On The Radar: Grab Showcases Filipino Delights At Times Square In The Big Apple

ON THE RADAR | December 1, 2023

(Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Grab Philippines)

Grab honors and celebrates some of the most iconic dishes present on its platform, making them the stars in its latest billboard ad on the NASDAQ Tower in Times Square, New York, USA this holiday season. Among those that towered over the square's busy commercial intersection are Pinoy favorites Jollibee Chickenjoy, Mang Inasal Chicken Inasal, Manam Pinoy Sisig, Balai Pandesal’s Ube Pandesal with Cheese, Angel’s Pizza Creamy Spinach Pizza, Tropical Hut Burger with Pineapple, and Wow Lechon’s Pork Lechon.

Grab dedicated the NASDAQ Tower space to give visibility to seven homegrown Philippine restaurants and 44 others from various Southeast Asian countries. This strategic placement serves to highlight the extraordinary variety of culinary offerings available on the platform, beloved by both locals and travelers alike as they immerse themselves in the vibrant and diverse flavors of Southeast Asia with Grab. While Grab is well-known for its ride-hailing service and saw a three-fold jump in rides to and from airports between January and December 2022, awareness for its food offering amongst international travellers is growing. This peak travel season offers an opportunity to position Grab’s leadership in the food space for North American travellers bound for Southeast Asia which is one of the top inbound travel markets for the region.

To help travellers plan ahead of their trips, especially in a region that is foreign to them, Grab has launched the Traveller Homepage which allows users to explore a city within the Grab app as if they were at the destination. Available for 33 of the top cities tourists visit in Southeast Asia, travellers can search places of interest, explore an extensive selection of cuisines and restaurants in the region and save them to a list. Since its listing in 2021, Grab has used this prime billboard space to recognise and show appreciation to Grabbers, its community of driver-partners, delivery-partners and merchant-partners that serve millions of consumers every day across the region.

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PH Adaptation Of "What's Wrong With Secretary Kim" Trends Online; ABS-CBN, Viu PH Reveals More Cast Members

The Cast Of PH Adaptation Of What's Wrong With Secretary Kim
The cast of ABS-CBN and Viu's Philippine adaptation of the hit Korean drama series "What's Wrong With Secretary Kim" (Image Source: Philippine Canadian Inquirer/ABS-CBN Corporation)

ABS-CBN and Viu Philippines' local adaptation for the hit Korean drama series “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim" starring Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino sent social media abuzz as the series announcement garnered multiple trending topics within a day. Kim, who will play the bubbly and extremely competent Secretary Kim in the Viu Original adaptation, is excited to bring the enchanting story to life. “I’m very happy to do this project and to be the Secretary Kim of the Philippines. We will definitely add a taste of the Filipino touch,” shared Kim in an interview with “TV Patrol” recently. 

Paulo, on the other hand, added that he hopes to give justice to his character as the narcissistic and charming Mr. Vice-Chairman, stating, “I’m very blessed and grateful that they considered me to be Vice-Chairman. I feel a lot of pressure but I’m trying my best to look the part and play the part properly.” ABS-CBN and Viu also revealed the rest of the cast members that will add color to the highly anticipated romantic-comedy series. These include Janice De Belen, Romnick Sarmenta, Angeline Quinto, Pepe Herrera, Franco Laurel, JC Alcantara, Kaori Oinuma, Gillian Vicencio, Yves Flores, Cai Cortez, Phi Palmos, Kat Galang, and Brian Sy with the special participation of rising Korean actor Kim Won Shik.

Produced by Dreamscape Entertainment and slated to be released on ABS-CBN's broadcast and digital platforms in 2024, “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim” tells the story of a workaholic vice-chairman of a major corporation who falls in love with his driven secretary after she announces her resignation from her position.

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Rakuten Viber Jams With juan karlos, BINI, PLAYERTWO And Sugarcane For First Backstage Live Pass Gig

(Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Rakuten Viber)

Rakuten Viber is pumping up Manila’s live gig scene by gathering today’s chart-topping local artists for a night of proudly Filipino music. Catch acclaimed rock singer juan karlos, smash-hit P-pop girl group BINI, rising hip-hop act PLAYERTWO, and folk-pop ensemble Sugarcane as the app’s popular music channel comes to life with Backstage Pass Live, an invite-only gig kicking off on December 5, 2023 at the hip Baked Studios in Makati City. What makes this exclusive one-night-only music jam even more exciting is that 100 lucky Rakuten Viber fans will be scored a couple tickets each to the Backstage Pass Live gig and they will be announced on December 2, 2023 via the Backstage Pass Channel & Backstage Pass Chatbot.

“We’re so excited to translate the Backstage Pass Channel experience into an actual music event with our first-ever in-person gig headlined by the same artists we have previously featured on the channel. Backstage Pass Live is a celebration of what the channel has achieved so far, and also a taste of what Filipino music fans can expect moving forward. In 2024, we hope the channel not only brings our users closer to their idols, but also gives the spotlight to the vibrant local music scene in the Philippines, as we’re gearing up more perks, surprises, and live experiences for all its followers," said Rakuten Viber Senior Director for Asia Pacific (APAC) David Tse.

Launched in 2021, Backstage Pass Channel aims to give fans an online “meet-and-greet” experience by letting featured artists share never-before-seen content and exclusive updates right in their Rakuten Viber chat. Some even host Q&A sessions, give free merch, and take fans through their creative processes. To enhance the fan experience, Rakuten Viber has now launched the Backstage Pass Chatbot where subscribers can join exclusive promos and contests, buy exclusive merch, and get huge discounts for event tickets and more. From your chats to your ult’s live gigs, keep the music playing with Rakuten Viber Backstage Pass Channel and Chatbot.

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Discover The All-New Jollibee Coffee Blends - Deliciously Rich, Available All Day!

(Image Source: Dot Daily Dose/Jollibee)

Amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a delightful pick-me-up has emerged for the young and young at heart — the all-new Jollibee Coffee Blends! Crafted from freshly brewed 100% Arabica beans, the Jollibee Coffee Blends has a rich, delicious taste that will surely elevate one’s daily caffeine experience. Whichever you’re in the mood for, Jollibee’s Coffee Blends line-up has something for you that you can avail all-day. The Hot Fresh Brew, priced at Php45 (exclusive for breakfast hours), promises a rich and energizing start to your morning. The Iced Latte, on the other hand, offers a refreshing blend of iced coffee, fresh milk, and sweet syrup which is priced at Php50 for regular and Php75 for large. For those who prefer a bolder flavor, there’s the Iced Sweet Black, a fusion of iced coffee and sweet syrup which is also available in regular and large sizes.

Adding a touch of star power to this caffeine sensation, Jollibee proudly announces Atasha Muhlach as the new endorser for Jollibee Coffee Blends. A fresh face in the Philippine entertainment scene but coming from a well-known family background, Atasha recently graduated with honors in the UK and is now embarking on a versatile career in hosting, modeling, singing, and partnerships with the brands she loves. Her vibrant energy perfectly complements the dynamic and delicious experience that the Jollibee Coffee Blends offer. Atasha shared, “I’m thrilled to officially be part of the Jollibee family and to endorse the new Coffee Blends. Their deliciously rich taste makes them the perfect choice for me as a coffee enthusiast. Just as each blend offers a unique taste experience that is fun to discover, my personal journey has also been about self-discovery and embracing my individuality. This collaboration with Jollibee is not just about promoting a product; it’s about sharing joy and elevating daily moments with every bite or, in this case, cup.”


“The delicious, rich taste of the new Jollibee Coffee Blends will make it the go-to choice to kickstart the morning and to provide a much-needed boost during the day. There’s Hot Fresh Brew which is available during breakfast hours to wake you up in the morning. And now we have all day coffee offerings, the Iced Latte and Iced Sweet Black, so our customers can enjoy it anytime and anywhere be it on the way to work, during work breaks and even at the leisure of their homes. We are likewise thrilled to welcome Atasha, whose youthful energy and remarkable talent make her the perfect endorser for Jollibee’s most exciting new offering," said Jollibee's Marketing Director for Complementaries Luis Berba. Whether it’s for an early morning fuel or a midday recharge, Jollibee is now your coffee destination to get a delicious caffeine fix. Try it now in your nearest Jollibee branch via dine-in, takeout, or drive-thru. You can also have it delivered via the Jollibee App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and Foodpanda.

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Star Cinema Unveils Poster Of MMFF 2023 Official Entry "Rewind"

(Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation)

Star Cinema officially unveiled the poster for its Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 entry "Rewind" with lead stars Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera at the ABS-CBN Compound along Eugenio Lopez Drive in Quezon City. The poster captures the melancholic softness and powerful expressions of the lead stars as they dance together with Dingdong leading Marian for a twirl in a dreamy-like ambiance dressed in strikingly contrasting red and green outfits. 

“Ang daming elemento ng poster na may kinalaman sa pelikula, it’s also meant to tease (the viewers). May elemento ng clock, may sumasayaw, lahat ng ito sumasagisag sa pelikula. Abangan nalang kung bakit ganito ang itsura ng poster,” Dingdong teased. Two weeks prior to the poster reveal, the first drop of the trailer also made its debut and quickly garnered over 7.2 million views in 24 hours and claimed four spots among the top trending topics in X (formerly Twitter) Philippines on the day of the release.  “Grateful kami sa lahat ng feedback, nagulat din kami dahil nagkaroon sila (viewers) ng mga haka-haka kung sa anong tatakbuhin ng kwento. Nagkakaroon ng iba’t ibang usapan tungkol sa pelikula, at iyon din ang gusto namin after nila manood — pag-usapan at mainspire sila sa makukuhang feeling after the movie,” Dingdong shared. 

Directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar, “Rewind” is the official entry of ABS-CBN Film Productions Inc. (Star Cinema), APT Entertainment Inc., and Agosto Dos Pictures in the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival, showing in cinemas this Christmas. For film updates, follow ABS-CBN Films on Facebook, X, TikTok, Instagram, and Threads.

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Mang Inasal Creators' Circle Wins Big In 2023 Dragons Of Asia

(Image Source: The Manila Times/Mang Inasal)

Mang Inasal, the Philippines’ Grill Expert, was named Black Dragon winner in the 2023 Dragons of Asia for its Mang Inasal Creators’ Circle (MICC). MICC, a first-of-its-kind, brand-managed influencer community composed of nano-influencers to mega-influencers from different parts of the country, was among the award recipients under the Best Brand Building/Awareness Campaign category.

“MICC is one of the biggest post-pandemic milestones for Mang Inasal as we bring the brand closer to the communities we serve. We thank all MICC members for their contribution in bringing all the great Mang Inasal updates to their followers. This Black Dragon win is a validation of the effectiveness of their efforts," said Mang Inasal President Mike V. Castro. Created in March 2022, the MICC is comprised of digital content creators across the Philippines including top mommy influencers like by Mommy Diaries PH and Mommy Hieds as well as known TikTokerists such as Simon Javier and George Tobias.

For 23 years, the Dragons of Asia have been recognizing the very best in results-driven marketing communications developed and executed by agencies and clients across Asia. The Black Dragon award from Dragons of Asia is the latest addition to the string of accolades that Mang Inasal has garnered this year which comprises of a Gold Stevie Award from the 2023 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, a Marketing Excellence Silver Award, a Silver Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, and a PANAta Award from the Philippine Association of National Advertisers.

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