Beyond The Rhythm: How Coca-Cola Reimagined the Dinagyang Experience through Flavor, Music, and Community

Nearly two weeks after the last drumbeats faded, the energy of Dinagyang 2026 is still being felt across Iloilo. For Coca-Cola Philippines, this year was more than a festival appearance; it was a celebration of deep-rooted connection with the province that dates back to the late 1940s.

By focusing on community and culture, Coca-Cola acted as a true local partner embedded in the streets, celebrating the Ilonggo spirit it has served for nearly 80 years.

A Legacy of ‘Lasang Lokal’

At the heart of Dinagyang is the food. The Coca-Cola Food Fest at Delgado Street and Megaworld Mandurriao turned street-side dining into a cultural highlight. By pairing ice-cold Coca-Cola™ with local favorites, the brand celebrated the ‘Lasang Lokal’ (local taste) that defines the city’s famous food scene.

This connection is long-standing. Since the company established its Iloilo operations in the 1940s, Coca-Cola has been a staple at family mealtimes and in the sari-sari stores found in every corner of the community.

A Stage for Local Pride

Since the Dinagyang Festival officially began in 1968, Coca-Cola has been an active participant in this 50-year-old tradition. This year, Coke Studio™ honored this shared history by spotlighting homegrown talent. Iloilo’s very own Mary Anjolie and Your X Boyfriends shared the stage with popular national acts like Ena Mori and Over October – a high-energy celebration of Filipino music, 

Fun Live Experiences for the Next Generation

To match the festival’s high energy, Coca-Cola created interactive spaces for Gen Zs, the country’s new culture creators.

The Royal™ Booth at Megaworld Boulevard offered ‘Mwah-sarap’ fun moments where festivalgoers engaged in Snap N’ Slay photo challenges. Meanwhile, the Lift® Zone, dedicated to the new drink that fits your every mode, hosted fast-paced games for those with a competitive streak.

A Cleaner Way to Celebrate

True partnership means taking a fair share in keeping communities clean. Through the Coca-Cola Tapon to Ipon program – a nationwide collection initiative for PET bottles – Coca-Cola set up collection points across Iloilo City to ensure recyclable plastic (PET) bottles were recovered instead of becoming litter.

Festivalgoers were encouraged to exchange empty plastic bottles for Coca-Cola products. The goal is to divert these collected PET bottles to PETValue Philippines*, the country’s first food-grade bottle-to-bottle recycling facility. PETValue then turns post-consumer PET bottles into new food-grade recycled PET (rPET) packaging. The initiative proves that Filipinos can – and should – enjoy grand traditions while actively participating in keeping their communities clean.

Rooted Locally

“Dinagyang is all about people coming together, and that’s what makes it special,” said Frenissa Lagman, Frontline Sr. Marketing Director of Coca-Cola Philippines. “Our history with Iloilo goes back to the late 1940s. Being part of the local celebrations for over 50 years means adding real value to the experience, whether through music, food, or supporting the community’s goals of keeping festivals clean.”

As Iloilo returns to its daily routine, the presence of Coca-Cola at Dinagyang 2026 stands as a reminder that brands can be more than just a name on a sign – it can be a local partner and a meaningful part of the city’s story.

To learn the latest about Coca-Cola Philippines, follow the official pages on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.coca-cola.com.

Dare to Switch: LIFT Brings the Challenge to MassKara 2025

Bacolod, Philippines, 16 October 2025– This year’s MassKara Festival is about to get even more exciting as LIFT, the newest drink from Coca-Cola Philippines, joins the celebration with its first major festival activation. From October 17 to 19, festival-goers can visit the LIFT booth along Lacson Street and take on the brand’s signature “Dare to Switch” challenge, a call to embrace new experiences and celebrate every mode of life.

The booth will feature a lineup of fast-paced games and challenger activities designed to bring out everyone’s competitive side. Participants can race against the clock, beat high scores, and win exclusive prizes in true LIFT fashion: bold, confident, and always ready for what’s next.

Visitors can also drop by for free samples of LIFT and join interactive mini-games throughout the weekend. Whether you are with your barkada, your team, or just exploring on your own, the LIFT booth promises a fun, high-spirited stop where you can unwind, play, and switch things up.

Do not miss the chance to Dare to Switch this MassKara. Visit the LIFT booth on Lacson Street, join the challenge, enjoy your free drink, and take part in the celebration.

Follow LIFT Philippines on Facebook and Instagram for updates and festival highlights.

Dare to Switch: LIFT — The New Drink for the Always‑On Generation

Bacolod, Philippines, 23 September 2025-- Life these days? It’s a constant switch up. One minute you’re grinding on school or work, next you’re vibing with your crew, then jumping into an all-night game or passion project. Filipinos are pros at shifting modes—and now there’s a new drink in town made exactly for that: LIFT! 

Meet LIFT—Coca-Cola Philippines’ newest drink for the modern-day challengers. It isn’t your usual fizzy drink. LIFT Is like a mindset in a can, a new invigorating drink made to match your pace, your flow, your hustle, and your chill. It’s for the go-getters who are always in motion, whether they’re students owning a new semester, professionals chasing a promotion, or creators building their passion projects on the side.

Made with Vitamin B3, Zinc, and Caffeine, LIFT is more than a quick pick-me-up. It’s crafted to help you lock in and stay sharp, giving you the focus and extra push to own your every mode. It’s not about chasing energy; it’s about owning your (“LIFT”) mode. The newest, coolest drink in town isn’t here to play it safe. It’s bold, versatile, and built for multi-hyphenates—people who run the show in different arenas and still find time to show up.

“With LIFT, we’re giving today’s generation a drink that’s as adaptable as they are,” said Frenissa Mae Lagman, Frontline Marketing Senior Director of Coca-Cola Philippines. “It’s for people who play different roles and still find a way to make every moment count. LIFT is here to help you get int your zone and make a statement with every step you take.”

Leading the charge is Ruru Madrid—actor, performer, and a true multi-mode player. Whether he’s on set, on stage, or just hanging out with friends, Ruru embodies the “LIFT” Vibe: always ready, always in motion, and always bringing his A-game. 

Whatever your mode—study mode, hustle mode, game mode, barkada mode—switch it up with LIFT. Get your first taste for just PHP 11 SRP at sari-sari stores across Western Visayas.

Ready to conquer what’s next? Dare to switch to LIFT.

Want in on more “LIFT” Mode stories? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and join the convo or visit https://www.coca-cola.com/ph/en. #LIFTModeNaYan

Bacolod Goes Lift Mode: Coca-Cola PH Introduces New Beverage Lift with Epic Unveiling

18 August 2025, Bacolod City, Philippines– Coca-Cola Philippines has launched Lift, its newest invigorating drink  powered with Vitamin B3, Zinc, and Caffeine to energize today's generation of go-getters. With its vibrant citrus taste and empowering call to Go Lift Mode, the new drink, now available in Western Visayas, is designed to inspire consumers to break from routine and embrace life with boldness. 

 

Coca-Cola Philippines President Tony Del Rosario, Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines Unit Director Gus Gatuslao, and Lift ambassador Ruru Madrid lead the high-energy launch of Lift in Bacolod. 

 

To celebrate the launch, Coca-Cola Philippines held a high-energy event “UNDO THE USUAL, LIFT MODE NA ‘YAN: Epic Unveiling” at the Bacolod City New Government Center (NGC) on August 9, 2025. The celebration marked Lift’s arrival and kicked off the brand’s mission to energize communities across Western Visayas. 

As Coca-Cola Philippines continues its mission to Refresh the World and Make a Difference, Lift serves as a vibrant call to action for consumers to break from routine and embrace their boldest, most energized selves. The brand invites everyone to Go Lift Mode and show up with confidence and choose to stand out.  

  

The launch campaign built momentum across Bacolod with branded Lift crates placed in iconic locations like Bacolod Plaza and CityMall Parola in Iloilo. These teasers sparked curiosity and conversation, setting the stage for the Lift Recorida Caravan from August 7 to 9. The caravan energized key spots in Bacolod and Iloilo with on-ground sampling, street performances, and social media buzz — culminating in the dramatic crate delivery to the NGC for the main event.  

 

Attendees went on full “Lift mode” by joining high-energy challenges and exploring interactive booths for a chance to win exclusive prizes 

 

At the heart of the launch was the Epic Unboxing, where the crowd witnessed the reveal of the new Lift. Thousands gathered for an afternoon of bold flavors and immersive experiences. The venue featured live performances and Lift-themed booths such as the Lift Bar, a Crate Maze, and an interactive Trick Art Wall. These installations encouraged attendees to explore, taste, and share their Lift experience online. 

 

Ruru Madrid, Lift’s official ambassador, brought energy and excitement to the event, as he celebrated with fans and joined the launch festivities. 

The brand’s official endorser Ruru Madrid made a special appearance to meet fans and followers of the Lift Philippines Facebook page, energizing the crowd and bringing the brand’s bold and vibrant spirit to life throughout the event. 

The event drew in thousands of  active consumers across Bacolod and nearby provinces, signaling a strong return for the brand. The excitement extended to the online space, with high engagement on social media and conversations about Lift’s invigorating flavor and feel. 

 

"We’re thrilled by the energy and excitement from Bacolod and the entire Western Visayas,” said Tony Del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines. “ The new Lift we’re introducing today offers that great taste — and more. It’s a bold, citrus-flavored drink charged with Vitamin B3, Zinc, and Caffeine, made for today’s youth who switch between multiple modes in a day. It carries a powerful message that dares you to switch — to choose something different, break the routine, and power through with confidence.” 

 

The crowd came together to mark the launch, savoring its bold and energizing taste. 

 

Consumers across Western Visayas can now grab Lift in sari-sari stores and partner retailers. More regional rollouts, pop-ups, and promotions are on the horizon as Lift continues to spread its bold message: Undo the Usual. Go Lift Mode. 

 

To learn more about Lift and upcoming events, visit the official Facebook page at https://web.facebook.com/people/Lift-Philippines/61578806605159/.