designed courses like the Z-Wall, Monkey Bars, Balance Beam, and Ring Bar—each one testing their strength, coordination, and stamina.

 

These kids powered through the obstacles, growing more determined and confident with each conquered challenge, while becoming more aware of the importance of getting the right nourishment.

 

Beyond the activities, the Cheez Whiz Strong Kid Camp offered a deeper insight: when given a chance to move, play, and power up with the right nutrients, kids grow not just stronger but also more confident, something that will help them later on in life.

 

“This event reinforces that kids must stay physically active because it builds their muscles, improves coordination, and toughens them overall,” said Kaizen Dela Serna. 

 

She added, "At Ninja Monkeys, that’s our goal. To inspire kids to embrace movement for more strength, discipline, and confidence. Drawing upon my experience as an athlete, I’ve learned that when I do more and push through challenges, I consistently build the strength and mindset that empowers me to take on anything. I want today’s kids to experience that same resilience."

 

"That's why today, we're proud to have this event with Cheez Whiz, a brand dedicated to helping kids grow stronger and be more confident to do more, supported by proper nutrition," Dela Serna emphasized.

 

Antonio Miguel Cabanban, Brand Manager for Cheez Whiz, said, “The Strong Kid Camp—and our broader campaign—is about more than just having fun. It tackles a growing issue: the rise of sedentary lifestyles among our kids. We aim to address it and inspire a stronger, healthier generation by encouraging movement and providing the right nutrition to fuel it.”

 

“We’re 100% committed to supporting parents as they raise stronger, more active kids ready to take on any challenge—whether at school, on the playground, or in life. And this event is just one of the many ways we’re making that happen,” he added.

 

As the Strong Kid Camp wrapped up, it left a powerful message: with proper nutrition and opportunities to play, kids can build the strength they need to thrive—today and in the future. In this light, Cheez Whiz invites all parents to be committed participants in enabling their kids to shift from being sedentary to having a lifestyle powered by active play and good nutrition.

Learn more about Cheez Whiz, its benefits, and the Strong Kid Camp by following CheezWhizPH on Facebook. 

Unboxings and IRL Events: POP MART Connects with Filipino Toy Collectors Through Lazada

The Philippines and Southeast Asia’s blind box obsession is now mainstream, and POP MART is at the heart of it, fuelling demand with exclusive IPs, sought-after collectibles and even real-life fan events. The global designer toy brand, best known for turning characters like MOLLY, DIMOO, and SKULLPANDA into household names, is tapping on Lazada’s LazMall to connect with millions of fans across the region through surprise drops, unboxings, and community events.

With LazMall, POP MART is now reaching fans in a more direct and hyper-personalised way. Since joining the platform in 2023, it has grown over 5-fold to become one of LazMall’s fastest-growing toy brands — a testament to the region’s deep love for collectibles and character storytelling.

From live-streamed unboxings to data-backed product launches, POP MART’s success reflects how digital discovery and fandom go hand-in-hand. The global blind box collectibles market is set to hit USD 38.4 billion by 2031 — a boom fuelled by Gen Z and millennial collectors seeking rarity, emotional connection, and a bit of playful nostalgia.

“Whether it’s the thrill of the mystery or the joy of finding your favourite character, our collectors are looking for more than just toys – they’re seeking stories,” said a POP MART spokesperson. “With Lazada, we’re able to deliver those stories in a more seamless way.”

Global Exclusives Launching in June

This month, POP MART will release two globally limited figures — MOLLY and Zsiga, and also unveil the second-generation SKULLPANDA plush toys, adding a soft and huggable twist to its cult-favourite character lineup.

These products will be available on Lazada’s LazMall from June 2025 onwards. POP MART will also increase its stock levels and scale up visibility on its LazMall storefront to meet fan demand.

Where Community Meets Commerce

On Lazada, POP MART fans don’t just shop — they discover and experience. Using AI-powered recommendations and region-specific insights, the brand curates its releases based on what collectors love most in each market. 

Collectors also benefit from prompt deliveries, with 85% of orders in Manila and other key Southeast Asian cities guaranteed to arrive within 48 hours upon order confirmation. Collectibles are also delivered in custom, shock-proof packaging to ensure they arrive in pristine, collector-worthy condition, and the parcel can be tracked in real-time on the Lazada app.

POP MART collectibles are not just toys; they are a lifestyle and the epitome of luxury and exclusivity, fueled by the energy of their fans and creators. More than one-third (34%) of its sales on Lazada now come from affiliate creators in Southeast Asia — livestreamers, toy reviewers, and content creators who bring the world of POP MART to life through their own lens. Their curated content, character deep-dives, and unboxing videos don’t just sell toys — they build community and elevate collecting into a shared lifestyle.

Taking the Experience Offline

Fans in the Philippines experienced the magic in-person at the recently concluded Lazada X POP MART 5KM run last June 1 at the SM Mall of Asia Complex. Designed to be a vibrant, community-driven event that blends fitness, music, and fandom, POP MART hosted an exclusive booth at the event, creating a playground for pop culture lovers to meet iconic characters, explore exclusive new drops, and immerse themselves in the joyful surprise of the trend culture and brand stories.

IRL experiences like this are part of POP MART’s strategy to connect more deeply with its community, both online and offline.

“POP MART’s world is built on creativity and connection,” said Kaya Qin, Chief Business Officer at Lazada Group. “Through Lazada’s platform, brands like POP MART are able to inspire and engage a new generation of collectors with stories that extend beyond the digital channels.” 

Top business leaders rally behind JCI World Congress 2026

 

Distinguished business leaders, JCI members, and partners gather for an inspiring evening in support of the 2026 JCI World Congress, highlighting the power of collaboration and shared commitment to elevate youth leadership, drive innovation, and positive change locally and globally.

The announcement of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) World Congress 2026 hosting in Clark, Pampanga has ignited widespread enthusiasm among local JCI leaders in the Philippines. They see this as a remarkable opportunity to showcase their chapter’s capabilities on a global stage while reinforcing the country’s commitment to leadership and community development.

A legacy of inspiration

In a special gathering hosted at the residence of Felix Ang, Founder of CATS Motors and President of Auto Nation Group, former JCI members and distinguished guests attended, including Senator JV Ejercito; 2025 JCI Advisor Boydee Dizon III; former 2024 JCI Makati Senate President and 1997 JCI World President Crispin C. Dy Jr.; Chairman of Clark Development Corporation Ed Pamintuan, who also served as the 1978 World Congress Director; and former President of JCI Manila and former President of Clark Development Corporation Benny Ricafort. Their presence underscored the lasting impact of JCI leadership and the strong bonds within the organization.

Jan Adrian “AP” D. Padiernos, the 2025 JCI Manila President, shared his excitement for the upcoming event, reflecting on the historic 1998 JCI World Congress—the last time the Philippines hosted the prestigious gathering.

“Reflecting on the last JCI World Congress in the Philippines back in 1998, I think it inspired many to join and become more active in the organization. As JCI's mission is to develop leaders, we hope that this upcoming World Congress will do the same—encourage more leaders to step out of their comfort zones, embrace their potential, and create a positive impact in their communities and the country.”

The JCI World Congress 2026 is also expected to serve as a catalyst for youth development, providing invaluable learning experiences for young Filipinos. Many local leaders see this as a unique opportunity to engage young people in leadership training, business networking, and cultural exchange.

“One of the greatest opportunities this congress offers is the chance to foster international relations and cultural understanding,” said Randy Manaloto, 2025 JCI Senate Manila President. “It’s a platform where young leaders can engage in business networking while connecting with JCI members from different countries, backgrounds, and cultures. Though we may have different perspectives, we are united by a shared mission.”

The significance of hosting the JCI World Congress again after nearly three decades is not lost on Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro, President of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc., Founder and President of Lamoiyan Corp., and former JCI Manila President (1990).

“It has been 28 years since we last hosted the World Congress. This event is more than just a gathering—it’s a way to strengthen camaraderie among JCI members and reinforce the importance of strong, visionary leadership. The Philippines has so much potential, and with the right leadership, we can help this country to be one of the greatest countries in the world.”

Clark Pampanga as the ideal host city

Last year, JCI Manila, in partnership with JCI Angeles City Culiat, secured the prestigious hosting rights for the event. This milestone gathering is expected to bring together thousands of young leaders from across the globe, fostering international collaboration and leadership growth.

Leading the preparations is Luis Angelo Sevilla, the appointed 2026 JCI World Conference Director, who envisions setting a new benchmark for international JCI conferences. Rather than simply promoting an event, he emphasizes creating an immersive experience that inspires young leaders to drive innovation and embrace continuous improvement.

Kate Reyes-Romero, Deputy World Congress Director from JCI Angeles City Culiat, views the JCI World Congress as a profound commitment to the community and the nation. To her, it represents the unwavering love and dedication of Filipinos to their country, inspiring them to drive growth, foster unity, and create a lasting impact.

The JCI World Congress will provide a platform for emerging leaders to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and discuss global challenges. It embodies the core values of JCI, which has long been dedicated to empowering young individuals to drive positive change in their communities and beyond.

Scheduled on November 11-15, 2026, the congress is expected to welcome over 6,000 delegates from more than 120 countries. Clark, Pampanga, recognized as the premier MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) destination in the Philippines, will offer world-class infrastructure, seamless accessibility, and convenient travel options, ensuring a truly memorable experience for all participants.

More than just a gathering, the JCI World Congress 2026 promises to be a transformative event—one that will celebrate leadership, inspire action, and solidify Pampanga’s reputation as a hub for global collaboration and innovation.