Coca-Cola Philippines Named Brand of the Year at SMARTIES™ Philippines 2026

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 21 October 2026 – Coca-Cola Philippines has been named Brand of the Year at the SMARTIES™ Philippines 2026 Awards and received eight awards across categories including omnichannel marketing, artificial intelligence (AI), personalization, commerce and retail media. Organized by MMA Global, SMARTIES™ Philippines recognizes marketing campaigns that combine creativity, technology, consumer insights and measurable business results. 

The recognition reflects Coca-Cola Philippines’ continued focus on creating more relevant and personalized experiences for Filipino consumers. Two award-winning campaigns were central to this achievement: Coca-Cola Festive 2025, which used data-informed audience targeting and storytelling to make holiday connections more meaningful and Grab’s Year in Cravings, which transformed consumers’ food-ordering habits into personalized digital experiences. 

For Coca-Cola Philippines, the Brand of the Year recognition is not simply an industry accolade. It reflects the company’s approach to turning consumer understanding into experiences that are meaningful for people while delivering measurable business impact.

Creating More Meaningful Holiday Connections

Among the recognized work was Coca-Cola Festive 2025, which earned Gold for Omnichannel Marketing and Silver for Innovative Use of AI in Advertising. 

Built around Coca-Cola's annual Christmas platform, the campaign brought the brand’s festive story to Filipinos through a connected ecosystem of television, outdoor, digital and retail experiences. It combined television and outdoor advertising with digital platforms including Meta, YouTube and TikTok, while Connected TV placements helped extend the campaign into family mealtime moments at home.

The campaign also brought its festive message to life through activations such as the Emoji Cup promotion with quick-service restaurant partners and Sound of Home, an initiative that helped connect Filipinos in the country with loved ones working overseas.

The Innovative Use of AI recognition highlighted Coca-Cola Philippines’ use of data and AI-enabled audience targeting to deliver more relevant festive communications and identify growth opportunities across regional markets. By combining audience insights and local market information, the campaign was able to connect with consumers at more relevant moments through the holiday season.

Making digital experiences more personal

Together with Grab, Coca-Cola Philippines also earned six awards for its partnership with Grab through the “Year in Cravings” report.

The campaign received Gold awards for Customer Growth & Conversion Strategy and Instant Impact/Promotion, Silver awards for Brand Experience and Personalization, and Bronze awards for Retail Media/O2O Excellence and Customer Growth & Conversion Strategy.

Inspired by year-end recap experiences, Year in Cravings gave users a personalized look at their food-ordering habits, including customized food personas and insights based on their favorite meals and cravings.

The experience also introduced personalized food and Coca-Cola beverage pairings within the Grab app, allowing consumers to revisit and reorder their favorite food-and-drink combinations. By combining personalization, commerce and consumer insights, the campaign transformed everyday ordering behavior into a more engaging digital brand experience.

The collaboration brough together Coca-Cola Philippines, Grab, agency partners and teams to turn consumer insights into experiences that connected digital engagement with commerce.

“These recognitions reinforce the importance of staying close to consumers and understanding what matters most to them,” said Frenissa Lagman, Marketing Head of Coca-Cola Philippines. “Whether through personalized digital experiences, data-informed marketing or festive campaigns that celebrate meaningful connections, our goal remains the same; to create experiences that feel relevant, memorable and rewarding for Filipinos. These awards encourage us to continue finding new ways to connect with people through creativity, technology and a deep understanding of what matters most in their everyday lives.”

Together, the awards demonstrate Coca-Cola Philippines‘ success in developing campaigns that resonate with consumers across different channels and turn creative ideas into engaging brand experiences.

Learn more about Coca-Cola Philippines and its latest initiatives at www.coca-cola.com/ph

GrabCar Group Ride Now Splits the Fare Automatically, with Savings of Up to 50% per Passenger

MANILA, Philippines, October 16, 2026 — Riding home with friends just got easier and much more affordable. Grab Philippines has upgraded GrabCar Group Ride so the fare can now be split automatically among passengers, with each rider saving up to 50 percent compared with booking a solo ride.

GrabCar Group Ride lets the ride host and up to two friends share one GrabCar, with up to three drop-off points along the way. The more people join, the more affordable the ride becomes for everyone, and the app shows each person’s share upfront. No more awkward “magkano share ko?” after the trip.

Regular ride buddies can also be saved as a group, together with frequent pickup and drop-off pins, so repeat bookings take just a few taps. It’s ideal for officemates heading the same way after work or friends coming home from a night out.

A throwback to the shampoo sachet jingle era

To spotlight the upgrade, Grab released an online video that taps into Filipinos’ nostalgia for the catchy shampoo jingles of the 2000s, while educating commuters on how easy it is to book a GrabCar Group Ride. The campaign repackages mobility feature as the “GrabCar 3-in-1”: three passengers, one booking – the same promise that made the 3-in-1 sachet a household staple. 

The idea is simple. Just like the sachet, sharing a ride with your barkada gives you more for less, both in savings and in the company on the way home.

“Filipino commuters are resourceful. They’re always finding smarter ways to make every trip with friends or colleagues more efficient and more affordable. As a committed partner to every commuter, Grab makes sure our platform keeps up with these everyday habits. ‘Hati-hati’ has always been part of how we move together, and it’s about more than splitting costs. It’s about looking out for one another. With GrabCar Group Ride, we’re building on that spirit so that getting around together becomes the easier, more attainable choice for more Filipinos,” said Grab Philippines Country Marketing Head Bea Bravo. 

How to book a Group Ride

Open the Grab app, tap GrabCar, then select Group Ride.

Enter your pickup point and drop-off.

Share the invite link with up to two friends.

Your friends add their own drop-off points.

Confirm the booking. The fare is split automatically, with each rider saving up to 50 percent.

The Group Ride feature is now available in all GrabCar cities nationwide.

Grab Boosts Ride Safety for Teenswith ‘Grab for Family’ Feature

MANILA, Philippines — Grab Philippines is giving Filipino teens greater independence while helping parents stay connected to their journeys with the introduction of Grab for Family. The feature enables teenagers aged 13–17 to book rides independently, while giving parents and guardians real-time visibility into their journeys and added safety controls throughout the trip.

The growing use of Grab Family Accounts among Filipino households points to the increasing role of shared mobility in everyday family life, with sign-ups more than doubling over the past year. Once onboarded, family members take about 70% more rides in their first month – underscoring the importance of shared access in making everyday mobility more convenient and more efficient for everyone under one roof.

With Grab for Family, parents no longer have to choose between giving their teenagers greater freedom and staying informed about their journeys. Once a teen is linked to a Family Account, parents can receive real-time trip updates, follow rides on a live map, communicate with the teen and driver, and access additional safety tools throughout the trip.

“Safety and peace of mind have always been important to how we serve families on Grab. We’re continuing to build on that by making it easier for parents to stay informed about their teens’ journeys, while giving teenagers the support and confidence to move around more independently,” said Grab Philippines Head of Mobility CJ Lacsican.

Keeping parents connected without getting in the way

At the core of Grab for Family is real-time visibility. Through Live Ride Tracking, Trip Monitoring and automated trip notifications, parents can stay informed without having to repeatedly call or message their teens during a ride.

Parents receive updates at key points of the journey, including when a driver is assigned, vehicle details are available, the passenger is picked up, the destination is reached and the trip is completed. A live map also allows parents to follow the ride as it happens.

The monitoring experience is designed to provide added visibility when a journey does not go as expected. Parents can be alerted about unexpected stops or route deviations, while the platform can also check in with the passenger through in-app prompts to help confirm that they are safe.

Built-in safeguards from pickup to drop-off

Beyond visibility, Grab for Family brings together several safety and communication tools designed to support the teen throughout the ride.

Ride PIN provides an additional verification step before a trip begins, requiring the passenger and driver to match a unique in-app code before proceeding. This helps ensure that the teen is getting into the correct vehicle.

Through 3-Way Chat, parents can also join the in-app conversation between the teen and driver. This gives families a shared channel to clarify pickup points, landmarks and other trip details without having to move the conversation to a separate platform.

Grab for Family also includes AudioProtect, which enables encrypted audio recording on both the passenger’s and driver’s devices during a ride. Recordings remain encrypted and cannot be accessed by either party, and are only reviewed by Grab’s safety team when a formal report is submitted.

These tools work alongside Grab’s Safety Center and Emergency Help functions, giving users access to localized assistance and emergency support when needed.

Designed to fit into everyday family routines

Activating Grab for Family can be done within the existing Grab app. Parents can invite a teen using their mobile number or send a unique invitation link. Once the teen accepts the invitation, the parent approves the request and identifies the account as belonging to a teen, activating the relevant safety features.

Once the accounts are linked, parents can also manage shared payment methods and adjust available safety settings based on their household’s needs.

“As a Grab driver-partner and a mother myself, I understand how important it is for parents to feel assured that their children are safe whenever they use ride-hailing services,” said Lisza Buscaino-Redulla, President of the United Transportation Coalition Philippines, Inc. “Many families rely on platforms like Grab for the daily commutes of their teenage children, which is why we welcome the introduction of the Family Account as an important step toward giving parents assurance that their children get to wherever they need to be safely.”

More information on Grab for Family is available through the Grab app and official website.

Pet Lovers, Here’s an Easy Way to Help Animals in Need through GrabMart

MANILA, Philippines — Animal welfare advocates and the wider pet-loving community can now donate food, medical supplies, and other essentials directly to PETA Asia’s Ampon Alaga Program and Biyaya Animal Sanctuary through GrabMart, with zero delivery fees from August 28 to September 3.

From dog and cat food to treats, toys, beds, vitamins and supplements, cat litter, pee pads, cleaning supplies, grooming tools, and other pet-care essentials, donors can choose from items that participating animal welfare organizations have pre-identified as most needed.

To donate, users can select their chosen organization as the GrabMart delivery location, purchase the items they wish to give from participating pet merchants, and complete their order using cashless payment methods. Participating pet merchants include Pet Express, Pet Lovers Centre, and Dogs and the City, with more merchants available within an 8-kilometer radius of each designated drop-off location.
Once the order is placed, the participating merchant will prepare the donation, and a Grab driver-partner will deliver it directly to the chosen organization. There’s no minimum spend, and delivery is free throughout the campaign period.

Ashley Fruno, Director of the Animal Assistance Program at PETA Asia, said donations of everyday essentials can help animal welfare organizations continue caring for rescued animals. 

“For animal rescues caring for hundreds of cats and dogs, even a small donation can make a meaningful difference. We’re grateful that Grab is making it easier for people to support rescues wherever they are. Every bag of food, pack of supplies, or other essential item helps us provide rescued animals with the care they need while they wait for loving homes,” said Fruno.

Rina Ortiz, President of Biyaya Animal Care Foundation, Inc., sees that operational need every day. The organization provides rescue, rehabilitation, veterinary care, and other support for animals in need.

“Caring for rescued animals teaches us that compassion is not only found in extraordinary acts. Very often, it is built through ordinary things done consistently—a meal, medicine, a clean place to sleep, a bag of supplies arriving when it is needed. What we love about this initiative with GrabMart is that it gives anyone a simple way to turn compassion into something tangible. When many people each do something small, together it becomes an extraordinary act of care,” said Ortiz.

Grab Philippines also provided GrabGift vouchers to support participating animal welfare organizations and the rescued animals in their care.

For the designated drop-off locations, users can pin “Biyaya Animal Care - Mandala” on the Grab app as the collection point for donations to Biyaya Animal Sanctuary, and “Ampon Alaga” for PETA Asia’s Ampon Alaga Program.

Those interested in adopting, fostering, or volunteering can visit the official social media pages of PETA Asia’s Ampon Alaga Program and Biyaya Animal Sanctuary. 

Grab Unlocks More Savings for Users With GrabCoins Across Rides, Deliveries and Payments

Manila, Philippines — Grab Philippines is giving users more ways to save by expanding how they can earn and redeem GrabCoins across everyday rides, food orders, grocery purchases, and cashless payments.

Users can earn GrabCoins through eligible GrabCar bookings, GrabFood and GrabMart orders, GrabPay transactions, and selected in-app activities, then redeem them for vouchers or discounts on eligible rides, deliveries, grocery purchases, and in-store payments.

Earn more GrabCoins with Grab

All Grab users can earn GrabCoins by completing eligible transactions and participating in in-app activities. These include making an Advanced Booking or Group Ride, hosting a GrabFood group order, ordering during special periods, and shopping from participating grocery and pharmacy categories on GrabMart.

GrabUnlimited (GU) members also receive enhanced GrabCoins on eligible cashless Grab transactions, earning 6 GrabCoins for every ₱100 spent using GrabPay and 3 GrabCoins for every ₱100 spent using other cashless payment methods.

Earn 2× GrabCoins during Double Coins Days

Grab is also introducing Double Coins Days, a monthly promotion available to all users from the 23rd to the 25th of each month. During this period, users can earn 2× GrabCoins on selected transactions, with participating offers available on the GrabCoins homepage.

Use GrabCoins across Grab

Once earned, GrabCoins can be redeemed for vouchers from the GrabCoins catalogue or applied directly to eligible GrabCar, GrabFood and GrabMart transactions through the GrabCoins toggle feature. Users can also use GrabCoins for in-store QR Ph purchases when paying with GrabPay. GrabCoins remain valid for six months from the date they are earned.

Users can check their GrabCoins balance and browse available rewards anytime through the Grab app.

HOPE Wins Prestigious Global and Regional Awards for its "Generation HOPE" Initiative

HOPE, a pioneering impact organization and the Philippines' first Certified B Corp, has been recognized on the global stage for its Generation HOPE campaign, securing two major industry accolades for its commitment to Philippine education. The initiative was honored with the 2026 Global Gold Quill Award for Nonprofit Sector Communication from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and the NGO and Charity Award from the Public Relations and Communications Association Asia-Pacific (PRCA APAC) Awards 2026. 

The Generation HOPE campaign was launched in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) and seven founding partners to address the critical classroom gap in the Philippines. By transforming everyday consumer choices into direct investments in public school infrastructure, the campaign empowered Filipinos to participate in nation-building through simple, daily transactions.

The campaign's success was driven by a diverse group of brand partners who integrated social impact into their core offerings. BDO launched the HOPE Mastercard, which matched a PHP5 donation from BDO for every PHP 1,000 spent, while Grab introduced the "Grab HOPE Hour", which raised donations with every ride and order placed. Retail and lifestyle partners also played a pivotal role: SM Supermalls donated PHP 5 from every movie ticket sold with "HOPE in a Movie," Penshoppe released a dedicated HOPE apparel collection, and Sunnies Studios commemorated their 10-classroom donation with limited-edition flask and cleaning lens designs. Rounding out the initiative, Carmen's Best offered "HOPE in a Scoop" and “HOPE in a Pint”, where each ice cream purchase directly supports HOPE, and The Aivee Clinic launched a signature Aivee x HOPE Travel Tote with proceeds supporting the cause.

In 2025 alone, HOPE funded the construction of 25 classrooms across the country. The organization has built 167 classrooms since it was founded in 2012 and has directly benefited over 53,000 students who previously faced overcrowded and under-resourced learning environments.

Recent milestones include the turnover of two fully equipped classrooms by Sunnies Studios in Alitagtag, Batangas, and the groundbreaking of five new classrooms by Penshoppe in Paombong, Bulacan. Other ongoing projects include developments in Albay, Pampanga, and across Negros Occidental and Oriental.

"These awards are a testament to the power of collective action. We believe that everyone has the capacity to give HOPE, and by partnering with brands that choose to invest in public school education, we've shown the power of Business for Good. Our goal was to make it easy for every Filipino to contribute to nation-building through education—whether by simply buying a t-shirt, booking a ride, or watching a movie. Seeing that vision turn into new classrooms our students can use is just the beginning of what we can achieve together," said Nanette Medved-Po, HOPE Chairperson and Founder. 

COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises, a global award-winning communications group, serves as HOPE’s official PR and communications partner for the Generation HOPE campaign. 

To know more about HOPE’s 2025 Impact Report, please visit generationhope.ph/hope-impact. Follow HOPE on Facebook at facebook.com/generationhope.ph or @generationhope.ph on Instagram for more updates.

Grab and MOVE IT Partner with ARK, Drive Urban Food Security Among Rider Communities

MANILA, Philippines, 03 March 2026  – Grab Philippines and MOVE IT have partnered with social impact innovator ARK Solves to launch a community-led food security program aimed at helping gig worker communities build more sustainable and self-reliant food sources.

At the center of the partnership is Feed Back, ARK Solves’ flagship community exchange program that enables families to grow fresh produce at home and share excess harvests with their neighbors, helping strengthen food access at the community level.

The collaboration comes amid continuing concerns over food security in the Philippines. While government data showed food inflation easing to 0.7 percent in January 2026, down from 1.2 percent in December 2025 and 4.0 percent a year earlier, the Department of Agriculture said the gains remain fragile and could easily be undone by renewed supply disruptions.

Grab Philippines Managing Director Ronald Roda shares: “Grab remains committed to helping our driver- and delivery-partners and their families stay resilient in the face of shifting macroeconomic realities. Beyond ensuring that livelihood opportunities on our platform remain viable, we believe it is equally important to introduce support programs that reinforce their long-term well-being. Through our partnership with ARK Solves, we hope to help more gig worker families build more sustainable lives and greater food security for the future.”

The partnership was formally launched with the support of the local government units of Montalban, San Mateo, and Antipolo in Rizal, where the program will be piloted among Grab and MOVE IT’s rider community. So far, almost 700 community leaders and rider-partners from the platforms have signed up and begun receiving seeds, along with training on how to grow food and compost even in small spaces.

“Community has always been at the heart of MOVE IT. Our rider-partners look out for each other, and we see that every day in how they support one another on and off the road,” highlights MOVE IT General Manager Wayne Jacinto. “Our role is not just to recognize that strong sense of solidarity, but to help harness it, so riders can come together and co-create sustainable programs that support their everyday needs.”

Over the course of the 16-week program, participating riders will help expand access to fresh produce within their households and communities. Once harvests are ready, they will lead weekly exchange activities in their neighborhoods, allowing families and neighbors to share surplus crops with one another.

“This partnership is a major milestone, as we work with Grab and MOVE IT in showcasing how we can enable Feed Back’s impact to thrive wherever it is needed the most, including urban areas,” says Ayesha Vera-Yu, CEO and Co-Founder of ARK.

By combining behavior-change principles with a market-based approach, Feed Back helps families build and sustain productive home gardens that strengthen access to localized food sources. The program, which gathers multiple partners, has since scaled to 120 communities across the country, benefiting more than 36,000 fishing and farming households.

Following the initial rollout, Grab, MOVE IT and ARK Solves plan to expand the program to more driver- and rider-rich communities in the months ahead, applying lessons from the pilot to improve the model as it scales.

Grab’s ‘V-Day Your Way’ Spotlights Unique Tech-Driven On-Demand Valentine’s Plans

MANILA, Philippines — Grab Philippines is putting a modern spin on Valentine’s Day this February, making it easier for Filipinos to celebrate “their way” — from classic date nights and surprise deliveries to practical, everyday acts of love,  with on-demand options that fit any plan, pace, or budget. 

Through “V-Day Your Way, Easy with Grab,” Grab Philippines spotlights unique tech-driven experiences across mobility, food, and delivery that make Valentine’s plans easier to personalize. From smart group ordering to scheduled gift deliveries, the campaign frames how Grab helps users turn any kind of celebration into something seamless, and on their own terms.

Grab Philippines Chief Commercial Officer EJ Dela Vega said, “Valentine’s Day is one of the strongest seasonal moments for Grab in terms of consumer demand. Over the years, we’ve become a reliable choice for consumers by leaning on our core strengths: a robust fleet of thousands of dedicated delivery-partners, a wide network of merchant-partners consistently recognized for 5-star quality, and a dependable suite of mobility services. Together, this ecosystem empowers consumers to design Valentine’s celebrations their way.” 

Old-School Romance but On-Demand

Even as dating culture evolves, Valentine’s Day still brings out the traditional romantics — and, for Grab, it’s the kind of moment that reveals what users value most. People are determined to show up for someone thoughtfully and sincerely, even when it comes down to the last minute.

Grab consistently sees a strong trend toward immediate gifting, with historical data showing GrabMart demand spiking on Feb. 14 versus regular days as users scramble for thoughtful surprises. And the favorites are telling: coffee packs for two, Ecuadorian roses and chocolates repeatedly top the list of most-ordered items on the day, underscoring that classic gestures still lead the holiday rush.

Beyond immediate orders, Grab is also leaning into early planning. Through pre-order and scheduling features such as Order for Later, the platform lets customers lock in their favorites ahead of time — including GrabMart’s 14-day Advance Booking for flowers and gifts, designed to secure surprises long before the holiday rush. And for couples taking celebrations offline, Grab Dine-Out offers up to 50% off at top spots, positioning the platform as a low-friction way to pull off a quality date without the usual Valentine’s Day scramble.

Solo, Not Sorry: Effortless Meal for One

Grab data reveals that going solo on Valentine’s Day has become a celebration in itself, with solo meals ranking among the day’s top orders. To meet that demand, the platform is spotlighting Meal for One, a curated selection of solo portions with all-in pricing. Grab positions the offer as an easy option for solo diners to enjoy quality meals without the pressure of high minimum spends or added delivery fees, removing the usual “small order” hurdle whether they’re leaning into self-care or simply celebrating on their own terms.

Galentines Goals: Group Order for the Squad

With group hangouts also becoming a go-to way to celebrate, Grab tracked a spike in shared orders in 2025. Historically, Group Order transactions grew threefold, letting everyone add to one cart from their own phones. Features like Group Order, which is exclusive to Grab, ease the burden on manual coordination from consolidating orders to splitting costs, creating a smoother setup for a stress-free “Galentine’s” plan or barkada blowout. 

Extension of Kilig Throughout Febibig

Recognizing that love shouldn't be confined to a single day, Grab is extending the celebration to keep the momentum going throughout February. To keep the kilig alive, users can maximize their celebrations with the following promo codes:

FEBIBIG: From February 9 to 17, stack this code on Grab Dine-Out deals for an extra 20% off (total discounts up to 50%). It also offers 15% off gifts on GrabMart and P100 off GrabFood on February 14 and 15.

GALENTINES: Get 5% off Group Orders from February 10 to 13.

REFMOMUNA: Enjoy P150 off food orders from February 10 to 13.

Grab’s message is straightforward: Love can take many forms, and the planning does not have to be complicated. With the right technology in place, any celebration can be done your way, easy with Grab.

Grab PH’s “Santipid” Bets on ‘Stacked’ Savings for Unbeatable Value

Manila, Philippines — If you’ve spotted Santa Claus hanging around your local sari-sari store, joining a morning zumba session, or even grabbing the mic at a videoke spot long after the holidays have ended — you’re not just seeing things. 

These sightings of the Christmas icon living his best “tipid life” have been making waves on social media, as thousands of budget-conscious Filipinos relate to the post-holiday reset, lying low and spending smarter after a high-spend season.

The stunt has been revealed to be part of Grab Philippines’ newest campaign, “Santipid.” While he is usually known for holiday gifting, Santa has stayed behind this quarter to champion an easy, budget-friendly daily living. He’s showing Filipinos that even after a big holiday splurge, you can still enjoy your favorite daily comforts by finding more value for your hard-earned money.

Bringing these "Santipid" moments to life are the Grab Saver Deals, which prove that pagtitipid is not about pagtitiis, but about making smarter choices that still leave room for the moments that matter.

Santa Says Low Low Lowest Fares:  More Savings with GrabCar Saver

Recognizing that transport is a major part of the daily budget, Grab continues to offer its most value-forward service yet: GrabCar Saver. With a slightly longer pick-up wait time, commuters can unlock lower fares, making the trip to everyday routines like the gym, the office, or school easier on the wallet.

Grab has also rolled out what may be the ultimate Santipid hack: promo stacking for its mobility services, a feature it says is currently exclusive to Grab among ride-hailing apps in the Philippines. Passengers can layer multiple promos and vouchers on top of GrabCar Saver’s already-low fares, including the daily 8% discount for GrabUnlimited subscribers. Combined with other Santipid hacks, these stackable deals can unlock up to 50% in savings, keeping reliable, everyday transport within reach and helping every peso go further.

Merry Meals for Less: GrabFood Saver Starts at Zero Delivery Fees

With GrabFood Saver, your daily cravings don't have to take a backseat. "Santipid" extends the holiday spirit to food delivery, ensuring that enjoying your favorite meals remains affordable even after the festivities. Santa is bringing the "low-low-low" energy to the table with as low as zero delivery fee with partner restaurants. 

With more Random Santa Sightings scheduled throughout the quarter, the "Santipid" campaign serves as a bridge to a more manageable post-holiday season.

By offering these budget-friendly options, Grab continues to champion its mission of being the everyday partner for every Filipino. Through "Santipid," Grab ensures that the transition into the new year remains stress-free, keeping the spirit of the season merry and bright for every budget.

STEM, Business Students form Newest Batch of GrabScholars

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 14 January 2026 – Grab Philippines officially welcomed its fourth batch of GrabScholars, awarding full four-year scholarships to a fresh cohort of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Business, and Sustainability students. 

Along with tuition coverage at renowned institutions like Mapua University and the Cebu Institute of Technology University, the scholars also receive a monthly stipend, a brand-new laptop, and other school essentials.

The new cohort — Harvey Blaize Ramirez, Reign Quiñones, Lloeby Xyra Semana, Dainty Jurzhail Balde, Wrench Maxenne Singcol, and Chrislyn Bacalso — brings the program’s total number of existing full college scholars to 23. 

Grab Philippines Managing Director Ronald Roda emphasized that investing in these students is an investment in the country’s tech capabilities. “The world is moving at breakneck speed, particularly with innovations in tech and AI. To better prepare our country towards important advancements, we need young Filipinos who aspire to be the next shapers of the STEM space,” Roda said. “GrabScholar is about ensuring Filipinos are empowered to be the builders and leaders of tomorrow’s tech landscape.”

The GrabScholar program is a cornerstone of the GrabForGood agenda, the superapp’s social impact initiative aimed at promoting socioeconomic mobility of communities in Southeast Asia.

Children of Grab and MOVE IT partners find a path to college

For several of the newest scholars, the scholarship is tied closely to their parents’ daily grind on the road, linking gig and platform work to longer-term aspirations for families in the Grab and MOVE IT ecosystem.

At Mapúa University, 18-year-old Harvey Blaize Ramirez is tackling AI Engineering. His father’s journey — evolving from a GrabFood rider to a GrabCar driver — serves as his blueprint for success. Harvey dreams of one day joining Grab’s engineering team or launching his own tech venture.

Reign Quiñones, an Industrial Engineering freshman at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), is no stranger to the hustle. While her father delivers for GrabFood, Reign balances her studies with freelance layout and editing jobs. A former campus journalist, she aims to become a Process Designer creating apps focused on social impact, such as disaster risk mitigation. 

The program also welcomed new scholars from cities in regions outside of Metro Manila. In Cebu, Dainty Jurzhail Balde is pursuing Civil Engineering at the Cebu Institute of Technology University. With her father, a MOVE IT rider, serving as the sole breadwinner for their family of five, Balde is determined to pay it forward. She plans to start a foundation to mentor aspiring engineers from underprivileged backgrounds. Hailing from Davao City is Wrench Maxenne Singcol, a Computer Science student at the University of Mindanao. 

GrabScholar’s new batch includes students outside Grab’s partner ecosystem. Lloeby Xyra Semana, who aspires to be a CPA-lawyer, is a freshman Accountancy student at PUP. Before the scholarship, she was supported by her mother, who works as a public school teacher and is the family’s sole breadwinner.

Chrislyn Bacalso is taking Business Administration at Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan. Her father is a person with disability, while her mother — a vegetable vendor—provides for the family. Bacalso is aiming to become the first college graduate in their household.

Going beyond scholarships: one-time bursaries for K–12 learners

Apart from full college scholarships, Grab said GrabScholar also extends one-time bursaries to more than 300 underprivileged elementary and high school students to help cover school-related needs. The financial assistance reaches up to P2,500, typically released through GrabPay as reimbursement for eligible expenses such as books, uniforms, and school supplies. 

Golden Grab Awards Crown Restaurants and Grocers Setting Gold Standard in Innovation and Service Quality

MANILA, Philippines, 07 January 2025 — Grab Philippines honored the country’s top-performing restaurants and retailers at the Golden Grab Awards 2025, recognizing merchants that have set the "Gold Standard" in an increasingly integrated online-to-offline economy.

Top honors for the night went to homegrown milk tea giant Serenitea, which was named GrabFood Merchant of the Year for National Brands, alongside JT’s Manukan Grille, which secured the title for Nationwide Chains, and Oh Mango, which took home the award for Citywide Merchants in Metro Manila.

GrabFood Merchant of the Year for Citywide Merchants in Metro Manila: Oh Mango!

The awards ceremony, attended by hundreds of Grab merchant-partners from across the Philippines, highlighted the evolution of the superapp from an on-demand delivery service into a broader ecosystem that drives growth across both digital and physical storefronts.

This shared trajectory of growth was highlighted by EJ dela Vega, Grab Philippines Head of Deliveries and Chief Commercial Officer, who emphasized the platform’s role as an active, dedicated ally of merchant-partners as they vie for business growth. 

“We know that trust is earned day by day, order by order. And the only way we can repay that trust is by remaining steadfast in our commitment to be the unwavering force behind the growth ambition of our merchant-partners,” Dela Vega shared during the Golden Grab Awards night. “Our pledge is simple: to be the partner that ensures when you dream big, you have the tools and the commercial business to achieve it”

GrabFood Merchant of the Year for  Nationwide Chains: JT’s Manukan

A defining standard of excellence

The ceremony underscored the importance of consistency and quality across the board.

In the category of GrabFood Quality, Caramia Cakes & Gelato was honored as the Best Rated National Brand, while 24 Chicken was awarded Most Reliable National Brand for its operational efficiency. For GrabMart, Ever Supermarket and Cion’s Meat Shop were recognized as the Most Reliable merchants, ensuring consistent product availability and exceptional customer experience.

The awards also highlighted the "5-Star Eats" winners — top-performing city and community merchants maintaining the highest ratings. The roster included local favorites Mylene's Ensaymada and Banana Cake, Paya Street Coffee, Quarantea, and CBS Kitchen.

Retail growth leaders were acknowledged as "Category Captains" for GrabMart, with Pet Express (Pets), Watsons (Pharmacies), and Robinsons Supermarket (Supermarkets) recognized as top sales performers setting the standard for excellence.

Innovation in marketing was also a key focus. Southstar Drug and Davao Central Convenience Store were named Adoption Leaders for effectively maximizing Grab Marketing Solutions. Meanwhile, McDonald's was awarded the Data-Driven Impact Trailblazer for its precision campaigns, and Chowking took home the Loyalty Innovation Trailblazer award.

Setting the Gold Standard forward

The event also spotlighted the industry's shift toward "hybrid" dining. JT’s Manukan Grille, Zhenbao Hotpot, and Feta Mediterranean were recognized as Best Dine-Out Merchants for maximizing deals to drive foot traffic.

Greg Camacho, Director for Off-Platform Solutions, emphasized that the future lies in ensuring a gold-standard experience for consumers – whether in-app or in physical stores. "Together, we are changing what it means to be a Grab merchant. Together, we are redefining what it means to be an omnichannel enterprise that’s fully capable of growing sales through both online and offline channels. Together, we are rewriting the playbook on how to win in an ever-evolving F&B industry.”

Maxene Magalona Talks About Healing, Solo Living, & Reconciliation This Christmas with Karen Davila

Manila, Philippines, 05 December 2025 –  In a candid sit-down interview that underscores her pivot from the mainstream limelight to being a holistic-wellness advocate, Maxene Magalona has offered the most comprehensive look yet at her self-discovery and healing journey and the reconciliation that happened thereafter with her family.

Appearing on the latest episode of broadcast journalist Karen Davila’s vlog series, the daughter of the late Philippine rap icon Francis Magalona discussed personal moments – from her “cool off” period with her family, to her mental health struggles, healing, and advocacy.

Magalona addressed the "healthy distance" she placed between herself and her family, a move she described as imperative to their shared healing. Referencing her diagnosis of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), the actress revealed that the space was necessary. 

However, Maxene was happy to share how, following her healing process, she was able to renew and strengthen her relationship with her mother and siblings. “You know, when we were not together, I was actually praying for her. And she said she was doing the same for me.”

Independent in Her Self-Love Journey

The conversation pivoted to the practicalities of her solo-living lifestyle, where Magalona highlighted that her healing is rooted in discipline, specifically regular meditation and mindful eating.

Even as a solo condo-dweller and an advocate of holistic wellness, she prioritizes cooking her own food — a habit made sustainaoble, she says, thanks to GrabMart. Magalona emphasized, “May connection ang eating with mental health. Before, wala pa akong idea. Syempre, kumakain lang tayo ng kahit anong masasarap. Ang na-realize ko in my journey is that we have to practice mindful eating. The food affects the brain. Everything is connected.

Now, I have to make my own [food]. And cooking is very therapeutic also. I order [groceries online]. Simple lang naman. I order through my Grab app – sa GrabMart. Sobrang convenient. Kasi ang ginagawa ko, syempre pag busy na ako dito, marami akong ginagawa, I can't go to the grocery by myself. Kailangan ko idaan sa aking GrabMart.”

Same Price, More Savings

The episode saw the duo putting the platform’s "Same Same" campaign to the test, visiting a physical grocery store to confirm that prices on the app mirrored shelf tags exactly. Through Grab’s strategic partnership with SM and Robinsons Supermarkets, users of GrabMart are assured that items online and in the actual stores of the brands have the same price.

The pair also validated the freshness of the produce, giving a nod to the quality of merchant partners and well-trained in-store pickers. By positioning Grab as her partner in making every day better, Magalona stands as a representative for thousands of Filipinos living on their own and who are wholeheartedly embracing their self-love journeys.

Adding to the convenience is the new Saver Delivery option, allowing shoppers to enjoy delivery for as low as ₱49 — perfect for those last-minute holiday hauls.

For Maxene, this kind of convenience is what makes GrabMart a game-changer for modern households, especially as the holidays are approaching with a lot of things going on everywhere. “When it comes to your mental health, it's [about asking as much] help from others. Para mabawasan yung to-do list mo, nandiyan si GrabMart para sa atin,” said Maxene.

So in preparation for the holidays, Filipino families and those living solo can take a cue from Maxene Magalona: spend smart, live mindfully, and celebrate the holidays with confidence through partners like GrabMart. 

Grab, CHAGEE Bring Modern Tea Culture More Filipinos

Manila, Philippines 10 November 2025 — International tea and beverage leader CHAGEE is officially launching as an “ONLY ON GRAB” restaurant, part of a selection of merchant-partners available exclusively on GrabFood, starting with the tea brand’s Metro Manila stores. The goal is simple for Filipinos: find CHAGEE faster on  the Grab app, track deliveries in real time, and enjoy localized offers that make high-quality tea an easy everyday choice. 

By leveraging Grab’s actionable data, engaged consumer base, and nationwide delivery fleet, the partnership positions CHAGEE to scale sustainably and drive long-term growth in the Philippine market.

Early traction from CHAGEE’s soft launch on Grab points to strong demand. Since going live, the brand has averaged 46% week-on-week growth in on-demand deliveries. Average daily transactions already place CHAGEE among GrabFood’s top tea merchant partners in the Philippines, with Bo·Ya Jasmine Green Milk Tea, Da Hong Pao Milk Tea, and Osmanthus Oolong Milk Tea leading orders during the introductory period. Grab and CHAGEE will build on this momentum as more stores come online.

Engaging Filipino Tea Lovers

For Filipino consumers, the partnership means CHAGEE will be easier to access on the Grab app – offering relevant promotions to local preferences and time-of-day demand. 

CHAGEE and Grab are also rolling out market-specific campaigns that turn data-driven insights into meaningful customer experiences. In the Philippines, upcoming promotions will reward customers with limited-time offers and exclusive merchandise in celebration of CHAGEE’s 8th anniversary.

 

Highlights include savings on multi-cup purchases and collectible gifts available through CHAGEE orders on the Grab app. These initiatives reflect both brands’ shared commitment to using technology and creativity to deepen customer engagement, celebrate loyalty, and enhance the overall delivery experience.

“This is a practical partnership with clear benefits for Filipinos,” said EJ Dela Vega, Grab Philippines Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Deliveries. “If you want CHAGEE, you should be able to find it on Grab and get it when you need it. At the same time, we’re using data and AI to help merchants such as CHAGEE scale, to make the customer experience more personal and reliable, and to take better care of the rider-partners who deliver for our customers every day.” 

Voltaire Rusiana, CHAGEE Philippines Head of Operations, added: “Grab’s presence in the Philippines helps us connect with both new and loyal CHAGEE fans. Convenience and consistency matter as much as taste, and this collaboration allows us to delivery the full CHAGEE experience to more people, quickly and at scale.”

The partnership in the Philippines reflects CHAGEE and Grab’s ongoing collaboration to explore new ways of enhancing convenience and connection for customers through technology and innovation. Both brands remain committed to making quality tea experiences more accessible to everyday consumers.