Dig Into Viral Eats with FoodTok Fest at SM Malls in Zamboanga

Discover viral flavors, exciting textures, and must-try foodie finds, all in one delicious destination

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, 18 September 2026 – From trending cravings to homegrown flavors, your most loved SM City Zamboanga and SM City Mindpro are serving up the ultimate foodie experience this September through the FoodTok Festival, a celebration of viral eats, local favorites, and must-try dining destinations.

Food lovers, content creators, families, and friends are invited to explore a feast of flavors as SM Zamboanga Malls transform into a food destination where every bite is worthy of a post, a share, and a return visit.

At the heart of the festival is the FoodTok Bazaar, located at Level 4 of SM City Mindpro and the Lower Ground Level of SM City Zamboanga. More than just a marketplace, it provides local MSMEs with a platform to showcase their products while giving shoppers the opportunity to discover flavors proudly made by local entrepreneurs.

Beyond the bazaar, the FoodTok Festival takes diners on a culinary journey through some of the most talked-about food destinations in SM Zamboanga malls.

At Ettas in SM City Zamboanga, guests can indulge in comforting and flavorful dishes that continue to earn a loyal following among local food enthusiasts. Those looking for elevated dining experiences can savor the signature offerings of Maurizio's, available at both SM City Zamboanga and SM City Mindpro, where authentic Italian flavors meet contemporary culinary flair.

Seafood lovers can enjoy the fresh and satisfying selections at Abalone, while families and groups can gather over hearty meals at Casa Velyn, both conveniently located in SM City Zamboanga and SM City Mindpro. For those craving great food paired with a vibrant atmosphere, CookPub at SM City Mindpro offers a dining experience that's perfect for after-work meetups and weekend hangouts. Adding even more variety to the festival lineup is La Salsa, present in both malls, serving crowd-favorite dishes that bring people together over bold flavors and memorable dining moments.

Whether you're hunting for your next viral food discovery, supporting local businesses, catching up with friends over a great meal, or simply satisfying your cravings, the FoodTok Festival offers countless reasons to gala to the max at SM City Zamboanga and SM City Mindpro this September. 

So grab your foodie squad, charge your phones, and get ready to dig into the viral eats everyone's talking about. This September, your next favorite food story starts at the FoodTok Festival on at SM Supermalls!

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About SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls is one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China. Every Filipino has an SM story. For generations, SM has been more than a place to shop. It has become part of everyday Filipino life, a place where families gather, friendships grow, milestones are celebrated, passions are discovered, and communities come together. As Filipinos’ lifestyles continue to evolve, SM continues to transform its destinations through My SM creating malls that are more connected, experiential, and meaningful, while remaining the place Filipinos know, trust, and call home.

My SM. Your Most Loved Supermall.

foodpanda Champions Visayas Merchant Growth at CRAVE 2026 Summit in Cebu

Cebu Food Scene Gets Tech Boost as foodpanda Champions Merchant Growth at CRAVE 2026 Summit.

CRAVE 2026 brought together foodpanda partner vendors from across the Visayas to celebrate their shared achievements and growth-driven partnerships.

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Food entrepreneurs and top merchant partners from across the Visayas recently gathered in Cebu City for foodpanda's CRAVE Partner Summit & Awards 2026, highlighting the platform's expanding role in scaling homegrown food businesses beyond physical storefronts.

Patricia Jacinto, Director for Growth and Marketing, previewed upcoming Christmas campaigns to help partner vendors capture seasonal demand and drive growth.

The event brought together restaurant owners and leaders from key hubs across Central, Eastern, and Western Visayas. Focusing on digital empowerment, the summit showcased how local vendors can leverage real-time customer analytics, targeted marketing solutions, and streamlined logistics to capture high demand from both local diners and tourists.

"Our mission is to actively power the growth of our merchant partners," said Patricia Jacinto, Director for Growth and Marketing at foodpanda Philippines. "When Visayan restaurants combine their culinary expertise with foodpanda's ecosystem and insights, they can respond faster to market shifts, drive higher order volumes, and sustainably scale their businesses."

Honoring the Top-Performing Visayas Brands

The CRAVE 2026 awards segment recognized outstanding regional vendors that achieved notable growth and operational performance on the platform in the first half of 2026:

Alberto’s Pizza received the gold Pau Pau’s Top of Table Award for outstanding sales performance and market leadership.

Pau-Pau's Top of Table (Market Leadership & Sales): Alberto's Pizza, Sal's Bar and Restaurant, Dimsum Break, Ribshack, and PorkHub.

Sisigan Sa Doctors claimed the gold Pau Pau’s Momentum Master Award for strong H1 2026 performance.

Pau-Pau's Momentum Master (Outstanding YoY Growth): Sisigan Sa Doctors, Ma. Lina Catering Services, The Original AA BBQ, Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries, and Tiktilaok.

Felisa’s Cafe & Restaurant earned the gold Pau Pau’s Brand Spotlight Award for innovative marketing and business growth.

Pau-Pau's Brand Spotlight (Innovative Marketing): Felisa's Cafe & Restaurant, Mom Rose, Cebu's Tasty Lechon, Cribs, Ram's Pizza, Pasta and Milktea, and Metro Retail Supermarket.

Metro Retail Supermarket claimed the gold Pau Pau’s Brand Spotlight in foodpanda shops Award for consistent growth and partnership.

Operational Excellence (Fulfillment & Reliability): Hybrid Coffee, Somac Korean Restaurant, Got Tea? Crafted Milk Tea, Popcha Milktea Station, Gabby's Bistro, and Rose Pharmacy.

Hybrid Coffee was honored with the gold Operational Excellence Award for high operational standards and reliable service.

People's Palate Award (Customer Ratings & Repeat Orders): Hukad Everyday Filipino, SAJ HUT, Mango Magic, Dapogan, and Wingers Unlimited.

Hukad Everyday Filipino took the gold People’s Palate Award for its strong customer following and ratings.

Scaling Visayan Businesses with Next-Gen Tech

To help vendors prepare for peak demand during the upcoming holiday season, foodpanda announced updates to its platform ecosystem, including enhanced AI-driven demand-forecasting tools and automated marketing features designed to optimize daily order capacity and build customer loyalty.

Following the Cebu leg, the nationwide CRAVE 2026 summit will head to Manila for its final event.

ASUS ExpertBook Ultra: Flagship Business Laptop Lands in Cebu and Davao

• ASUS Business takes its flagship AI business laptop, the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra, to Cebu and Davao, expanding access to enterprise-grade AI technology among businesses and professionals in two of the Philippines’ key business hubs.
•  ASUS Business Philippines Brand Ambassador Rico Hizon leads the Cebu launch as program host, bringing his perspective as a veteran broadcast journalist and business consultant.  
• More than 1,000 business leaders, IT decision-makers, partners, clients, and media attend the Cebu and Davao launches, underscoring strong regional interest in AI-powered business technology.
• Upgrade and Save! Get up to ₱6,000 off + a free ASUS 100W GaN Charger on ASUS ExpertBook Ultra purchases until October 18, 2026. Available exclusively through official ASUS ExpertBook Stores on Shopee and Lazada.

 

(From left to right): Marro Ventura, National Sales Manager; Francis Avila, Head of Commercial; Rico Hizon, ASUS

Business PH Brand Ambassador, Veteran Broadcast Journalist & Business Consultant; Jolla Valencia, Channel and Territory Account Sales (Visayas); and Liang Chen, Country Product Manager of Commercial Notebook)

 

Manila, Philippines — ASUS Business Philippines is expanding its presence beyond Metro Manila, bringing its flagship laptop, the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra, and business-grade technology closer to executives, entrepreneurs, and IT decision-makers, driving growth in Cebu and Davao.

Following its Manila debut on July 1, 2026, the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra made its regional debut at NUSTAR Resort Cebu in Cebu City on September 7 and 8, followed by Dusit D2 in Davao City on September 11.

Drawing more than 1,000 total attendees, the Grand Launch supports ASUS Business Philippines’ commitment to expanding access to enterprise-grade AI for business technology. For ASUS Business, the message is clear: the next wave of AI adoption and business-grade devices is not limited to one place. It is also taking shape in the regional business hubs where companies are building, scaling, and competing for the future.

Francis Avila, ASUS Business Philippines’ Head of Commercial

Bringing Business-Grade Technology Closer to Fast-Growing Regional Businesses  

ASUS brought its flagship business laptop, the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra, to Cebu and Davao as part of its continued regional expansion and commitment to making its latest business-grade devices more accessible in key regional markets.

As businesses in Visayas and Mindanao continue to expand, the demand for reliable, high-performance technology that can support increasingly sophisticated workplaces is also growing. Bringing business-grade devices like the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra closer to these markets enables regional businesses to experience the products firsthand and explore solutions tailored to their needs.

The tour kicked off in Cebu City on September 7 and 8, where more than 600 attendees filled the NUSTAR Resort Cebu. The Cebu launch was hosted by veteran broadcast journalist and ASUS Business Brand Ambassador Rico Hizon, alongside co-host Andi Pateña-Mateu, and featured a special performance by Jacky Chang.  

 

(From left to right): Marro Ventura, National Sales Manager; Francis Avila, Head of Commercial; Neilbert Tan, Channel and Territory Account Sales (Mindanao); and Liang Chen, Country Product Manager of Commercial Notebook

 

The tour continued in Davao on September 11, bringing more than 500 attendees together at Dusit D2 for the regional close. The event was hosted by Claire Lara, with a special performance by Aila Santos.

Both launches opened with an Expert Class Forum featuring sales training, a product showcase, and an exclusive first look at the ASUS Business product roadmap and upcoming programs. The event was followed by the Grand Launch, where guests witnessed live durability demonstrations, local dance performances, and a Gala Night that brought together business leaders for an evening of networking and celebration.

 

 

Together, the Cebu and Davao launches mark an important step in ASUS Business Philippines’ regional expansion, bringing business-grade devices and support closer to the companies and professionals shaping the future of Visayas and Mindanao.

ASUS Business Brand Ambassador Rico Hizon leads the Cebu Launch as Host  

 

(from left to right) Rico Hizon, ASUS Business Philippines Brand Ambassador and Andi Pateña-Mateu, Co-Host of the

ASUS ExpertBook Ultra Grand Launch in Cebu  

 

The Cebu Grand Launch also marked a significant moment for ASUS Business Philippines Brand Ambassador Rico Hizon, who served as host for the event.

As a veteran broadcast journalist and business consultant, Hizon brings 38 years of experience covering some of the world’s most consequential business stories. 

 

The launch also featured a special “Murphy’s Law” video with ASUS Business ambassadors Gabbi Garcia and Rico Hizon, offering a memorable demonstration of the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra’s durability and resilience. Together, they took on “Murphy’s Law”—the idea that anything that can go wrong will go wrong—by putting the flagship business laptop through a series of unexpected challenges and proving that even when things go wrong, the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra is built to keep going.

 

Watch the Video: Rico Hizon and Gabbi Garcia Beat Murphy's Law with ASUS ExpertBook Ultra

Hizon represents the kind of modern business leader the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra is built to support: veteran executives who are constantly connected and navigating a professional landscape where portable devices, durability, and business-grade security are becoming an increasingly important part of everyday work.

 

The Flagship AI PC Built for Modern Business

Boldly positioned as “The Flagship of the Industry. Period.” the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra weighs as little as 0.99kg and measures just 10.9mm thin. It combines an ultra-portable form factor with up to an Intel® Core™ Ultra X9 Series 3 processor, a dedicated NPU delivering 50 TOPS, and up to 180 total platform TOPS.  

 

As a certified Copilot+ PC, the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra also features built-in AI features such as ASUS MyExpert. With Military-Grade durability and up to 26 hours of battery life, it’s designed to withstand the demands of frequent business travel and support executives who are constantly on the move.  

 

 

 

No Price Increase: ASUS ExpertBook Ultra Retains Its ₱129,995 Introductory Price  

Despite widespread price increases across the PC market, the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra maintains its introductory price of ₱129,995.

The decision reinforces ASUS’ aim to make its latest business technology more accessible to Philippine enterprises, SMBs, and professionals, particularly as businesses increasingly look to AI-powered business-grade devices to improve productivity and stay competitive.

 

 

Limited-Time Offer until October 18, 2026: Save Up to ₱6,000 on ASUS ExpertBook Ultra + FREE ASUS GaN Charger

Customers who purchase the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra from the official ASUS ExpertBook Stores on Shopee and Lazada can enjoy up to ₱6,000 in savings, plus a free ASUS 100W GaN charger.

The promotional offer is available until 11:59 PM on October 18, 2026. DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-266989, Series of 2026.

ASUS ExpertBook Ultra (B9406CAA) – Specifications 

CPU	Up to Intel® Core Ultra X9-388H processor with up to 50 TOPS NPU (Total 180 TOPS)
GPU	Intel® Arc™ B390
Memory	Up to 64GB LPDDR5x, 8533 MT/s
Storage	Up to 2 TB M.2 PCIe®5.0 SSD
Display	14.0-inch, Tandem OLED, WQXGA+ (2880 x 1800) 16:10, Anti-glare display, Touch screen with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® and Corning® Gorilla™ Matte, 600nits (1400nits HDR peak brightness)
	14.0-inch, Polymer OLED, WQXGA+ (2880 x 1800) 16:10, Anti-glare display, Touch screen with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® and Corning® Gorilla™ Matte, 450nits (1000nits HDR peak brightness)
Battery	70 Wh, 4-cell, Li-Polymer
Weight	Starts from 0.99kg
Dimensions	31.09 x 21.28 x 1.09 cm
Wireless	Triple-band 2x2 WiFi 7 (802.11be) + Bluetooth® 6.0
I/O Ports	Left side:    1 x Thunderbolt™4 Type-C (supports 4K display, USB PD3.0 )    1 x USB3.2 Gen2 Type-A    1 x HDMI 2.1 TMDS    1 x 3.5 mm combo audio jack      Right side:    1 x Thunderbolt™4 Type-C (supports 4K display, USB PD3.0)   1 x USB3.2 Gen2 Type-A
Security	ASUS ExpertGuardian & NIST SP 800-193 Compliance, ASUS Security Processor, Dual Self-healing BIOS ROM, Discrete TPM 2.0 (FIPS 140-2), Microsoft Pluton, Match-on-Chip Fingerprint, Windows Hello IR, Physical Webcam Shield, Chassis Intrusion Alert.
Color	Morn Grey (Flagship color) and Jet Fog
OS	Up to Windows 11 Pro (Windows 11 Home available in retail)

 

Where to Buy the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra in the Philippines  

The ASUS ExpertBook Ultra is available starting at ₱129,995 in the ASUS Concept Store SM City Fairview, the ASUS Concept Store SM Dasmarinas, Villman Stores, and the ASUS ExpertBook Stores on Lazada and Shopee.  

 

•        Where to Buy ASUS ExpertBook Ultra: https://ph.asus.click/ExpertBookUltraWheretoBuy

•        ASUS ExpertBook Store – Lazada: https://ph.asus.click/ASUSExpertBookStoreLazada

•        ASUS ExpertBook  Store – Shopee: https://ph.asus.click/ASUSExpertBookStoreShopee

Trusted by IT Experts. Built for Worry-Free Business.  

Visit the ASUS Business Website, contact your nearest ASUS Business authorized reseller, or fill out the Volume Purchase Form for business orders.

Optum Philippines Expands Presence in Cebu with New Regional Hub

Optum Philippines VP for People Rain Tan, Managing Director Samarth Mathur, and Senior Director and Cebu Operations Site Lead for Cebu Glenda Banawa-Roco

CEBU, Philippines — Optum Philippines, one of the leading healthcare global capability centers (GCC) in the Philippines, officially inaugurated its new offices in the heart of Cebu IT Park. As part of UnitedHealth Group, the organization demonstrated its strong commitment to recognizing, nurturing, and growing talent, thereby strengthening Cebu’s strategic position as a vital hub for healthcare innovation and professional excellence.

Optum Philippines Managing Director Samarth Mathur welcomes guests to the newly opened site in Cebu

“The new Cebu office marks an exciting chapter for Optum in the Philippines,” said Samarth Mathur, Managing Director of Optum Philippines. “Located in Cebu IT Park, it reflects our confidence in the role of Filipino talent in shaping global healthcare. Through spaces that encourage collaboration and innovation, we look forward to supporting the next generation of healthcare leaders.”

Unlocking Cebu’s Potential as a Global Capability Center Hub

As the Philippines continues to strengthen its position as a leading destination for GCCs, Optum Philippines is expanding its capabilities beyond traditional operational support to deliver specialized healthcare services. This evolution reflects broader shifts in healthcare, where work increasingly centers on analytics, digital health solutions, automation, AI-enabled workflows, and innovation. As a result, new career opportunities are emerging in areas such as healthcare analytics, digital operations, pharmacy account management, and AI-related functions, enabling talent to build specialized skills and contribute to global healthcare outcomes.

Cebu plays a key role in this transformation, supported by a skilled workforce increasingly engaged in higher-value healthcare and technology work with global impact. To support industry collaboration in the region, Optum Philippines, in partnership with the Global Capability Center Council Philippines (GC3) and Toby’s Sports, recently hosted the inaugural Optum GC3 Cup, a one-day pickleball tournament that brought together representatives from GC3 member organizations and promoted connection and wellness through sports and movement across the Cebu GCC community.

Empowering Talent Through Upskilling and Innovation

As demand for higher-value GCC roles continues to evolve, Optum Philippines remains focused on developing talent equipped to contribute across increasingly specialized areas of healthcare, technology, and business operations.

The organization also celebrated the completion of the first cohort of its Technology Development Program (TDP). This program is designed to develop high-potential graduates into enterprise technology talent through structured learning, hands-on experience, and global collaboration opportunities. As part of their development journey, TDP associates participated in an Enterprise Early Careers bootcamp alongside peers from the United States, India, and Ireland, providing early exposure to cross-functional teamwork and enterprise-wide learning. The TDP also reflects Optum Philippines’ growing partnerships with academic institutions across the region to help create pathways for graduates to pursue careers in healthcare technology and digital innovation.

Redefining the Workplace Experience

Optum Philippines continues to prioritize belonging through intentionally designed workplace experiences and environments. The new Cebu office features collaborative workspaces, wellness rooms, and recreational areas that encourage connection, productivity, and balance.

Optum Philippines Managing Director Samarth Mathur welcomes guests to the newly opened site in Cebu

“Employee wellbeing is vital to creating a workplace culture where people can thrive,” said Glenda Banawa-Roco, Senior Director for Operations and Cebu Site Lead at Optum Philippines. “As a healthcare organization, care is at the heart of everything we do, and that extends to our workforce, whose contributions help drive our success.”

For more information on Optum Philippines and its initiatives, visit the official website or Optum Philippines on Facebook and LinkedIn.