IKEA Pasay City Opens its Homes for the Filipino Christmas Tradition of Carolling

Pasay City, Philippines – The holiday season in the Philippines is all about traditions, and this year, IKEA Pasay City is waking up the festive spirit with a weeklong celebration for the many Filipinos. As a destination for a fun day out, IKEA creates inspiration and memorable experiences for its customers through engaging store activities, making it the perfect place to celebrate the joy and traditions of Christmas.

From December 16 to 20, IKEA Pasay City invites everyone to relive a beloved Filipino tradition with its Carolling Week. As Christmas carolling begins to fade in today’s fast-paced generation, this event offers a chance to bring back the joy and nostalgia of going door-to-door singing holiday classics. Customers are welcome to step into IKEA’s roomsets and fill the spaces with the warmth of Christmas songs.

Adding a creative twist, participants can craft their own instruments, blending the timeless spirit of carolling with IKEA’s commitment to eco-friendly living. It’s more than just singing—it’s about creating cherished memories, reconnecting with traditions, and celebrating the season in a meaningful, sustainable way.

Participants of all ages, whether solo or in groups, are welcome to join the festivities. Perform one to two Christmas carols and have the chance to draw a special aguinaldo from IKEA co-workers. Lucky participants could win up to PHP 5,000 worth of IKEA Gift Cards to make their holidays even brighter! Everyone is invited to stay and get into the Christmas cheer as special performances have been lighting up the store throughout the week, including memorable performances by Christian Bautista and Maki, with a highly anticipated surprise performance on 20 December.

Whether it’s carolling, shopping for thoughtful gifts, or finding inspiration for holiday décor, IKEA Pasay City is the ultimate Christmas destination. It’s not just a store—it’s a happy place for making the season brighter and more meaningful.

Visit IKEA Pasay City from December 16 to 20, and let the sounds of Filipino Christmas bring your holiday dreams to life. For more details, visit IKEA Pasay City’s official Facebook page or shop online at www.IKEA.ph.

Jollibee, Mang Inasal, Chowking Named Top Three Most Valuable Restaurant Brands in Brand Finance’s ASEAN 500 2024 Rankings

MANILA, Philippines.– Demonstrating the strength of its brand portfolio, the Jollibee Group continues to make its mark on the global stage, with well-loved brands Jollibee, Mang Inasal, and Chowking recognized as the top three most valuable restaurant brands in Brand Finance’s ASEAN 500 2024 report. 

Brand Finance is the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy. It conducts more than 6,000 brand valuations, supported by original market research, and publishes over 100 reports which rank brands across all sectors and countries. The ASEAN 500 2024 report reveals that the region’s food, retail, hospitality, and leisure and tourism sectors are spearheading regional economic growth, driven by rising post-pandemic consumer spending and digital innovation.

“The top rankings of Jollibee, Mang Inasal, and Chowking as restaurant brands in Brand Finance’s ASEAN 500 2024 report is a testament to our collective commitment to excellence and sustainable growth,” said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Global Chief Executive Officer of the Jollibee Group. “We thank our teams who consistently make every experience at our stores delightful. We also share this recognition with our franchisees, and business partners who share our values and our mission while driving long-term growth.”

Jollibee: Most Valuable Restaurant Brand in ASEAN

Jollibee Group’s iconic flagship brand, Jollibee, recorded an impressive 51% increase in brand value, reaching USD2.3 billion. This milestone crowned Jollibee as the most valuable restaurant brand in ASEAN and propelled it 19 places higher to secure the 23rd spot among the region's most valuable brands across categories.

This significant growth reflects Jollibee’s commitment to customer-centricity, product innovation, aggressive global expansion, strategic partnerships, and a stronger focus on sustainability—factors that have propelled its brand value and strength to new heights.

In a separate listing covering restaurant brands across the globe, Brand Finance has assessed Jollibee as the Top 2 fastest growing restaurant brand in the world, outperforming international giants.

Mang Inasal: ASEAN’s Fastest-Growing Brand

Mang Inasal, Jollibee Group’s beloved Filipino casual dining brand celebrated for its signature chicken inasal, was recognized as ASEAN’s fastest-growing brand for 2024 across categories. With an impressive 201% surge in brand value to USD 374 million, it soared 136 spots to rank as the 146th most valuable brand in the region. Notably, it also became the second most valuable restaurant brand in ASEAN, following its sister brand, Jollibee.

Brand Finance’s research highlights Mang Inasal’s exceptional scores in ‘familiarity’ and ‘recommendation,’ underscoring its strong recognition and enduring loyalty among consumers. 

Earlier this year, Brand Finance has also cited Mang Inasal as the strongest brand in the Philippines.

Chowking: Top 3 Most Valuable ASEAN Restaurant Brand

Chowking, Jollibee Group’s popular brand blending Filipino and Chinese cuisines, demonstrated impressive growth with a 56% increase in brand value, reaching USD 252 million. With a strong Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 75.6 out of 100 and an AA+ brand strength rating, Chowking earned near-perfect marks in familiarity and consideration metrics. It is now recognized as the 22nd most valuable brand in the Philippines and has risen to become the third most valuable restaurant brand in ASEAN.

Alex Haigh, Managing Director of Brand Finance, Asia Pacific, said in a statement, “As the impact of strategic alignment and shared resources in building consumer loyalty and driving sustained growth, iconic brands like Mang Inasal and Jollibee are growing and excelling within their sector. The collective strength of these brands reflects ASEAN's unique ability to adapt and thrive, with its sector’s progress amplifying the region's overall resilience and forward momentum.”

SM’S CHRISMILES BRING HOLIDAY CHEER TO OVER A HUNDRED KIDS IN CALOOCAN, VALENZUELA

Less than 10 days before Christmas, over a hundred children in the Caloocan, Valenzuela area experienced the magic of the season through SM Malls' heartwarming ChriSMiles initiative. Spearheaded by SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela, the annual project brought smiles, gifts, and lasting memories to underprivileged kids and families.

In Caloocan, SM City Grand Central and SM Center Sangandaan joined forces with Bountiful Children’s Foundation Philippines to uplift 50 children from Barangay 176, Bagong Silang, North Caloocan. Toddlers aged 1 to 5 enjoyed a day filled with surprises—a hearty meal, hygiene kits, and plush toys, all made possible by the generosity of mall employees and tenant partners like Fantasy World and Tom’s World.

Meanwhile, in Valenzuela, SM City Valenzuela extended the holiday cheer to the children of its janitorial and security personnel. Laughter filled the air as the young ones reveled in free play at Kidzoona, enjoyed gifts, and shared a festive meal with their families.

Beyond the gifts and meals, ChriSMiles sought to make these children feel cherished and celebrated during this season of giving. Fueled by the dedication of each mall and its employees, the ChriSMiles project embodies the true essence of the season. Each SM employee contributed generously, both in time and resources, to raise a substantial amount of money for the holiday celebrations of less fortunate children. 

“This event is a testament to the true spirit of Christmas—a time for giving and for bringing smiles to those who need it most. We are humbled and inspired by the outpouring of support from our employees and partners, who remind us that even the smallest acts of kindness can create a lasting impact,” said Senior Human Resources Manager Shella Marie Vito.

Through ChriSMiles, SM Supermalls underscores the power of community and compassion, reminding everyone that the joy of the season lies in sharing it with others. With every child’s laughter and every volunteer’s act of kindness, the project becomes a beacon of hope and goodwill, truly embodying the spirit of Christmas.