5th Cebu Food & Wine Festival 2026, a full-scale world culinary journey

CEBU CITY – The 5^th Cebu Food and Wine Festival (CFWF) 2026, a 15-day culinary journey featuring a series of curated pocket events, bringing together 24 celebrated local and international chefs, culinary talents and world-class dining partners showcasing exceptional flavors and immersive gastronomic experiences is happening from June 6 to 27 across 13 premier hotels and restaurants in Cebu and Mactan Island.

“This year’s Cebu Food and Wine Festival is designed to inspire, excite, and elevate the local dining scene and to celebrate Cebu’s vibrant food culture, bringing creativity, craftsmanship, and unforgettable dining experiences across the island,” Kate DyChangco-Anzani, CFWF founder and board of director told media in a briefing on June 6 at Marcopolo Hotel.

Anzani bared that from world-class resort kitchens to beloved local restaurants, each chef adds their own story, flavor, artistry and experience the creativity behind every plate in this year’s festival.  

In collaboration with I Love Aussie Beef and Lamb, expect elevated dishes, inspired pairings, and moments worth savoring, Anzani added that Cebu's top chefs, acclaimed culinary destinations and Michelin recognized dining restaurants to highligh Cebu's growing reputation as a world-class culinary hub for "1 Love Aussie Lamb: Cebu Food & Wine Festival Edition."

“Aussie Beef & Lamb Philippines supplied over $10,000 worth of lamb to participating hotels and restaurants, each to showcase two specially curated dishes featuring innovative applications of Australian lamb and beef, allowing guests to discover the creativity, craftsmanship and culinary potential of premium Australian red meat,” Anzani added.

This is supported by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission and Meat & Livestock Australia that began with an intensive Aussie Lamb Butchery Masterclass held at Anzani Restaurant, where participating chefs explored carcass utilization, innovative cuts, cooking techniques and menu applications under the guidance of Australian meat experts.

According to Beej Sison, Business Development Manager, Philippines of Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) that this initiative is about more than showcasing premium Australian lamb, it is about inspiring chefs, fostering innovation and strengthening partnerships across the foodservice and retail sectors.

"Cebu continues to establish itself as one of the Philippines' most exciting culinary destinations and we are proud to see Australian lamb embraced by some of the region's top chefs and dining establishments. Through initiatives like I Love Aussie Lamb and the Festival of Flavours, MLA aims to Inspire innovation, strengthen industry partnerships and give diners more opportunities to experience the quality, consistency and versatility of Australian lamb," said Valeska, Regional Manager - Southeast Asia, Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).

Building on the momentum of the Masterclass, Anzani bared that the program culminates in the I Love Aussie Lamb: Cebu Food & Wine Festival Kick Off happening on June 13, 2026 at Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan, where guests, media and food enthusiasts can experience specially curated Aussie Lamb dishes created by participating chefs.

Baricuatro eyes farm-to-table partnership with CFWF

At the same media briefing, Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro said, Cebu Province explores farm-to-table partnership with the Cebu Food and Wine Festival (CFWF) to strengthen food security, expand market opportunities for local farmers, and promote Cebu’s food tourism industry.

Baricuatro said that the program partnership aims to connect farmers with suppliers and benefactors, particularly focusing on transporting farm produce from the south to the north, to sell their produce directly at hotels and restaurants and the development of a mega food hub in Cebu, supported by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

             

“One of our major issues in Cebu is the lack of post-harvest facilities, including refrigerated storage which affects the life span of vegetables.  The DA intends to address this by building a mega food hub with post-harvest facilities with a potential groundbreaking in the next few months,” Baricuatro bared.

Baricutaro emphasized CFWF’s potential to strengthen farm-to-table partnerships, benefit local farmers and enhance Cebu’s reputation as a “Province of Charm.” She expressed gratitude for the support from some hotels and assured commitment for the provincial government to local agriculture, market access and food tourism. 

“The 5^th Cebu Food and Wine Festival 2026 is a unique culinary experience designed from immersive masterclasses with global culinary experts to exclusive chef collaborations, tasting menus, and signature dining showcases. Each moment is crafted to highlight creativity, technique, and the finest ingredients from around the world,” said Marco Anzani, CFWF member of the board and a world-class chef owner of Anzani Mediterranean restaurant in Cebu.

Participating establishments included some of Cebu's leading hospitality and dining destinations, namely Crimson Resort & Spa, Seda Ayala Center and Seda Central Bloc, Shangri-La Mactan, Marco Polo Plaza, Mercure Mactan, Sheraton Mactan, Fairfield by Marriott, ATO-AH, Tales & Feelings, Acacia Steakhouse, The Pig & Palm, and Anzani Restaurant. (Photos: MBCNewman)

Yombig Burger: Big Flavor, Real Value

CEBU CITY— Yombig Burger, one of Cebu’s most promising homegrown food brands today has stayed staying true to what matters most bold flavors, generous servings, and affordable meals that truly satisfy.

From a simple pandemic-era idea, Rolando “Yom” Pendon Jr., Yombig Burger founder, stayed clear with his mission to serve delicious food that is also accessible to everyday Filipinos.  It gained traction because it delivered quality meals without compromising on taste or budget.

The brand is best known for its juicy, flavor-packed burgers and it has evolved into more than just a burger shop.  Yombig Burger now stands as a go-to destination for affordable, sulit meals that fit every lifestyle from students and young professionals to families and working individuals who want value without sacrificing flavor.

Its growing popularity is anchored on consistency and identity. Every meal reflects the brand’s commitment to quality ingredients, satisfying portions, and a distinct taste that keeps customers coming back. The introduction of signature creations like the Chi-Be Burger further strengthened its reputation for innovation, giving customers something unique they can only find at Yombig Burger.

Beyond the food, the brand’s strength lies in its connection with people. Yombig Burger grew through genuine customer experiences, word-of-mouth recommendations, and strong social media presence — not heavy advertising. Customers became its biggest advocates, proudly sharing their meals and helping the brand grow organically.

From its roots in Lapu-Lapu City, Yombig Burger has steadily expanded and gained recognition as a standout Cebuano food brand.  Despite challenges in the competitive food industry, Yombig Burger remained grounded in its promise to serve meals that are big in flavor, big in value, and big in satisfaction.

Today, Yombig Burger stands as more than just a burger brand. It is a symbol of Cebuano entrepreneurship, resilience, and passion proving that with vision, hard work, and commitment to quality, a simple idea can grow into a powerful and respected local brand. (Photos: Yombig Burger/@Julienne Guanzon)

 

 

UNFPA, PhilHealth ink partnership to advance RPRH, UHC

PASIG CITY -- The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in the Philippines, the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) ink a partnership to improve maternal health, family planning, and access for millions of Filipino women and families.

This major agreement comes right after PhilHealth expanded its maternity benefit packages in April, which now covers the recommended number of prenatal and postnatal check-ups and almost tripled the coverage for normal and cesarean births, showing a strong commitment to better health for women, adolescents and indigent Filipinos.

"The PhilHealth is an indispensable partner for making universal healthcare a reality in the country. This partnership is about expanding access to quality care, supporting healthier communities, and securing the lifelong wellbeing of every Filipino family. It is more than just reducing out-of-pocket costs, it’s for a life-saving cause," said Neus Bernabeu, UNFPA Country Representative.

PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Edwin Mercado, emphasizes the corporation's dedication to making healthcare easier to access for every Filipino, particularly those who need it most.

"Our ultimate goal is to remove costs and financial barriers, within reach, for every Filipino. Through this partnership with UNFPA, and alongside our expanded maternity benefits, we are making healthcare more inclusive so that financial hardship never stops a mother from getting proper medical care,” Dr. Mercado stated.

The agreement sets a long-term plan for both UNFPA and PhilHealth combining their expertise to support the realization of Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health law (RPRH), Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, focusing on reducing maternal mortality, improving access to sexual reproductive health, including family planning through smart investments and innovative solutions.

UNFPA Asia and the Pacific Regional Director, Aleksandar Bodiroza, witnessed the signing ceremony and congratulated the Philippines for its landmark achievement, acknowledging that it is a powerful example in the region of how working together can turn good policies into a life-saving reality on the ground.

Under this renewed partnership, UNFPA and PhilHealth work together to ensure health policies actually reach patients and benefit communities. The agencies will strengthen ties with healthcare providers and local government units (LGUs) to encourage effective and smart investment of local funds into sustainable health programs.

At the same time, the agencies are designing more affordable health packages to make maternal care easier to access, while integrating family planning and counseling into training programs for health workers. This partnership is a major step forward in protecting the health, dignity, and rights of Filipino women, moving the country toward a fairer future. (Photos: PhilHealth)

Mezzo celebrates 9 years of hospitality excellence with partners

CEBU CITY – Mezzo Hotel celebrated nine years of timeless hospitality with its valued corporate and government partners, travel agencies, wedding coordinators, suppliers, and media partners for Shine at Nine — a Partners’ Appreciation Night filled with gratitude, recognition, delightful feasts, music, and celebration.

 Eve Marie Grace Kintanar, General Manager of Mezzo Hotel welcomed the guests and reflected on the hotel’s radiant nine-year journey while expressing heartfelt appreciation for the continued trust and support of its valued partners and suppliers.

Throughout the evening, the hotel showcased its milestones, memorable events, and achievements from the past year, highlighting its dedication to growth and hospitality excellence.

The celebration also honored the hotel's associates who have dedicated five and nine years of service to the company, recognizing their commitment and contribution to the hotel’s success.

In line with its corporate social responsibility initiatives, Mezzo Hotel likewise recognized its “Mezzo Hotel at its CORE” partner, the Bantay Dagat organization, for its partnership in coastal cleanup efforts promoting environmental sustainability and community involvement.

One of the evening’s highlights was the launch of Mezzo Hotel’s renewed Vision and Mission led by
Shannen Keisha Tan, President of Mezzo Hotel. In her message, she reflected on how the hotel remained committed to serving guests even during challenging times brought by natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes, providing temporary shelter and assistance to affected guests while maintaining quality service with compassion and integrity.

Guided by its core values of ETCH— Excellence, Trust, Camaraderie, and Heart — the renewed vision reflects Mezzo Hotel’s Vision of “mastering the essentials so completely that simplicity itself feels luxurious” — emphasizing the hotel’s commitment to delivering thoughtful service, genuine hospitality, comfort, and seamless guest experiences through consistency and attention to detail.

The celebration concluded with a heartfelt toast from. Mayet Ocariza, Director of Operations, who shared an inspiring message of gratitude to the guests, partners, and suppliers who continue to be part of Mezzo Hotel’s journey. The evening ended on a high note with music, warmth, and shared celebration among the people who have contributed to the hotel’s success through the years.

As part of its anniversary celebration, Mezzo Hotel continues to offer exciting experiences and promotions this month of May, including room deals, Sip N’ Paint session, Last Fridays Dinner Buffet, and other anniversary treats for its valued guests.

With nine remarkable years behind it, Mezzo Hotel continues to move forward with renewed purpose, stronger partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to hospitality excellence.

 

Priland Dev't Corp hosts exclusive open house, grand viewing day for Paseo Grove

LAPU-LAPU CITY -- Priland Development Corporation welcomed prospective homeowners, investors, and real estate partners to the exclusive Open House and Grand Viewing Day for its premier residential project, Paseo Grove, located along Humay-Humay Road, Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on May 23, 2026.

The one-day-only event gave attendees an immersive, firsthand look at the development’s modern design, meticulously crafted living spaces, and urban resort-style amenities that define its distinct, modern vibe. Designed to cater to the fast-paced lifestyle of modern Cebuanos and working professionals, Paseo Grove highlights unparalleled convenience and accessibility. The development boasts a highly strategic location that positions residents just minutes away from essential urban landmarks: Situated right in the heart of a thriving economic and commercial hub; conveniently located just 5 minutes away from major hospitals; close proximity to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport; and only 5 minutes away from prominent shopping centers and lifestyle districts, such as The Outlets at Pueblo Verde.

Guests who attended the Grand Viewing Day were treated to exclusive event-only perks, including flexible investment terms, exciting gifts, and premium prizes. Detailed real estate presentation tours allowed visitors to experience the curated showroom units, perfectly illustrating how the development seamlessly blends work, play, and relaxation. For more information about Paseo Grove, remaining available units, and future viewing schedules, please visit the official Priland Development Corporation website and their social media pages. (Photos: MBCNewman)

Cebu-based AI infra company joins ASEAN+3 session in Cambodia

 CEBU CITY – A Cebu-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure company, OH MY GENIE! Inc. (OMG! Crazy-Fast) joined the high-level session and presented the company’s framework at the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) Council’s 14^th Meeting on March 5-6, 2026 hosted by Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) at Siam Reap Province Kingdom of Cambodia.

(From Left: Karl Kesner, CEO CTO, Enrique San Juan, CMO,

and Ana Michelle Kesner COO, Co-Founders of OMG! Crazy Fast and ASEAN ARM OS 

The ASEAN+3-APTERR has now entered a new era of disaster preparedness where OH MY GENIE introduced the ASEAN Resilience Mesh Operating System (ARM-OS), an AI-orchestrated digital infrastructure designed to ensure that bulk rice reserves and Ready-to-Eat (RTE) meals reach affected populations immediately before, during, and after catastrophic events.

Karl Kesner, OMG! CEO and Co-Founder, Ana Michelle Kesner, COO and Enrique San Juan, CMO, led the presentation with distinguished regional leaders, including Dr. Choomjet Karnjanakesorn, General Manager of the APTERR Secretariat, and Dr. Pham Quang Minh of the ASEAN Secretariat in attendance.

The high-level session discussed the ASEAN Resilience Mesh Operating System (ARM-OS) Protocol that included the following topics:

Decentralized Orchestration: Unlike traditional centralized logistics, the system uses a distributed network of autonomous nodes to eliminate single points of failure.

Offline-First Capability: Engineered for resilience, the protocol functions even when power is out or internet connectivity is severed; Pre-Positioned Relief: The system focuses on placing resources directly inside communities to ensure an "always-ready" intelligent grid.

Immutable Chain of Custody: Ensures complete transparency and traceability from donor to recipient, providing a Common Operating Picture (COP) for governments and aid agencies. (Photos: Courtesy of OMG/Enrique San Juan)

 

Mezzo Hotel marks 9 years, celebrates loyalty and eco-creativity

CEBU CITY – Mezzo Hotel celebrates nine years of loyalty and eco-creativity, specially dedicated to "Associates Day" to honor its ultimate backbone—its employees, an exclusive event centered on recognizing long-term dedication and fostering environmental awareness through the highly anticipated SHINE Project Runway: Sustainable Fashion Contest on May 8 at the Mezzo.

Mezzo Hotel president, Shannen Keisha Tan, in her opening message, expressed her profound gratitude to the workforce, emphasizing that the hotel's nine years of success and resilience are deeply rooted in the dedication, passion, and unity of its associates.

She commended everyone for their hard work and challenged the team to continue pushing boundaries, setting a motivating and empowering tone for the rest of the festivities, highlighting the presentation of the Service Awards, recognizing the loyalty and outstanding contributions of individual associates who have been vital to the hotel's continuous growth. 

Honoring employees with 5 Years of Dedicated Service--Sharon Enriques, General Accountant (Finance Department) and Charles Kyle Villahermosa, Bellman (Front Office Department).  Nine Years of Dedicated Service--Dayanara Carvajal, Reservations Supervisor (Front Office Department) and Mayet Ocariza, Director of Operations (Executive Office).

SHINE Project Runway: Turning Waste into Wearable Art

Bringing sustainability into the spotlight, the SHINE Project Runway challenged different hotel departments to turn everyday waste into inspiring fashion statements. Each team showcased two unique designs crafted entirely from recyclable and repurposed materials, including old newspapers, plastics, abaca fiber, cartons, and office or kitchen waste.

Championing innovation and teamwork, the departments took home the following top spots--Grand Champion: Kitchen Department – “Creative Warrior” ensemble; 2nd Place: Housekeeping Department – “Black Swan” concept and 3rd Place: Food & Beverage Service Team – “Goddess and Gods” theme.

The runway saw intense competition from the rest of the workforce as well. Exceptional, eco-conscious creations were put forward by the Technical Department, the combined Sales, Marketing, and Front Office Department, and the Finance and Supply Chain Department. Their collective participation underscored a powerful message: sustainability at Mezzo Hotel Cebu is a true team effort.

Through fashion, camaraderie, and a shared green vision, the management and staff of Mezzo Hotel Cebu continue to embrace corporate sustainability with creativity, heart, and clear purpose. (Photos:Mezzo/AbigaelCaruana)  #makeitMezzo #ShineatNine