Have fun at Chicky’s Easter Camp presented by Bounty Fresh on April 12

Why are chickens and chicks the favorite symbols of Easter? Because chickens and eggs represent new life, fertility and rebirth – the very message of Easter.

 

This Easter Season, chicken, eggs and a big, beautiful healthy breakfast are the stars of Chicky’s Easter Camp presented by Bounty Fresh. It will be a fun day of games, adventures, surprises and flavorful discoveries for the whole family at Ayala Malls U.P. Town Center, Phase 2 Activity Area, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City. This fun and learning activity takes place on Sunday, April 12.

 

From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. kids together with family and friends can experience the joy of the Easter Season at Chicky’s Easter Camp. There’s a mini play area for kids, a Photo Booth, games like Eggy’s Adventure and Breakfast Match, plus freebies and surprise gifts from the booths.

 

At 2 p.m. special guest, actress and certified ka-Bounty Fresh family member, Jolina Magdangal, will amp up the fun and share information about how to whip up great tasting and nutritious breakfast fare. Chicky, the beloved Bounty Fresh mascot, will make a special appearance, and campers will learn about good nutrition too!

 

Bounty Fresh – the leading, fully integrated poultry company in the Philippines that produces and sells fresh chicken, various meat products and table eggs known for its “no antibiotics ever” chicken production policy – is staging the camp to highlight the importance of breakfast for both young and old.

 

Chicky’s Easter Camp aims to make campers and their parents aware of how they can make breakfast delicious, nutritious, affordable and easy to prepare – whether enjoyed at home or packed as baon.

 

Charged with the mission to provide the best, high-quality, nutritious food options, Bounty Fresh launched the campaign – “Basta Breakfast, Bounty Fresh!” -- to make breakfast the star meal of the day.

 

And not just any breakfast. Health experts recommend high-protein breakfasts that provide children with sustained energy, improved focus, behavior and academic performance. High-protein breakfasts also support growth, muscle development and better metabolism.

 

For adults, breakfast that’s rich in protein stabilizes blood sugar, helps manage weight, boosts energy levels and reduces cravings and overeating throughout the day.

 

That’s why besides the fun and games at Chicky’s Easter Camp, there will be delicious, nutritious and convenient high-protein products on sale so parents won’t run out of breakfast treats and ideas. From fresh chicken and eggs to a wide variety of chicken, meat and breaded products, Chicky’s Easter Camp will help moms and dads plan the most important meal of the day and make it the best meal of the day.

 

“We will help families start their day right. Through interactive activities, product experiences, a fun program and a special meet-and-greet with Chicky, we will bring breakfast to life and make this meal so enjoyable that it will bring families together at the breakfast table. If you love breakfast, you must come to Chicky’s Easter Camp on April 12 at Ayala Malls U.P. Town Center Phase 2 Activity Area, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City,” says Stephanie Balois-Guerrero, Vice President – Head of Marketing of Bounty Plus Inc. 

Novo Nordisk strengthens commitment to obesity care in the Philippines

Built on more than 100 years of scientific leadership in obesity and diabetes care, global healthcare company Novo Nordisk is reinforcing its commitment to advancing care for people living with obesity in the Philippines, as a new generation of treatments is set to reach Filipino patients.

At the center of this advancement are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, a class of medicines that work by mimicking a natural hormone in the body that helps regulate hunger and blood sugar. These treatments help people feel full longer, reduce cravings, and better manage their appetite, while also improving blood sugar control for those living with diabetes.

This dual benefit marks a significant shift in how obesity and related conditions are treated—not as matters of willpower, but as chronic diseases requiring medical care.

The rise of GLP-1–based treatments represent one of the most important breakthroughs in metabolic health in recent years. These medicines have, over time, demonstrated substantial and sustained weight loss outcomes in clinical studies—bringing obesity treatment closer to the effectiveness of surgical interventions, but in a less invasive form. 

According to the National Library of Medicine, GLP-1 RA medications have revolutionized weight loss and can reduce body weight in obese patients by between 15% and 25% on average after about one year. Their mode of action is to mimic the endogenous GLP-1, an intestinal hormone that regulates glucose metabolism and satiety.

This evolution reflects decades of research into the biology of hunger, hormones, and weight regulation, culminating in therapies that address the root causes of obesity.

“We are entering a new era in obesity care in the country. One that is grounded in science, compassion, and long-term solutions,” said Wei Sun, general manager of Novo Nordisk Philippines. “For many years, people living with obesity have been left with limited options and significant stigma. Today, with advancements in treatments that work with the body’s natural systems, we could transform outcomes for patients across the Philippines.”

Patient safety

As these innovations become more accessible, Novo Nordisk emphasizes the importance of patient safety and proper medical guidance. The company urges patients to seek consultation with qualified healthcare professionals and to use only approved, regulated medicines. 

With the growing global demand for weight management treatments, there has also been a rise in compounded or unregulated versions that may not meet the same standards of quality, safety, and efficacy.

“Patient safety must always come first,” Sun added. “We strongly advise against the use of unapproved or compounded alternatives that bypass strict regulatory processes. These products may pose serious health risks and do not offer the same assurance of safety and effectiveness as approved medicines.”

Novo Nordisk’s efforts in the Philippines go beyond treatment access, focusing on increasing awareness of obesity as a chronic disease, supporting healthcare professionals with updated medical education, and partnering to expand access to safe, evidence-based care. 

Making Mealtimes “Refreshingly Real” for Every Filipino Family with Tang

Mealtimes today are no longer just about gathering around the table. More often, they come with phones in hand, scrolling through perfectly curated feeds filled with spotless kitchens and picture-perfect meals, quietly shaping what family life is “supposed” to look like.

But behind these polished snapshots is a different reality. Real dining tables are rarely perfect. They are a little messy, a little noisy, and often unpredictable. Yet, it is in these moments that conversations happen, laughter builds, and real connections are formed.

In a world where curated moments dominate social media, Tang, together with Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado, invites Filipino families to drop the filters and embrace real life as it happens.

With its 2026 campaign, “Get Refreshingly Real with Tang,” the brand encourages families of all backgrounds to let go of the pressure to be picture-perfect and celebrate everyday moments that are messy, spontaneous, and authentically theirs. At a time when IG-worthy snapshots take center stage, Tang, alongside the Mercado-Trillo family, challenges Filipinos to share their refreshingly real stories, reminding us that while life may not always look aesthetic, it is always meaningful.

There is a deeper truth the campaign brings to light as well: Filipino families today come in many forms. Among them are blended families, where parents bring together children from different journeys and create a shared home grounded in understanding, adjustment, and everyday effort. These households are built not on perfection, but on showing up for each other, navigating differences, and finding connection in simple routines.

This is why Tang partnered with the Mercado-Trillo family, as they reflect this modern dynamic. In their home, different personalities, preferences, and routines coexist, requiring flexibility, patience, and constant adjustment. Rather than striving for a picture-perfect setup, they focus on what truly matters, showing up, making time, and creating moments that bring everyone together.

Jennylyn shares that family life is less about control and more about connection. “Hindi man pare-pareho ang gusto at ugali namin sa bahay, natutunan namin mag-adjust para sa isa’t isa. Mas importante sa amin na nagkakasama-sama at nag-eenjoy kami, kahit simple lang,” she shares.

This kind of honesty reflects what many Filipino families experience today. Behind every polished post is a more lived-in reality, one that includes small compromises, shared laughter, and even a bit of chaos at the dining table. In contrast to perfectly styled, top-view food content, Tang celebrates these unfiltered mealtime moments, where connection matters more than presentation.

For Dennis and Jennylyn, Tang has naturally been part of their everyday life. Having grown up with the brand, they now share it with their own family, where it becomes part of simple, shared routines that bring lightness to mealtimes. More than nostalgia, it represents continuity across generations, now redefined in a more modern, more real family setup.

“Tang talagang kinalakihan namin inumin mula nung bata pa,” Dennis shares. “Ngayon, kasama na rin siya sa moments namin sa bahay, lalo na pag magkakasama kami.”

For Tang, this reflects a more purposeful role in supporting the everyday realities of Filipino families today.

“Our ‘Refreshingly Real’ campaign is rooted in the belief that the most meaningful moments are the ones that are honest and unfiltered. Through this campaign, we want to celebrate everyday family experiences and show how Tang naturally becomes part of these real, shared connections,” said Karol Canlas-Apelo, Senior Category Marketing Manager for Tang, Mondelēz International Philippines.

“For Tang, this marks a new era for the brand, one that is more purposeful and deeply connected to the realities of Filipino families today,” said Adrian Manlapig, Marketing Director of Mondelēz International Philippines. “Beyond refreshment, we want Tang to play a more meaningful role as an ally to parents, supporting them in creating real, everyday moments of connection with their families.”

With its real fruit taste and wide range of flavors, Tang fits naturally into these everyday moments, helping make mealtimes more enjoyable and shared experiences more meaningful. Because in the end, it is not about creating perfect moments. It is about embracing the real ones.

Watch the film now on Tang’s official social media pages and see how refreshment comes from being real together. 

P1 Pre-Order, Up to P2,000 Off! TECNO CAMON 50 Series Back with Unbeatable Launch Deals

The wait is over. TECNO’s most anticipated AI-powered imaging smartphone, the CAMON 50 Series, is officially back to the Philippines. Starting from Apr 1 until April 17, the series is now available for pre-order across all authorized TECNO offline stores nationwide.

₱1 Pre-Order, Big Rewards

For a limited time, Filipino fans can secure the latest CAMON 50 series with an unbelievably low P1 downpayment from Apr 1 to April 3. From April 4 onwards, the pre-order requires a P500 downpayment, still making it one of the most rewarding smartphone launches this year. Customers who pre-order can enjoy discounts of up to P2,000 off the SRP — P1,000 off for the CAMON 50, and up to P2,000 off for the CAMON 50 Ultra 5G variants.

But that’s not all. Every pre-order with successful claim starts on Apr 18 – Apr 30 will come with a premium bundle of five exciting perks:

• CAMON 50 Series Exclusive Gift Box (worth P1,999) including an air conduction headphone and charging lanyard cable

• 1-Year Premium Membership on MovieBox App

• 50 GB Free Cloud Storage on TECNO Cloud

• 60-Day Free Replacement (for non-human caused issues) and 2-Year Warranty via CarlCare

• And so much more in store!

Built for Creators, Powered by AI.

From content creators to everyday storytellers, the CAMON 50 Series is designed for Filipinos who want to shoot smarter, create faster, and stand out online. Powered by flagship Sony hardware and an intelligent AI computing architecture, it introduces breakthroughs like Super-Zoom FlashSnap for zero-shutter lag action shots and AI Auto Zoom for perfectly framed portraits. More than just a camera phone, it serves as a full Creative AI Hub — complete with an AI Art Gallery, One-Tap FlashMemo, and the ever-reliable Ella AI assistant to elevate everyday productivity.

With a legacy as the Philippines’ most beloved imaging smartphone series, the CAMON 50 Series is built for those who stop at nothing to capture life’s best moments. Don’t miss out on the country’s most exciting smartphone pre-order event of the year. Visit any authorized TECNO store nationwide to reserve your unit today. For more details, visit TECNO’s official Facebook page or website.

 

Philippine Dental Societies, Sensodyne, and Polident Launch Nationwide Sensitivity Awareness and Denture Care Program

The Philippine Dental Association (PDA),  Philippine Association of Registered Dental Technologists (PARDTI), and leading oral health care brands Sensodyne and Polident have launched “Ngiting Tagumpay,” a nationwide oral health advocacy that aims to empower Filipinos to better understand and address common dental issues such as tooth sensitivity and tooth loss.

 

Launched ahead of World Oral Health Day at Market! Market!, Ngiting Tagumpay will travel to major cities across the country to offer free dental consultations, oral health education, and essential procedures. The program will also provide 1,500 free dentures to beneficiaries—helping restore confidence and quality of life.

 

The initiative is in response to major oral health concerns in the country–research from Sensodyne finds that 6 out of 10 Filipinos experience tooth sensitivity, which can lead to discomfort when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods. Meanwhile, studies from Polident report that only about 11 percent of Filipinos who need dentures actually wear them, highlighting a gap between oral health needs and treatment.

 

Through expanded education campaigns, community outreach, and access to dental care, Ngiting Tagumpay seeks to empower Filipinos to take more proactive steps to protect their oral health.

 

Bridging the incidence and treatment gap 

 

Dental professionals say that awareness and early care are critical to addressing these issues.

 

“Many Filipinos tend to delay seeking dental care until symptoms become more difficult to manage,” said Dr. Lucilo Niñal Jr., President of the Philippine Dental Association. “Conditions like tooth sensitivity or tooth loss are common, but they can often be addressed effectively when people are informed and receive timely care.”

 

He added that public education remains an important part of improving oral health outcomes.

“World Oral Health Day reminds us that prevention and early treatment play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. Through programs like Ngiting Tagumpay, we can reach more communities with reliable information while connecting them to proper dental care. Our continued collaboration with Haleon also reflects the value of working with partners who prioritize science-based solutions and responsible health advocacy.”

 

The platform builds on four years of strong collaboration between the PDA, PARDTI, and Haleon, maker of Sensodyne and Polident, where purposeful dental efforts such as caravans have reached thousands of Filipinos with free consultations and education on tooth sensitivity. Their ‘Oplan Balik Ngiti’ program likewise provided denture assistance to 5,600 individuals, directly improving their comfort, confidence, and oral health outcomes.

 

Commitment to everyday health

 

For Haleon, the launch of Ngiting Tagumpay reinforces an unwavering commitment to improving everyday health for Filipinos through trusted brands and partnerships.

 

“We at Haleon are proud to support World Oral Health Day because we believe every Filipino deserves access to quality dental and denture care," shared Maimai Punzalan, General Manager of Haleon Philippines. "A healthy smile makes a real difference in people's lives, from finding success in their livelihoods to sharing moments with loved ones."

"We’re proud to work alongside the Philippine Dental Association and PARDTI to bring this advocacy to life. Through Sensodyne and Polident, we hope to help even more Filipinos achieve their true Ngiting Tagumpay.”

 

The launch event also drew support from community advocates and digital creators, who helped amplify the initiative's message. Among those present were content creators Macoy Dubs and The Aguinaldos, who attended to encourage Filipinos to pay closer attention to their oral health and adopt simple habits that support healthier smiles.

 

Support for Sensodyne and Polident helps strengthen ongoing efforts to expand oral health education and denture‑giving initiatives across the country. Learn more about the advocacy through Haleon’s e‑commerce page: https://shopee.ph/haleonph. 

ASUS Launches Zenbook DUO (2026) and Zenbook S14 (2026)

 ASUS today announced the availability and pricing of the Zenbook DUO and Zenbook S14 in the Philippines, strengthening its presence in the local market. Powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 3 processors, these premium AI laptops deliver exceptional performance with all-day battery life within thin, light, and durable designs. These features are made to adapt to the workflow of the modern Filipinos. Together with the newly unveiled Zenbook A16, ASUS redefines innovation and productivity with its 2026 Zenbook series.

Headlining the launch is the 2026 Zenbook DUO UX8407. Showcased in a fresh and durable full-Ceraluminum finish, the new Zenbook DUO retains its world-renowned five-mode versatility. Continuing its 14-inch dual-screen legacy, it is now more seamless and enhanced with 144Hz refresh rates and the latest ASUS Lumina Pro OLED displays. At its core is an Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 3 processor with a 50 TOPS NPU and an all-day battery, delivering a new standard of AI-powered multitasking.

The 2026 Zenbook S14 UX5406 is also announced, following the Zenbook DUO. With a 1.1 cm ultrathin design and a timeless Ceraluminum lid, the Zenbook S14 is equipped with a vivid 14-inch 120Hz ASUS Lumina OLED display and the reliable AI performance of the Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 3 processor and a 50 TOPS NPU. Supported by an all-day battery, the Zenbook S14 makes working from anywhere possible without relying on outlets. Its 16-inch counterpart, Zenbook S16 UM5606, was launched earlier this quarter with an AMD Ryzen AI 9 processor and a 50 TOPS NPU while retaining the same 1.1 cm thin profile.

The unveiling of the Zenbook A16 UX3607 closed the celebration. Featherlight at 1.2 kg, it features an all-Ceraluminum design. Succeeding the crowd-favorite Zenbook A14, the Zenbook A16 comes with a 16-inch 120 Hz ASUS Lumina OLED display for more workspace. Now powered by the latest Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme processor, an 80 TOPS NPU, and all-day battery life, it delivers unprecedented AI capabilities in a thin and featherlight package.

The next generation of the Zenbook series arrives in the Philippines, bringing premium AI laptops built for the modern Filipino. ASUS Business Development Manager Harrison Cheng says: “These are intentional upgrades to reshape the premium AI PC market. We redefine what ‘premium’ means when it comes to laptops by solving real-life problems and empowering real people. With the 2026 Zenbook series, ASUS promises seamless integration and performance in the AI era.”

ZENBOOK DUO: THE DUAL-SCREEN POWERHOUSE

The latest Zenbook DUO (UX8407AA) is a premium dual-screen laptop built for seamless multitasking. Designed with five-mode versatility – Laptop Mode, for traditional use, Dual-Screen Mode for full dual-display productivity, Dual-Screen Mode with a Virtual Keyboard for touchscreen typing and flexible setup, Desktop Mode for extended vertical workspace, and Sharing Mode for easy team collaboration – this laptop allows users to adapt to different workflows while working from anywhere. The Zenbook DUO is just 1.96 cm slim, 5% smaller than its predecessor, and is built with a full-Ceraluminum finish in Moher Gray, allowing it to remain compact while being up to 30% lighter and three times more durable than metal. Crafted to withstand wear and tear in any environment, the Zenbook DUO will stay pristine over time.

The 14-inch 2026 Zenbook DUO has 70% less screen gap than its previous iterations, promising a more uninterrupted viewing experience between the two displays. Moreover, each touchscreen display is supported by a 144Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and reduced eyestrain. For a more immersive viewing experience, both displays are equipped with the new ASUS Lumina Pro OLED with 1,000-nits brightness. The expansive workspace of the Zenbook DUO allows users to stay productive across any task.

Powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 3 processor and a 50 TOPS NPU, the Zenbook DUO is engineered to handle AI-intensive tasks intelligently and effortlessly. Its NPU also classifies this multitasking powerhouse as a Copilot+ PC, enabling seamless integration with Windows 11 Copilot features. To complement its performance, the Zenbook DUO is supported by robust dual batteries for all-day use. It can endure up to 32 hours on single screen and up to 18 hours when both displays are active, making it a reliable companion.  

The Zenbook DUO also comes with a 1 TB M.2 PCIe 4 storage and a 32 GB LPDDR5X memory onboard. For connectivity, it features two Thunderbolt 4 with support for display and power delivery of up to 40 Gbps data speed, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type -A with up to 10 Gbps data speed, one HDMI 2.1 FRL port, and one 3.5mm combo audio jack.

 

SERIES	SPECS SUMMARY	INTRODUCTORY PRICE
Zenbook DUO UX8407AA-SN152WSM	Intel Core Ultra 9 386H / 14-inch 144Hz 3K ASUS Lumina Pro OLED Dual Touchscreen Displays / 32 GB LPDDR5X / 1 TB M.2 SSD / Lifetime Office 2024 Home / 1Y Microsoft 365 Basic with 100 GB Cloud Storage / ASUS Quality and Service Package / Moher Gray	PHP 179,995

ZENBOOK S14: 1.1 CM OF PURE POWER

The 2026 Zenbook S14 (UX5406AA) is crafted with premium design, portability, and performance in mind. At just 1.1 cm thin, this ultrathin laptop is the slimmest Zenbook ever. Featuring a durable Ceraluminum lid in Antrim Gray, it maintains a lightweight 1.2kg profile – perfectly suited for people who want to work anywhere in style.

The Zenbook S14 has a vivid 14-inch 120Hz ASUS Lumina OLED display with 1,100 nits brightness, delivering clear and bright visuals for productive computing, casual content creation, and entertainment. Powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 3 processor with a 50 TOPS NPU, this special laptop can efficiently run AI-intensive tasks. Also categorized as a Copilot+ PC, the Zenbook S14 is ready for any AI integration from Windows 11.

Despite its compact frame, the Zenbook S14 packs a 77Wh battery. This supports up to 27 hours of use without being tied down to charges and power outlets, made especially for modern-day professionals on the move.

Completing this premium AI laptop are 1 TB M.2 PCIe 4 storage and 32 GB LPDDR5X memory onboard. For connectivity, the Zenbook S14 comes with two Thunderbolt 4 ports with support for display and power delivery at up to 40 Gbps data speed, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A with up to 10 Gbps data speed, one 3.5 mm Combo Audio Jack, and one HDMI 2.1 TMDS port.

The Zenbook S14, much like the Zenbook S16, is a testament to ASUS’ philosophy of Zen: achieving the balance of performance, portability, and craftsmanship.

SERIES	SPECS SUMMARY	INTRODUCTORY PRICE
Zenbook S14 UX5406AA-SU165WSM	Intel Core Ultra 9 386H / 14-inch 120Hz 3K ASUS Lumina OLED Touchscreen Display / 32 GB LPDDR5X / 1 TB M.2 SSD / Lifetime Office 2024 Home / 1Y Microsoft 365 Basic with 100 GB Cloud Storage / ASUS Quality and Service Package / Antrim Gray	PHP 129,995

ZENBOOK A16: 1.2 KG LIGHT, AI POWER

Building on the legacy of the 899g Zenbook A14, the Zenbook A16 (UX3607OA) offers a compelling 1.2 kg alternative to users who prefer a premium featherlight laptop with a larger display. While expanded in form, the Zenbook A16 maintains its position as one of the lightest 16-inch laptops on the market. Made with a full-Ceraluminum body in Zabriskie Beige, this unique device delivers durability and refined aesthetics that can withstand the test of time.

The Zenbook A16 features a stunning 16-inch 3K ASUS Lumina OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant visuals and a smooth experience for both productivity and entertainment. Powered by the latest Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme processor, it delivers up to 69% faster performance than competitors and up to 110% faster AI processing. Equipped with an 80 TOPS NPU, the Zenbook A16 is also a Copilot+ PC, built to handle Windows 11 Copilot features with ease.

The Zenbook A16 boasts up to 21 hours of all-day battery life, promising productivity without compromise. With the combination of size, power, and intelligent features, this AI laptop proves that laptops can be bigger, smarter, and more AI-ready.

Coming soon to the Philippines.

WHERE TO BUY AND INCLUSIONS

The Zenbook DUO and Zenbook S14 will be available at ASUS Stores with exclusive ASUS Laptop Sleeves, Office 2024 Lifetime License, 1-year access to Microsoft 365 Basic with free 100 GB cloud storage, and the ASUS Quality and Service package – featuring a 2-year International Warranty and 1-year Accidental Damage Protection.

For more information on the 2026 ASUS Zenbook series and other incredible product, visit the official ASUS website and follow ASUS Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Mercato Centrale launches nationwide search for The Next Big Food Entrepreneur 2026

 Mercato Centrale Group, the country’s leading food business incubator, is officially bringing back The Next Big Food Entrepreneur (NBFE) and has opened applications for aspiring food founders across the country. The returning flagship program once again invites Filipino culinary entrepreneurs to step forward for a chance to transform their concepts into sustainable, market-ready businesses.

For more than a decade, Mercato Centrale has served as a proving ground for small food entrepreneurs, creating spaces where passion meets market reality. Through its markets and mentorship ecosystem, it has helped nurture brands that started as weekend concepts and eventually became household names, including Mama Lou’s, Merry Moo, Sunrise Buckets, Thai Mango, and Tokyo Tempura.

“The Philippines is brimming with culinary talent, but talent alone isn’t enough to build a lasting brand,” said RJ Ledesma, CEO of Mercato Centrale Group. “Through The Next Big Food Entrepreneur, we aim to bridge creativity and entrepreneurship by giving founders not just exposure, but the mentorship, structure, and real-world experience they need to scale sustainably.”

The journey begins with the “Digital Sift,” a nationwide open call inviting food entrepreneurs to introduce themselves through a 30–40 second video on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, sharing their product, inspiration, and the vision behind their brand. To qualify, participants must follow and tag Mercato Centrale’s official social media pages and include the hashtag #NBFE2026Entry. Entries will be accepted until March 17, 2026.

For aspiring entrepreneurs who may not have the means to produce a video entry, Mercato Centrale is also providing an alternative application pathway through an online submission form, accessible at tinyurl.com/NBFE2026.

Selected concepts advance to the “Tasting Table,” an intimate and curated experience where 15-20 shortlisted food brands present their creations to invited foodies and key opinion leaders. Beyond first bites, the session highlights the founder stories and the market potential behind each dish, offering early signals of what could become the next crowd favorite.

Afterward, finalists move on to the “Test Kitchen,” an exclusive bootcamp under Mercato Academy that shifts the focus from flavor to foundation. Participants sharpen their understanding of food costing, branding, operations, and go-to-market strategy, gaining the off-the-plate skills needed to build brands that are not only delicious but durable.

The journey culminates in “The Spread,” a large-scale, multi-sensory finale set for April 18, 2026, at Mercato Centrale Bridgetowne in Pasig City, the group’s largest location. Finalists will present and sell their concepts directly to the public, giving food lovers a first taste of what could become the country’s next breakout food brand.

One major winner will receive a Food SME Starter Package, which may include up to six months of free rent at a prime Mercato location, along with partner support and industry tools to accelerate their growth.

With demand for homegrown brands on the rise, NBFE 2026 serves as a launchpad for the next wave of Filipino food entrepreneurs, helping passionate creators transform culinary ideas into sustainable and market-ready businesses.

The NBFE 2026 is co-presented by GCash for Business and is supported by Uniquecorn Strategies as the official PR partner.

For updates and full program details, follow @mercatocentraleph on Instagram or Mercato Centrale on Facebook.