Hungry? SM City Marilao just got a whole lot tastier. Frankie’s and Bloom & Baker have landed, and honestly, food lovers in Bulacan should be celebrating. These two spots take comfort food up a notch—think big, bold flavors and desserts that just feel good.

Frankie’s pulls you in right away. Their wings are the kind you dream about, and the mains? Hearty, generous, and perfect for sharing with friends or family. Whether you’re wrapping up a shopping spree or just looking for a laid-back meal, Frankie’s nails that balance between familiar and new. The kind of place you find yourself craving again and again. 

Then there’s Bloom & Baker, just around the corner, and the vibe totally shifts. It’s calm, cozy, and smells like fresh pastries. If you love soft breads, cakes, or a good cup of coffee, this is your stop. You can hang out and soak it all in, or grab a box of treats to bring a little bit of sweetness home. 

Frankie’s and Bloom & Baker together? They turn a regular mall trip into something special. Suddenly, SM City Marilao feels warmer, friendlier, and a whole lot more delicious.

MANILA, Philippines – For McDonald's, every win deserves a celebration. From waking up early, arriving on time, or even avoiding traffic - they all deserve a celebration! Starting January 15, celebrate your everyday wins at McDonald's for as low as P59.

McSavers Snack and Match gets more snaaaks sa sarap with the new Smokey Melt Chicken Sandwich,  available solo at P59, or as combo with other snacking favorites at P79 . Available for a limited time only, the Smokey Melt Chicken Sandwich is a delightful combination of smokey, meaty flavor with a tangy, spicy kick. Just perfect for those looking to try a new, flavorful snack.

“We’ve said this last year and we’ll say it again: McDonald’s is about making our customers feel that their everyday wins are special. With McSavers Snack and Match, we want to help them celebrate their wins, and celebrate them deliciously. With the Smokey Melt Chicken Sandwich, which is available for as low as PhP59 solo, or PhP79 with your favorite drink or dessert, celebrating shouldn’t be expensive. There’s always a reason to say, ‘Snaaaks!’ and celebrate with McSavers Snack and Match,” said  Ada Almendras-Lazaro, McDonald’s Philippines’ Chief Marketing Officer.

Snaaaks sa Sarap Ways to Celebrate Everyday Wins

For as low as PhP59, you can treat yourself with any of the following:

•           The Smokey Melt Chicken Sandwich  (available for a limited time)

•           Crispy Chicken Sandwich

•           Cheesy Burger McDo

•           McSpaghetti

•           Regular Plain Fries

•           Regular McShaker Fries (BBQ or Cheese)

Match your chosen main with a side under McSavers Snack and Match for only PhP79:

•           Medium Coke McFloat  with Hot Fudge

•           Medium Royal McFloat

•           Medium Coke/Coke Zero

•           Medium Sprite

•           Plain Sundae

McSavers Snack and Match is available via Front Counter, Take-Out, SOK, and Drive-Thru only. Meanwhile, the Smokey Melt Chicken Sandwich is also available in other meal types via Front Counter, Take-Out, Self-Ordering Kiosks,  Drive-Thru, McDelivery, and 3POs.

A fresh lineup of newly-opened shops has arrived at SM City San Mateo, giving mallgoers even more reasons to drop by, dine out, and enjoy their everyday gala. From comforting Filipino favorites to satisfying ramen bowls, quick coffee breaks, freshly baked treats, and wellness essentials, these new mall finds bring variety, flavor, and convenience for families, friends, and solo mall explorers alike.

SM City San Mateo welcomes a fresh mix of dining spots that satisfy both comfort cravings and quick bites. Japanese and Korean food lovers can enjoy rich, slurp-worthy bowls at Saiko Restaurant’s ramen bar, while Sisig Hooray serves its signature sizzling sisig—savory, filling, and perfect for lunch or dinner. For those needing a quick pick-me-up, Block Coffee offers quality coffee and refreshing drinks ideal for on-the-go mall breaks.

Completing the experience are everyday essentials that add convenience to every visit. Bulawan Panaderya fills the mall with the inviting aroma of freshly baked breads and classic Filipino pastries, perfect for take-home treats. Katinko rounds out the lineup with trusted wellness and pain-relief products, making self-care easy and accessible right inside the mall.

With these new shops, SM City San Mateo continues to be a one-stop destination where dining, daily needs, and comfort come together. From satisfying food trips to quick coffee stops and wellness must-haves, it’s all here—ready for you to gala to the max and enjoy truly all-out experiences every time you visit. 

A go-to spot for food trips and everyday gala, SM City Masinag continues to be the most-preferred food destination in lower Antipolo, now made even better with new dining additions that fit every kind of mall visit. From quick sweet treats to satisfying comfort meals, these new spots give you more reasons to stay longer and enjoy the day.

Perfect for sweet cravings on the go, Conti’s arrives at SM City Masinag, offering its well-loved cakes and pastries. Whether you’re picking up a dessert for home or rewarding yourself mid-gala, it’s an easy stop for classic Conti’s favorites—no sit-down required.

For casual dining that works for any kind of catch-up, Shakey’s serves its iconic pizzas, mojos, and comfort food staples. It’s ideal for barkada hangouts, family meals, or a relaxed break between errands while you continue exploring the mall.

Adding a fun local favorite is Taho Story, a kiosk that puts a playful spin on the Filipino classic. Enjoy soft taho paired with ice cream and other sweet toppings—perfect for a quick merienda or a light treat while strolling around the mall.

Rounding out the lineup is Kyu Kyu Ramen 99, serving warm and satisfying Japanese bowls with rich flavors. It’s a great stop when you’re craving something filling before heading back out to continue your gala.

With these new food stops, SM City Masinag reinforces its position as a vibrant dining hub in lower Antipolo—where shoppers can enjoy a mix of sit-down meals and on-the-go treats. Head to SM City Masinag and discover new food favorites on your next gala.

●        Manulife is the first corporate partner to implement veritree’s Smart Forest technology in sites across the globe

●        veritree’s technology will be brought to Asia for the first time in Manulife Impact Forest sites in Japan and the Philippines

●        To date, Manulife Impact Forests have restored 160 hectares of land—an area roughly equivalent to 8,161 tennis courts

MANILA — Manulife recently announced the launch of Manulife Impact Forests^[1] a global network of restoration sites designed to enhance biodiversity, create opportunities for local communities, and contribute to climate resilience. Working with our community planting partners^[2] and veritree, the platform powering verified nature restoration, Impact Forests enhance Manulife’s efforts to contribute to a healthier planet, with benefits for people and planet alike.

Manulife Impact Forest in British Columbia, where new trees are being planted to restore burnt areas. The Nicola Watershed suffered extensive wildfire damage, affecting over 25,000 hectares of forest.

Manulife is the first corporate partner to implement veritree’s Smart Forest technology in its reforestation efforts. This collaboration also marks the debut of this technology in Asia, with deployments in Manulife Impact Forest locations in Japan and the Philippines.

Manulife Impact Forests are a global forest restoration initiative.

veritree’s technology combines satellite imagery, ground-level data, and bioacoustic monitoring to guide sustainable forest management. This innovative approach ensures accurate mapping of planting areas and selection of tree species that promote healthy forests and lasting benefits. Embedded into Manulife Impact Forest sites, veritree’s proprietary platform will deliver real-time insights and transparency throughout the lifecycle of each restoration project. The Manulife Impact Forests currently include sites in Canada, the U.S., Cambodia, Japan, and the Philippines. To date, more than 160 hectares of land, an area roughly equivalent to 8,161 tennis courts, have been restored.

^[3]

Photo of equipment used in veritree’s Smart Forest design.

“Manulife is proud to announce the Manulife Impact Forests and to collaborate with veritree in deploying their groundbreaking Smart Forest Design technology around the world,” said Ariel Kangasniemi, Global Chief Sustainability Officer at Manulife. “As a business that is driven to help people live better, for longer, we believe that when nature does well, people do well. This collaboration exemplifies how innovation, accountability, and environmental stewardship can come together for the benefit of both.”

Data from Manulife’s Impact Forests will be uploaded within Manulife’s veritree impact platform, enabling real-time monitoring of Smart Forests. Trees planted within these sites across the globe will be tied to measurable outcomes: tonnes of carbon sequestered, hectares restored, biodiversity gains, and community benefits such as job creation and education. More than 185,000 trees have been planted so far.

Manulife Impact Forest in California. Following the 2013 Rim Fire, restoration efforts are underway.

“This is what scalable, verifiable restoration looks like,” said Derrick Emsley, CEO and Co-Founder of veritree. “Nature-based solutions are only as powerful as the trust people have in them. Through this partnership with Manulife, we’re proving that restoration can be both high-integrity and high-tech, connecting trees planted to real data, real people, and real results.”

In the Philippines, Manulife’s existing partnership with Haribon Foundation continues to advance reforestation and biodiversity conservation efforts through native tree planting and community engagement programs. All native trees planted by Haribon for Manulife will be monitored by veritree's Smart Forest Technology, enabling real-time tracking of growth, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity impact to ensure transparency and measurable outcomes. As of the end of 2025, Manulife Philippines and Haribon have planted more than 31,000 plants in terrestrial and coastal areas across the country.

 “As one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, the Philippines faces increasing risks from extreme weather events. This underscores the urgency of investing in initiatives that safeguard our natural ecosystems and uplift and empower local communities. The Manulife Impact Forests initiative reflects Manulife’s commitment to sustainability and longevity, ensuring that future generations inherit a healthier planet,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines.

To learn more about Manulife’s sustainability initiatives and community partnerships, visit Manulife.com/sustainability. To learn more about veritree’s technology, visit veritree.com.

MANILA, Philippines – Manulife Philippines and Manulife China Bank Life proudly announce their partnership with AC Health, a leading integrated healthcare network in the Philippines committed to providing accessible, affordable, and quality care through its clinics, hospitals, retail pharmacies, and pharmaceutical distribution arms. The partnership, which aims to educate Filipinos on cancer prevention and help improve access to comprehensive cancer care, combines Manulife’s ambition to become the most trusted partner for health, wealth, and longevity for our customers with AC Health's expertise in cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship.

PHOTO CAPTION: (L-R)

Amy Gochuico, President & Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Chinabank Life Assurance Corporation

Rahul Hora, President & Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines

Paolo Borromeo, President & Chief Executive Officer, AC Health

Dr. Bev Ho, Chief Health Officer, AC Health

"At Manulife, we believe that prevention and early detection are essential to helping Filipinos live healthier and better lives," said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. "Our Asia Care Survey found that cancer remains one of the most feared diseases among Filipinos. This partnership with AC Health, which will provide cancer awareness, diagnosis and preventive programs, easier access to referral and care pathways, allows us to provide our customers with meaningful access to trusted cancer care."

Through ManulifeMOVE, Manulife Philippines’ flagship holistic health program, customers will have access to cancer awareness programs and defined care pathways for cancer prevention and management offered by AC Health's Healthway Cancer Care Hospital (HCCH). Customers can access information on ManulifeMOVE for a full spectrum of cancer care programs delivered by HCCH, from early detection and prevention services to Cancer Concierge support, case management, treatment planning, and second opinion consultations.  They can also secure discounted screening packages nationwide, including FIT tests for colon cancer and screenings for cervical, lung, and breast cancer.

PHOTO CAPTION: (L-R)

Amy Gochuico, President & Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Chinabank Life Assurance Corporation

Rahul Hora, President & Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines

Paolo Borromeo, President & Chief Executive Officer, AC Health

Dr. Bev Ho, Chief Health Officer, AC Health

"AC Health is committed to making world-class cancer care accessible to more Filipinos," said Paolo Borromeo, President and Chief Executive Officer, AC Health. "Through the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital and our nationwide network of hospitals and clinics, we continue to provide comprehensive, patient-focused support. This partnership with Manulife enables us to reach even more Filipino families, empowering them to take charge of their health through early detection and high-quality care.”

"This collaboration with AC Health will enable us at MCBL to bring cancer awareness, preventive screening, and access to care closer to our customers from China Bank and China Bank Savings. Now more than ever, this scale matters," said Amy Gochuico, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife China Bank Life. "It allows us to help normalize preventive health conversations across the country, and strengthens our ability to walk alongside our customers—not only when claims are made, but long before—through education, prevention, and guidance."

For more information about ManulifeMOVE, visit https://www.manulife.com.ph/services/manulife-move.html.