Mindanawon restaurants leverage platform tools and technology to boost growth and reach new customers.

Davao City, Philippines—Digital commerce is turning local Mindanao eateries into regional powerhouses. Unlocking new revenue streams through platform analytics, AI discovery, and targeted marketing, standout merchants across Davao and beyond were thrust into the spotlight at foodpanda’s CRAVE Partner Summit & Awards 2026.

Expanding Reach Beyond the Storefront

The growth celebrated at CRAVE is reflected not only in business performance, but also in how merchants use digital tools to drive visibility, demand, and customer engagement.

“Through foodpanda, merchants can benefit from platform-wide demand generation initiatives, including fully funded promotional campaigns, customer acquisition and retention vouchers, and free-delivery offers,” said Leopoldo De Castro, Jr., Director of Finance, foodpanda. “They can also use marketing tools, with guidance from the platform, such as sponsored listings, CPC campaigns, deals, and Pro campaigns, alongside self-managed promotions like combo meals, flash sales, and seasonal offers.”

Customer and order insights help merchants understand demand and make informed decisions on menus and promotions. Using these tools strategically is key, with merchants able to choose solutions that align with their business goals and customers. On the customer side, AI Smart Search, personalized recommendations, in-app ratings, and AI-powered review highlights further support merchant discovery and informed ordering.

Celebrating Merchant Excellence 

These capabilities were reflected in the businesses honored at CRAVE 2026, with standout partners recognized across the following categories:

Pau-Pau’s Top of Table

Celebrating vendors that excelled in sales performance and demonstrated market leadership.

●        Tuna Republik

●        JM Shawarma

●        Villa Tuna Restaurant

●        Family Fried Chicken

●        Bagong Lipunan

Pau-Pau’s Momentum Master

Recognizing vendors with strong year-over-year performance during the first half of 2026.

●        Manolo Halo-Halo

●        Bread & Brew Cafe

●        Nikko's Brew

●        Pater Al-Kuwait - Aguinaldo Street

●        Backyard BBQ

Pau-Pau’s Brand Spotlight

Honoring vendors that elevated their brands through innovative marketing, consistent performance, and strong partnerships with foodpanda.

●        Haveli King

●        Matcha Cafè

●        Bigby's

●        Pansititoy

●        Conlu Bread and Pastry Shop

Operational Excellence

Highlighting vendors that upheld high operational standards and delivered seamless, reliable service.

●        Aling Paz Food Haus

●        BJ’s Lechon House

●        Chikoy's Lugawan

●        BBQ Boss

●        Hangry Tuna

People’s Palate Award

Celebrating crowd favorites with consistent repeat orders and strong customer ratings.

●        Bigby's

●        Yamashita Diner

●        New Davao Famous

●        We Got Cha

Mandarin Tea Garden

“Our merchant partners know their businesses and customers best, and our role is to give them the tools, insights, and opportunities to help them grow. When used strategically, digital solutions can help businesses expand their customer base, respond to demand, and build stronger customer relationships,” said Leopoldo De Castro, Jr.“CRAVE celebrates the businesses putting these opportunities into action and the partnerships we continue to build with them.” 

Growing the Digital Commerce Ecosystem

Beyond traditional restaurant delivery, foodpanda continues to expand its quick-commerce footprint through pandamart and foodpanda Shops—giving consumers seamless access to groceries and everyday essentials while building a resilient digital infrastructure for local retailers.

As merchant partners scale on the platform, their success creates a powerful multiplier effect across Mindanao, directly supporting local riders, staff, agricultural suppliers, and regional economies.

The Davao event marks the launch of the nationwide CRAVE 2026 series, which will move to Cebu before its grand finale in Manila. Beyond celebrating partner success, the tour highlights foodpanda’s commitment to accelerating the digital transformation of the Philippine food and retail industry.

MY UNPOPULAR OPINION

Stock photo used for visual reference since I didn't have time to snap a picture.

We all know the classic food rules. Soup should be burning hot, ice cream should be frozen and pizza must arrive at your table steaming with melted cheese stretching half a meter into the air.

If you ask 10 people, 9 of them will tell you that nothing beats a fresh, hot slice straight out of the oven.

I am the tenth person. And I am here to tell you that cold pizza, eaten straight from the fridge the next morning, is vastly superior to hot pizza.

Stock photo used for visual reference since I didn't have time to snap a picture.

Before you close this tab in disbelief, hear me out.

1. The Flavors Actually Have Time to Marry

When a pizza is piping hot, the heat overpowers your taste buds. All you really taste is molten cheese and acidic tomato sauce fighting for dominance.

Overnight in the fridge, magic happens. The sauce settles into the crust. The herbs and garlic sink deep into the cheese. Because the fat in the cheese has solidified, the flavors become richer, deeper, and far more balanced. You aren't just tasting high heat anymore you are tasting the actual ingredients.

2. No More "Pizza Burn"

We have all been there. You are hungry, the pizza smells amazing, so you take a bite immediately. The result? The roof of your mouth is completely burned and your taste buds are ruined for the rest of the week.

Cold pizza offers zero risk. It is a stress-free eating experience. No waiting for it to cool down, no burning your tongue, and no sliding cheese falling off the crust and burning your chin.

3. Structural Perfection

Hot pizza is messy. The crust can get soggy under the weight of the sauce, and the toppings slide off the moment you lift a slice.

Cold pizza is structural engineering at its finest. The cheese acts like glue, locking the pepperoni, mushrooms, and sauce firmly to the crust. You can eat it with one hand while walking around, checking your phone, or sitting on the couch without dropping a single crumb.

4. It Is the Ultimate Zero-Effort Breakfast

Cooking breakfast takes time. Reheating food takes effort and let’s be honest, microwaving pizza turns the crust into rubber.

Cold pizza requires zero prep. You simply open the fridge, grab a slice, and start eating. It is fast, satisfying, and pairs surprisingly well with a morning cup of coffee.

Final Thoughts

Stock photo used for visual reference since I didn't have time to snap a picture.

I know this opinion makes people uncomfortable. Friends have looked at me like I am a monster for turning down the toaster oven in the morning. But once you stop expecting pizza to be hot and start enjoying it for what it becomes after a night in the fridge, there is no going back.

What about you? Do you agree, or do you think pizza should always be hot? Let me know in the comments below!

 Whatever the occasion or craving, there is always something waiting for you on foodpanda.

Ask any Dabawenyo about the city's food culture, and you'll likely get a different answer every time. Some will point to the region's abundant seafood, while others will champion iconic durian treats or the neighborhood eateries they've grown up with. 

As Davao comes alive for Kadayawan, foodpanda celebrates the city's vibrant culinary heritage through Panda Plates, its award-winning culinary storytelling initiative that spotlights the restaurants, local specialties, and entrepreneurs shaping Davao's food culture.

"Davao's diverse food culture is rooted in indigenous Mindanaoan traditions and the entrepreneurial spirit of its local communities," said Lew Lopez, Public Affairs & Public Relations Director at foodpanda Philippines. "Through Panda Plates, we hope to inspire more people to discover the homegrown restaurants and local specialties that make the city truly one of a kind."

Davao’s Pride: From Shared Feasts to Iconic Ingredients

To help you navigate Davao's rich gastronomic landscape, the virtual food crawl spotlights some of the city's best eats through easy-to-explore categories, starting with feasts meant for the whole family.

Some of the best local meals are designed to bring people together, with local favorites like Wow Lechon and Barbeque Boss serving as go-to choices for celebrations. For generations of families, New Davao Famous has been a staple for comforting Filipino-Chinese favorites like Chicken Bola-Bola Siopao, Pork Siomai, and Heba Sate Lomi, while those craving bold international flavors can turn to Haveli King for authentic Indian dishes perfect for sharing with loved ones.

A shared feast in Davao is also a chance to enjoy the signature ingredients that define the region. Seafood lovers can savor the coastal bounty through local specialties from Hangry Tuna, Tuna Republik, and Aling Paz Food Haus, which serves Balbacua, spicy beef Hinalang, and crispy Lechon Kawali.

Alongside these coastal flavors, the region’s famed agricultural harvest takes center stage. Blugré Coffee masterfully transforms Davao’s iconic durian into signature drinks and desserts, while Barefruit Guyabano offers incredibly refreshing fruit-based treats. At Rekado, the abundance of the land is celebrated in dishes like the Pomelo and Danggit Salad, bridging the gap between Davao's rich soil and sea.

Comforting Bowls and Cozy Merienda Moments

While these signature flavors represent the pride of the city, there are times when you simply need a comforting meal to unwind after a demanding day. For those moments of pang-hupay ug kapoy (easing one's exhaustion), Weatherbee serves up familiar, hearty Filipino comfort food, while Sukidesu Modern Japanese Cuisine offers affordable, satisfying Japanese favorites like sushi platters, warm ramen, Tonkatsu, Prawn Tempura, and Gyudon. If you are looking for lighter, feel-good options to restore your energy, Soul Kitchen, Fast Fresh, and Clean Cafe round out the wellness experience with fresh salads, smoothies, and wholesome plant-based dishes.

Of course, winding down or power-boosting through the day also requires that essential, mid-afternoon pause that Filipinos love so much. No Davao food story would be complete without these cherished merienda moments. Whether you need an afternoon pick-me-up at your desk or a spread of snacks for a cozy movie night, local favorites like We Got Cha, Pizza Avenue, Alberto's Pizza, Conlu Bread and Pastry Shop, Anniepie Bakeshop, Milky Cakes and Sweets, and Bistro Rosario have you covered, offering everything from refreshing milk teas and hot pizzas to freshly baked treats that satisfy every sweet and savory craving.

Supporting the Hands That Feed the City

Whether it's a quick afternoon merienda, a family feast, or a Kadayawan celebration with loved ones, foodpanda makes it easier to discover Davao's local favorites and the entrepreneurs behind them.

Every order is more than a meal; it's a chance to support the entrepreneurs who keep Davao's food culture thriving.

From longtime neighborhood institutions to hidden local gems, your next favorite meal is always just a few taps away. Check out the foodpanda app now.

Burger Steak fans, this is not a drill! Jollibee’s beloved Burger Steak Supreme is officially disappearing on July 31st. Don't miss your last opportunity to enjoy that ultimate savory goodness.

Head to a participating branch near you or order yours today before it’s completely sold out! 🥹 I got mine delivered straight through foodpanda!

Satisfy that craving before it’s too late! Visit your nearest Jollibee or place your order today!

DAVAO CITY, Philippines, July 28, 2026—For nearly three decades, Gaisano Market (GMarket) has been part of everyday life for many Dabawenyos. Now, the homegrown supermarket is expanding beyond its physical stores as it joins foodpanda Shops, giving customers another way to shop for groceries and household essentials.

The launch marks GMarket's first entry into app-based grocery delivery, combining the retailer's long-standing presence in Davao with foodpanda's technology and delivery network. As online grocery shopping becomes part of more Filipinos' everyday routines, the collaboration offers Davaoeños another convenient way to shop.

"Davao is a thriving hub for digital adoption, and bringing a trusted household name like GMarket onto foodpanda Shops is a game-changer for local shoppers,” said Joseph Wijesekera, Director of Q-Commerce at foodpanda Philippines. “We aren't just delivering groceries—we're making everyday living simpler and more affordable by connecting Davaoeños to the local brands they’ve relied on for generations."

Echoing this commitment to serving local families, Patricia Gaisano, Business Unit Head at GMarket, added, "For us, joining foodpanda is about meeting our customers wherever they are. Many of the families who have shopped with GMarket for years are now looking for more flexible ways to buy their groceries, and foodpanda allows us to serve them with the same reliability they know and love."

To commemorate the launch, GMarket fulfilled its ceremonial first order, which was randomly assigned to Ka-panda rider Johannah Ranera. Expecting a routine pickup, Ranera was surprised to learn that the groceries were actually a gift from foodpanda and GMarket—a gesture of appreciation for the riders who help bring everyday essentials to customers across Davao.

The addition of GMarket continues foodpanda's efforts to grow its grocery marketplace by bringing more established local retailers onto the platform. Customers across Davao can now browse and order GMarket's groceries and household essentials through foodpanda Shops, with launch promotions available on the app.

 foodpanda PH wins multiple honors

at the 2026 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards

Recognized for programs delivering impact across key stakeholders

TAGUIG CITY, Philippines—foodpanda Philippines clinched multiple wins at the 2026 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the region’s premier business awards recognizing innovation in communications and public service across 29 markets.

The honors span purpose-driven platforms built for foodpanda’s customers, partner riders, and vendor partners. Under the category for Innovation in Community Relations or Public Service Communications, Silver Stevie Awards were given to Pasko Na, We Gotchu, a community-led holiday initiative that translated the brand’s promise into on-ground acts of care, and Pau-tastic Party ng Taon, a multi-city celebration honoring delivery riders by highlighting their stories, welfare, and year-long contributions.

Meanwhile, under the Award for Innovation in the Use of Events, Panda Plates earned a Silver Stevie Award for redefining food crawls as a scalable storytelling and growth platform for partner vendors. CRAVE (Celebrating Relationships & Advancing Valuable Experiences), a nationwide vendor engagement program, received a Bronze Stevie Award for strengthening partnerships and trust through locally grounded events.

Collectively, these wins emphasize the company’s focus on scalable, long-term platforms rather than one-off campaigns—delivering sustained value through stakeholder empowerment, partnership-building, and meaningful community impact.

Making Space for Summer, Even on a Full Schedule

foodpanda brings vacation vibes to your doorstep

Summer doesn’t always come with time off. For many, it looks like regular workdays, back-to-back tasks, and squeezing in mini breaks where you can. But even without a getaway, there are still many other ways to feel the season.

If your days are spent working through the heat, those in-between moments start to matter more: a quick pause, something cold to recharge, or a meal you don’t have to think too much about. It’s not about taking time off, but finding small pockets of ease within the day.

In this way, summer becomes less about taking a break and more about how you take breaks. Simple rituals—like an iced drink during a busy afternoon or a well-timed meal after a long stretch of work—can bring that same light, refreshing feeling. Platforms like foodpanda and services like pandamart, make these moments easier to access without the extra trip out. So even on full workdays, there’s still something to look forward to.

To kick off the summer season, foodpanda is launching its Best Seller Campaign, which offers up to 30% off on selected menu items from well-loved restaurants like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Shakey’s, Domino’s Pizza, Conti’s, and more—making everyday meals feel more worth it.

At the same time, enjoying these summer moments at home doesn’t have to come at a high cost. If you’re ordering in, you can use the code SARAP to get ₱100 off at participating foodpanda restaurants (minimum spends vary). For pantry needs, pandamart offers up to 10% off on essentials, while PRO users enjoy up to 20% off and free delivery on food orders (capped at ₱49).

Whether you're treating yourself to a favorite comfort meal or simply stocking up on cooling essentials for the week, these little wins make the summer hustle feel a lot lighter. Because sometimes, summer isn’t about where you go—it’s about how you feel. More often than not, that feeling can be found in the most ordinary moments: in what we eat, how we pause, and the small ways we choose to enjoy each day.