Jollibee Foods Corporation and Republic Cement Unite to Recover and Divert Plastic Packaging Wastes through Co-Processing

TAGUIG CITY, Philippines. 01 February 2024 – The Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), one of the fastest growing  restaurant companies in the world, recently inked a partnership with Republic Cement and Building Materials, Inc. ("Republic Cement"), to support the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law. 

The EPR law aims to reduce the volume of plastic waste generation and extend the life of plastics by adding value or purpose through upcycling or recycling.

As part of its Joy for Tomorrow global sustainability agenda, JFC aims to recover post-consumer plastic packaging wastes, divert it away from the landfills and waterways, and send these to Republic Cement for co-processing. 

Republic Cement, a leading local cement manufacturer and the pioneer of co-processing in the country, will use the collected post-consumer packaging wastes as alternative fuel in the cement manufacturing process.

During the MOA signing held at the Republic Cement head office in Taguig City, Republic Cement CEO Mr. Roman Menz emphasized the role of the company in supporting organizations like JFC. 

“Republic Cement provides a very important solution to fight plastic pollution by diverting wastes away from landfills and waterways, away from areas where it can negatively affect communities. We are happy to see the commitment of the JFC towards doing their part in solving our current plastic pollution crisis. Republic Cement is with JFC in their journey for a greener, more sustainable world.”

JFC Vice President for Network Development Group Gerard Paul Filart, for his part, shared that the partnership with Republic Cement is timely and momentous as the company just celebrated its 45th anniversary in 2023. “We are committed to supporting our Global Sustainability Agenda with its three main pillars of Food, People, and Planet. With this partnership with Republic Cement, we are taking steps towards minimizing wastage while providing something of value.  With this, we are hoping we are helping to bring more joy for tomorrow.” 

The MOA covers wholly owned brands of Jollibee Foods Corporation in the Philippines, namely Jollibee, Chowking, Mang Inasal, Greenwich, and Red Ribbon; and franchised brands operated by JFC in the country, specifically Burger King, Panda Express, and Yoshinoya.

When Love Blooms Between Two Cultures

MANILA, Philippines (February 2024) - Love transcends borders especially when two share the same passion. The same is true for Japan’s most-loved almond milk brand, Glico’s Almond Koka and award-winning Filipino tree-to-bar chocolate brand Auro Chocolate – who both share the same passion for championing culinary diversity. That’s when love blooms. 

This Valentine’s season, the two teamed up to create ORINASU CAFÉ, a special pop-up cafe that marries together Japanese and Filipino cultures through lovingly handcrafted drinks and treats. Located at MITSUKOSHI BGC, ORINASU CAFÉ will add more sweetness to the season from February 1 to February 19, 2024. 

Japan’s No. 1 and the Philippines’ Finest

From the makers of the globally loved brand, Pocky, Glico’s Almond Koka is Japan’s best-selling almond milk brand, known for its superior quality taste–all thanks to the company’s relentless pursuit of quality and Japanese technology. Yet another signature work of Glico’s finesse at blending great taste with nutrition, Almond Koka offers a richer and stronger nutty flavor because of the emulsifying method of adding honey and almond oil to ground almond paste. 

Collaborating with Japan’s Almond Koka is the Philippines’ premier chocolate brand, Auro Chocolate. The chocolate company carved its path to the global chocolate scene by earning prestigious awards at esteemed international chocolate competitions. For this new concept, Auro Chocolate prides itself in working with MITSUKOSHI FRESH in selecting only the finest Japanese ingredients – such as Matcha, Hojicha and Miso – to be used in crafting the menu. And in line with Auro’s meticulous, innovative, and time-tested know-how, this collaboration with Almond Koka brings out the best in Filipino & Japanese epicurean cultures.  

ORINASU CAFÉ

Japanese for 'weave’, ORINASU is exactly what the pop-up cafe symbolizes: the weaving of two cultures through the harmonious fusion of Almond Koka’s and Auro’s product versatility–as seen with the cafe’s limited-edition line of “Choc Au Lait” vegan-friendly drinks and snacks. 

Gracing the menu is the fascinating drink that is the Miso Salted Caramel! This luscious vegan-friendly white chocolate drink combined with Maruhide’s top-quality Miso, Auro’s Salted Caramel and Almond Koka - our take on Salted Caramel with a Japanese Twist. Served with a generous heap of White Chocolate shavings.

Hojicha is just pure bliss in a cup. Enjoy the comforting flavors of Auro’s creamy white chocolate, infused with Ikeda Senchado’s top-quality Hojicha, complemented by the richness of Almond Koka.

If you haven’t found “the one” yet, maybe the next drink could be your perfect matcha. ORINASU’s vegan-friendly white chocolate matcha hits the spot with its perfect balance of sweet and earthy. The  Ikeda Senchado matcha creation provides that familiar grassy notes, blended with a sweet, velvety finish from Almond Koka.

If you’re looking for something bold, then you’ll surely love the luscious Dark Choc. This drink is incredibly rich yet smooth because of the combined decadence of Auro Dark Chocolate and Almond Koka. 

Completing the menu is the Dark Chocolate Stuffed with Strawberries French Toast. Each bite is a delightful burst of Auro dark chocolate filling, tarty strawberry jam with the goodness of Almond Koka. Every treat from ORINASU CAFÉ is brought to you by Almond Koka and Auro Chocolate. For more information, FOLLOW @glico_ph and @aurochocolate on INSTAGRAM.

CHINESE FOODS TO ATTRACT GOOD LUCK AT SM

Food plays a central role in Chinese culture and celebrations. And like the lucky charms and trinkets, dishes commonly served at the Chinese New Year have symbolic meaning for the year ahead. So if you're looking for a positive start to the Chinese New Year, SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan and SM City Valenzuela have rounded up lucky dishes that is sure to bring you daji dali—good luck and great prosperity.

LONGEVITY NOODLES. Noodles symbolize longevity- the longer the better. As the name suggests, the long and uncut strands signify the long life of anyone who partakes it. Eating noodles on Chinese New Year is believed to attract good health and long life. Shoppers may try Panda Express’ Chow Mein. This savory stir-fried noodle dish is expertly cooked with a flavorful combination of fresh vegetables and seasoned with a savory soy-based sauce, creating a delightful medley of textures and tastes. Panda Express is located at the 2nd level of SM City Grand Central. 

DUMPLINGS. Dumplings are the most popular lucky Chinese food. They are considered lucky food because they resemble ancient Chinese gold or silver ingot, which represent wealth and success. Eating dumplings during this festive season is said to bring good fortune and financial prosperity, making them an important element of Lunar New Year festivities. Experience the luck and prosperity of the Lunar New Year with David’s Teahouse lucky dumplings, available at SM Foodcourt on the 4th level of SM City Grand Central.

SPRING ROLLS. Spring rolls are named after the event for which they are customarily cooked, the Spring Festival. The crisp golden rolls are believed to represent gold bars, bringing wealth and success in the coming year. Eating spring rolls also represents the shedding of the old and welcoming the new, which is consistent with the spirit of renewal and good fortune connected with the Chinese New Year. Enjoy the symbolically rich tastes and crispy deliciousness of Hap Chan’s Spring rolls available at SM City Valenzuela. 

WHOLE STEAMED FISH. Did you know that the Chinese word for fish means abundance? No wonder they believe in eating fish while celebrating the Lunar New Year. Serving the fish whole, head and tail included, represents family completeness and oneness. Sharing this meal symbolizes a desire for unity and plenty, making it an important and auspicious option for gatherings. Share this cuisine with the whole family and elevate your dining experience at SM City Grand Central’s Mandarin Sky. 

TIKOY. Commonly known as “nian gao” in Chinese, Tikoy represents growth of prosperity. The glutinous rice cake’s sticky texture represents family togetherness and the adherence of good fortune. It is traditionally savored as a sweet dessert and symbolizes the promise for a "sweet" and successful year ahead. Sharing and giving tikoy during Lunar New Year festivities is thought to increase the spirit of peace and good fortune among family and friends. Head to SM Supermarket at SM Center Sangandaan to discover the perfect tikoy for your festivities. Shoppers may also try other Chinese delicacies like Hopia and Kiat-kiat. 

Embrace the good fortune the Year of the Wood Dragon brings only at SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan and SM City Valenzuela.  Visit us today!