Jollibee crowned No. 1 chicken QSR in Southeast Asia

Jollibee crowned No. 1 chicken QSR in Southeast Asia

Richmond Mercurio
Philstar.com
01 May 2025

MANILA, Philippines — Jollibee, the flagship brand of Asian food conglomerate Jollibee Foods Corp., has been ranked the No. 1 chicken quick-service restaurant (QSR) in Southeast Asia by Euromonitor International.

The Jollibee Group said the recognition underscores the brand’s sustained growth and strong consumer demand across multiple Southeast Asian markets.

Euromonitor International’s assessment draws on comprehensive research methods, including in-country research, store checks, trade interviews and company analysis to determine market size and competitive positioning across the region.

Jollibee has built broad market appeal across Southeast Asia by balancing menu localization with a consistent core brand experience.

Ernesto Tanmantiong, Jollibee Group global president and CEO, said the recognition reinforces Jollibee’s role as a key driver of international growth and highlights the group’s capability to scale restaurant brands across diverse markets through strong fundamentals and execution discipline.

“This milestone underscores the strength of Jollibee as our flagship brand and our ability to build brands that connect across markets. It reflects years of disciplined execution — deep consumer understanding, strong operating systems and a growth strategy that balances relevance with consistency,” he said.

Tanmantiong said Jollibee is well-positioned to scale significantly over time, supported by disciplined expansion and strong market fundamentals.

He added that the group would focus on scalable brands that stay meaningful to customers as it expands across Southeast Asia and other regions.

“With 317 stores across Southeast Asia outside the Philippines, we have a solid platform for continued expansion in this high-growth region,” Tanmantiong said.

Jollibee was recently ranked No. 1 QSR in Vietnam by Euromonitor International, despite not having the largest store network.

In Singapore, Jollibee was previously recognized by The Straits Times as the No. 1 fast-food brand in customer service, based on a nationwide consumer survey.

Jollibee also stands as the No. 1 QSR by store network in Brunei.

“There’s a common perception that Jollibee primarily serves Filipino customers outside the Philippines, but what we’re seeing on the ground is very different,” Dennis Flores, president of Jollibee Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia, said.

“In markets like Vietnam and Brunei, nearly all our customers are locals, and in Singapore and Malaysia, locals make up most of our customer base. This tells us that great taste and a strong brand experience resonate beyond borders — it’s something consumers choose, regardless of culture,” he said.

Entalula Beach named world's No. 1 best beach for 2026

Palawan's Entalula Beach named world's No. 1 best beach for 2026

Melanie Uson
Philstar.com
29 April 2026

Entalula Beach in El Nido, Palawan, has been named this year’s No. 1 beach in the world.

The pristine destination topped this year’s World’s 50 Best Beaches list, as selected by the judges, beach ambassadors, and the World’s 50 Beaches team.

“Entalula Beach in Palawan is one of those places you have to see to believe. It is set apart by its towering limestone cliffs that rise sharply behind a stretch of soft white sand, creating one of the most visually striking settings in the region and the world,” the media company described in the caption.

It also underscored the beach’s distinctive surrounding landscape, crystal-clear waters, and relatively uncrowded atmosphere compared with nearby beaches.

“With access only by boat, it remains quieter and helps preserve its more natural feel. It’s the contrast of majestic cliffs, clear water, and amazing seclusion that gives Entalula its edge as a place that feels both dramatic and calm at the same time,” it added.

This year’s top ranking comes after the beach landed at No. 2 on last year’s list.

Leyte’s Kalanggaman Island also made it to the list at No. 25, known for its clear waters and narrow sandbar.

Following Entalula, Fteri Beach in Greece ranked second, followed by Australia’s Wharton Beach, Nosy Iranja in Madagascar, and East Beach on Vomo Island in Fiji.

The nominations were based on eight key criteria: unique characteristics, wildlife, untouched nature, natural soundtrack, ease of water entry, frequency of calm conditions, lack of overcrowding, and the idyllic scenes it offers.

Completing the top 10 beaches are Shoal Bay East in Anguilla, Dhigurah in the Maldives, Playa Balandra in Mexico, Koh Rong in Cambodia, and Donald Duck Bay in Thailand.

El Nido, Palawan, was also recently recognized by BBC as one of the eight best destinations in the world.

Pinoy chicken dishes named among world's best by Taste Atlas

Chicken inasal, adobo named among world's 50 best chicken dishes by TasteAtlas

GMA News
27 April 2026

Chicken inasal and chicken adobo were named among the 50 best chicken dishes in the world by TasteAtlas! 

According to the international publication's list, released this April, chicken inasal ranked third with a rating of 4.4 stars, while chicken adobo ranked 40th with a rating of 4.1 stars. 

It described chicken inasal as "a unique Filipino grilled chicken dish which originated in Western Visayas and became the signature dish of the entire region." 

TasteAtlas also recommended places to have some of the best chicken inasal, including Aida's Manokan and Nena's Beth at Manokan Country in Bacolod, Island Chicken Inasal in Bulabog, Barrio Inasal in Iloilo, and Balay Dako in Tagaytay.

Meanwhile, the publication described chicken adobo as a "traditional stew" made with chicken, garlic, onions, bay leaves, peppercorns, oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, and white vinegar. 

"The dish is simmered over high heat until the chicken is fully cooked, and adobong manok is then served with white rice on the side," it said. 

Previously, chicken inasal topped TasteAtlas' list of Top 100 Filipino food for October 2024. 

TasteAtlas also included chicken inasal in its list of best Filipino food for September of the same year, where it ranked second to sinigang. 

PH’s wins its 2nd Miss Tourism Worldwide crown in Malaysia

Anne De Mesa wins PH’s 2nd Miss Tourism Worldwide crown in Malaysia

Armin P. Adina
Inquirer.net
26 April 2026

With years of national pageant experience under her belt, accountant Anne De Mesa convincingly snagged the 2026 Miss Tourism Worldwide title in Malaysia.

De Mesa bested more than a dozen aspirants at the competition held at Forest City Golf Resort in Johor Bahru on Saturday evening, April 25, to become the second Filipino woman to win the title.

The Philippines’ first posted its victory through Zara Carbonell, who won the crown at the inaugural edition of the pageant held in Indonesia.

De Mesa inherited the Miss Tourism Worldwide from last year’s winner, Joyce Tuijaerts from the European region of Benelux.

At her recent national pageant, the 2026 Miss World Philippines competition in February, De Mesa was proclaimed as First Princess. The main title went to teen queen Asia Rose Simpson.

She was later appointed to compete at the Miss Tourism Worldwide pageant, a development that put her ahead of the other national winners whose respective global stints are scheduled later than hers.

At the competition in Malaysia, De Mesa received the “Miss Celebrity” subsidiary title and both the Best in National Costume and Best in Evening Gown awards.

“I’m thankful for ALV Pageant Circle and the Miss World Philippines Organization for seeing potential in me. And finally, this is it, we can scream ‘Philippines!’” she told Inquirer Entertainment before she left for the international pageant.

De Mesa had earlier joined the Miss World Philippines competition 2021, finishing in the Top 24. She then joined the Binibining Pilipinas pageant in 2022 and 2025, earning semifinal spots in both occasions. /edv

BINI makes history at Coachella 2026

BINI makes history at Coachella 2026

Nikko Tuazon
PEP.com
11 April 2026

BINI reached a major milestone after becoming the first P-pop group to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

On Saturday, April 11 (PHT), P-Pop girl group BINI--(L-R) Stacey, Maloi, Gwen, Colet, Jhoanna, Aiah, Mikha, and Sheena--made history as the first-ever P-Pop act to perform at the Coachella Music Festival 2026. PHOTO/S: Screengrab from Coachella / YouTube   

All eight members—Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Jhoanna, Stacey, Gwen, Sheena, and Mikha—graced the stage at the Mojave Tent on Friday, April 10, 2026 (Saturday, April 11, Philippine time). Their set ran for 45 minutes, giving international festivalgoers a firsthand look at P-pop.

Held annually at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, Coachella is one of the world’s largest music festivals, attracting about 250,000 attendees each weekend.

The Mojave Stage is a covered, mid-sized tent known for its strong acoustics and for showcasing emerging and critically acclaimed artists. Past performers include Ed Sheeran (2025), Lizzo (2019), Rosalía (2019), and Carly Rae Jepsen (2022).

BINI'S PERFORMANCE AT COACHELLA 2026

BINI entered the stage in coordinated golden outfits accented with salakot.

The group opened with “Shagidi,” instantly firing up the crowd with its infectious beat and tight, synchronized choreography.

BINI performing on stage at Coachella Music Festival 2026 in matching gold outfits. Photo/s: Screengrab from Coachella / YouTube

The performance smoothly transitioned into “Zero Pressure,” highlighted by a seamless costume change into coordinated all-blue outfits, before singing their next track, “Out of My Head.”

BINI performing on stage at Coachella Music Festival 2026 in coordinated blue outfits during their high-energy set. Photo/s: Screengrab from Coachella / YouTube

After introducing themselves, Jhoanna greeted the crowd, saying: “All the way from the Philippines!

"We are so hyped to be here and we hope you are all ready to party with us in the desert as we take you into our world.”

Aiah added: “We are so grateful to be here, to represent the Philippines on a global stage and to share our music with you all. That’s why, thank you, thank you so much, Coachella.”

The set then picked up momentum with “Karera,” followed by “Salamin Salamin,” which featured a fresh dance break, then segued into the ladies' pop and R&B track “Blink Twice.”

Bini continued with “Cherry on Top,” before the group closed out their performance with a mix of well-known hits and fan favorites, sustaining the audience’s excitement throughout.

After this, Mikha did a quick energy check and led everyone in an enthusiastic shout of “Eyyy!” with matching hand gesture.

The group then debuted its new song, “Blush," followed by “Bikini.”

The BINI ladies wrapped up their set on a high note with their biggest hit, “Pantropiko,” turning the desert into a full-on sing-along as fans danced and shouted along to the infectious track.

The BINI ladies keep the crowd energy high as they perform on stage at the Coachella Music Festival 2026. Photo/s: Screengrab from Coachella / YouTube

As the performance came to a close, Colet expressed the group’s gratitude, saying: “Maraming salamat, Coachella! We had a great time! We hope you had fun as much as we have."

CELEBRITIES AND NETIZENS REACT

After the performance, celebrities and netizens alike flooded social media with reactions to BINI’s historic Coachella debut, with the hashtag #BINI_CoachellaWk1 climbing to the number one spot on the trending topics list.

In the Philippines, related keywords also trended, including “Ms. Ica,” the nickname of the group’s stylist Ica Villanueva, alongside “Maloi,” “Filipinas,” “UY PHILIPPINES,” and “Mojave,” all reflecting the widespread buzz surrounding BINI’s Coachella stage performance.

Bianca Gonzalez was among those cheering the group on, watching the performance at home on TV with her daughters. In a tweet, she wrote, “GO BINI!!!!”

She later shared another post, saying, “PANTROPIKO sa Coachella was [fire] GO BINI!!! [Philippine flag emojis]," echoing the excitement felt by fans across social media.

ABS-CBN correspondent MJ Felipe also shared the excitement from Coachella in real time, posting photos from the venue on his X account showing a jam-packed Mojave Tent filled with fans eagerly awaiting BINI’s debut performance.

His caption: “LOOK: Mojave tent is PACKED!!! All waiting for BINI! Let’s go!!!!”

Bretman Rock also caught the girls's performance live, later sharing his excitement on Instagram Stories with a post that read, “Binichella duhhh.”

On BINI’s Instagram page, the comments section of the latest post was flooded with congratulatory messages.

Among those who dropped messages were Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Michelle Dee, hairstylist Antonio Papa, content creator Toni Sia, stylist Perry Tabora, and fashion designer Jot Losa, along with many others.

BINI is also scheduled to return to Coachella for a second performance on April 17, 2026 (April 18, Philippine time).

Two Philippine schools have placed for the first time in the global top 100 of QS' world university rankings by subject

PH breaks into QS global top 100 by subject, but still far behind SEA neighbors

Cristina Chi
Philstar Global
08 April 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Two Philippine schools have placed for the first time in the global top 100 of QS' world university rankings by subject, according to its latest edition, but the country still trails its Southeast Asian neighbors with higher-ranked academic programs.

Ateneo de Manila University entered the 51–100 band in Theology, Divinity & Religious Studies, climbing from 101–150 last year. The University of the Philippines debuted in the same band for Library & Information Management, a subject in which it had not previously been ranked. Neither university had placed in the top 100 in any discipline before.

The Commission on Higher Education called the two schools' placements a "historic breakthrough for the country."

Hospitality & Leisure Management also emerged as the Philippines' strongest subject, based on QS' rankings, with three schools — Adamson University, Lyceum of the Philippines University and UP — all placing in the global top 200.

The rankings, released late March by London-based higher education analysts Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), evaluate how specific academic programs — not universities — stack up globally. Unlike QS' overall university rankings, which rate institutions as a whole, the subject edition zeroes in on specific disciplines, from archaeology to veterinary science, across 55 fields.

Programs are scored on five indicators, weighted differently by discipline: how academics and employers worldwide rate the institution in that field, and how its research performs in terms of citation impact, productivity, and international collaboration. 

Research data is drawn from Elsevier's Scopus database; reputation scores come from global surveys of over 150,000 academics and 100,000 employers.

Rankings like QS have faced growing scrutiny, particularly from academics in developing countries who say the metrics favor well-funded Western institutions. Fidel Nemenzo, former UP Diliman chancellor, wrote in a BusinessWorld piece this month that the system rewards what is easily counted — citations, publication volume — while ignoring teaching quality and public service. 

QS' latest rankings by subject show a considerable gap between the Philippines and its regional peers. Malaysia fielded 356 ranked entries from 28 institutions, with 44 programs in the global top 100, 14 in the top 50, and one in the top 10. 

Indonesia had 189 entries from 26 universities and 15 were in the top 100. Thailand had 170 entries from 16 institutions and 18 top-100 programs. The Philippines had 47 programs from six schools — and two in the top 100.

Of the Philippines' 47 ranked programs, 14 climbed in rank, five dropped, 19 stayed stable and nine were new. Seven entries hit record-high ranks: UP in Library & Information Management, History (201–250), Arts & Humanities (257), and Life Sciences & Medicine (316); Ateneo in Theology; Adamson in Hospitality & Leisure Management (101–150); and De La Salle University in Philosophy (151–200).

Hospitality as the Philippines' best program

The Philippines' highest showing in any single discipline came in Hospitality & Leisure Management, where three schools placed in the global top 200, more than in any other subject.

Adamson University debuted at 101–150, the highest Philippine rank in the field. Lyceum of the Philippines University ranked 151–175, and UP debuted in the same band. Both Adamson and Lyceum were entirely new to the QS subject rankings this year.

No other program offering performed at this level. The next most represented programs — Business & Management Studies, Economics & Econometrics, English Language & Literature, and Politics & International Studies — each had three schools ranked, but none placed higher than the 151–200 band.

The University of the Philippines accounted for 22 of the country's 39 narrow subject entries — more than half — and all four broad faculty area entries. 

Two PH cities in UN's 20 Cities Towards Zero Waste

Iloilo City, San Fernando (Pampanga) among UN’s 20 cities towards zero waste

MARIEL CELINE SERQUIÑA
GMA Integrated News 
31 March 2026

Iloilo City and San Fernando, Pampanga have been named among the United Nations’ 20 Cities Towards Zero Waste, recognizing local governments that have demonstrated ambitious and innovative approaches to reducing waste.

The recognition highlights cities advancing circular economy solutions and building more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban systems.

The initiative is led by the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste, with support from UN-Habitat and the UN Environment Programme.

The UN also recognized the following cities for their zero-waste efforts:

    Accra (Ghana)

    Bologna (Italy)

    Chefchaouen (Morocco)

    Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)

    Dehiwala (Sri Lanka)

    Florianópolis (Brazil)

    Gaziantep (Türkiye)

    George Town (Malaysia)

    Hangzhou (China)

    Kisumu (Kenya)

    Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

    Lilongwe (Malawi)

    San Francisco (United States)

    Sanya (China)

    Suzhou (China)

    Varkala (India)

    Yokohama (Japan)

    Zapopan (Mexico)

According to the UN Environment Programme, the world generates more than 2.1 billion tons of municipal solid waste each year.

This underscores the critical role of cities in addressing the global waste crisis and its impacts on climate change, biodiversity, public health, and livelihoods.

The 20 Cities Towards Zero Waste initiative aims to recognize city leadership and innovation while promoting the exchange of best practices and lessons learned.

It also seeks to inspire other cities to pursue zero-waste strategies and adopt local-level circular economy approaches.

“Cities are at the frontline of the zero-waste transition. Local and regional governments are managing waste systems; they are reshaping local economies, influencing consumption patterns, and advancing inclusive solutions that integrate informal workers and communities,” said Anacláudia Rosbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat.

The UN official emphasized the importance of local governments in driving environmental and systemic change, noting that cities play a central role in advancing sustainable development.

“This initiative underscores the critical role of cities as implementers of change. It demonstrates how local action, when supported by strong governance and partnerships, can accelerate the transition toward more resilient, circular, and inclusive urban systems,” she added.—MCG, GMA Integrated News