Ready, Set, Woof! Your Guide to a Fun and Safe Run with Your Dog

 Running with your dog doesn’t have to be about beating a personal best. Think of it as your usual walk with a little more bounce: fresh air, happy zoomies, fellow fur parents to meet, and plenty of opportunities for cute photos along the way.

If you and your four-legged friend are joining a fun run soon or if you’re planning to do more leisure runs, a little preparation can help make the day more enjoyable. Start with your usual walks, then mix in some playful movement or easy jogs to help your pup get used to being active alongside you.

Make sure your pup is up for it

Every dog has their own way of enjoying the outdoors. Pay attention to how your pet normally responds to walks and active play. If they’d rather stroll, sniff every tree, or take frequent breaks, consider that part of the adventure.

For dogs with health concerns, or if you’re unsure whether a longer outing is suitable for your pet, checking with your veterinarian beforehand can offer extra peace of mind.

Pack the running essentials

Your pup may not need fancy running equipment, but a few familiar essentials can make the outing smoother. Bring a comfortable leash or harness, water and a portable bowl, poop bags, and perhaps a favorite treat for some mid-route encouragement.

And because this is a leisure run, there’s no need to rush. Stop for water, take a breather, say hello to fellow fur parents, or pause for that inevitable photo op.

Fuel the everyday adventures, too

Of course, getting ready for an active day isn’t only about what happens on the route. Consistent care and proper nourishment are part of helping your dog enjoy everything from everyday playtime to bigger bonding adventures.

That’s where Universal Robina Corporation’s (URC) TopBreedDog Meal can become part of your pup’s everyday routine. TopBreed is formulated with nutrients such as Omega 3 and 6 for a healthy heart, skin, and coat; calcium for healthy bones and teeth; and Vitamin E and Organic Selenium to support the immune system.

Paired with regular activity, affection, and plenty of quality time, serving your pup proper nutrition is another way to show them some love. After all, TopBreed's approach to pet care is about being a partner to Filipino fur parents—making the brand a natural companion for both ordinary days and special adventures together.

Make the finish line the least important part

At the end of the day, your fun run or leisure run doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Maybe you jog part of the route and walk the rest. Maybe your pup gets distracted making new furry friends. Maybe you spend more time taking photos than actually running.

That’s all part of the fun! Because when your running buddy has four paws, the best takeaway is another happy memory together—and maybe even a few new fur-parent friends to share the next adventure with.

How URC Continues to Surprise Filipinos After 70 Years

Some favourites never go out of style—and they continue to delight in new ways. For 70 years, Universal Robina Corporation (URC) has been a constant companion in Filipino households through quality and well-loved brands such as Jack ‘n Jill Piattos, Maxx, Cloud 9, Cream-O, C2 Cool and Clean, and Great Taste, among others. Staying true to its purpose of delighting everyone with good food choices, URC constantly evolves alongside the tastes and lifestyles of consumers.

Today, the company continues to excite generations of consumers by introducing fresh flavours, newformats, and exciting product experiences that prove innovation can come from the brands Filipinos already know and love. 

Here’s how some of URC’s popular brands are continuously evolving to excite and delight everyone:

The iconic tasty hexagon snack keeps offering exciting flavours

As a staple in daily snacking moments of Pinoys, Piattos is widely loved for its signature hexagon shape, satisfying crunch, and classic flavors such as Cheese, Sour Cream & Onion, Roadhouse Barbeque, Nacho Pizza, Roast Beef and Spicy Cheese. To excite today’s adventurous palates and satisfy evolving snack cravings, the brand continues to introduce more flavor options—from limited-edition creations like Beef Bulgogi and Truffle Cream, to exciting flavor combinations like its latest Cheddar & Sour Cream variant.

Alongside Piattos, other Jack 'n Jill favorites—including Nova, Mang Juan, and VCut—as well as classics like Chippy and Chiz Curls, continue to roll out exciting new flavor profiles, giving Filipinos even more reasons to look forward to snack time.

From sandwich cookie to full chocolate experience 

Cream-O has long been the go-to treat for chocolate lovers, but URC has reimagined the brand to go way beyond the traditional cookie format. To satisfy modern cravings for premium and indulgent textures, the brand has expanded into an entire ecosystem, featuring Cream-O Cake Bar, Cream-O Cakewich, and Cream-O Premium. Its newest is the Cream-O Dark Choco, an indulgent cookie sandwich that offers a rich and bold chocolate experience. 

The spirit of variety extends across URC’s biscuit favourites with Dewberry, Presto, and Magic Crackers, continuously adapting their formats to fit every kind of modern snack craving.

Reimagining the chocolate enjoyment with a new crunch 

Known for its signature combination of nougat, caramel and peanuts, URC’s Cloud 9 chocolate has been a go-to treat for several chocolate lovers. The brand has been introducing new ways to satisfy sweet cravings by offering products like the new Cloud 9 Crunchies that bring a fun and crispy texture to a familiar favourite.

Alongside Cloud 9, other fun treats like Nips chocolate introduce vibrant flavors and formats, proving that chocolate moments can make any day a little sweeter.

Fruity freshness, now with a chewy twist

Maxx has always been a pocket essential for on-the-go freshness. Recognizing a growing consumer preference for playful, chewy textures, URC expanded its candy lineup with Maxx Chews. This chewy menthol candy comes in a convenient, value-packed three-piece stick that is tailor-made for the fast-paced routines of modern commuters and professionals.

Together with URC’s other candy favourites like XO, Dynamite and Lush, Maxx offers something for every candy craving and every moment that calls for a refreshing treat.

Offering refreshing tea favorites, and flavor innovations 

As the pioneer of ready-to-drink green tea in the Philippines, C2 Cool and Clean introduced a refreshing tea experience to Filipinos. Alongside its Classic Green Tea, Apple, and Lemon variants, C2 continues to evolve its product lineup, introducing flavor innovations such as Raspberry, Dalandan and Peach. Its latest flavor, C2 Freeze Melon, brings an innovative twist on fruity tea with a delicious melon flavor and a refreshing coolness that lingers in every sip.

Brewing modern coffee moments, one cup at a time

As one of the country's most chosen beverage brands (based on Kantar's Brand Footprint report), URC’s Great Taste has a history of delivering innovative products - most notably by introducing White Coffee in the Philippines. 

URC continues to elevate Pinoy’s daily coffee ritual with the new Great Taste Premium roast, a coffee mix that’s designed to give everyone a delicious afternoon coffee break companion with its Tapang-Sarap blend of dark-roasted robusta coffee, palm sugar and real milk - para Balik Lakas Sigla.

Bigger, bolder flavours for instant happiness 

Payless continues to redefine value-for-money meals by giving consumers MORE at a sulit price, through its delicious range of instant noodle variants and bold innovations. 

Its newest Payless Chili Garlic Mami offers a flavorful twist on a Filipino comfort food favorite. Made with rich chili oil and real garlic bits, this crave-worthy meal delivers a balanced blend of Anghang-Linamnam that elevates your everyday noodle cravings. Experience the kakaibang Anghang-Sarap na Tumatatak goodness of Payless Chili Garlic, available in Beef and Chicken flavors.

Moving into modern pet care

Beyond making everyday snacking moments more enjoyable for Filipinos, URC also supports joyful moments shared by pet parents and their fur babies. Through its award-winning pet care brand, TopBreed, URC has been supporting fur parents’ journey by offering quality pet care products including dog and cat food, and other pet essentials. This 2026, TopBreed brand started expanding its portfolio from dry dog and cat food to other formats like wet and treats, also TopCare cat litter.

Always something new to discover

For 70 years, URC has grown alongside generations of Filipinos—evolving with changing tastes, lifestyles, and everyday moments. As a lifestyle companion, URC stays true to what it has always stood for: bringing quality, flavor and everyday delight to Filipino homes.

TopBreed Delivers Hope and Nutrition to Rescued Pets Through GMA Kapuso Foundation Partnership

 For many rescued pets across the country, a second chance begins with consistent care, proper nourishment, and the support of communities that step in when it matters most. Through a long-term partnership with GMA Kapuso Foundation, TopBreed is helping strengthen rescue and relief efforts nationwide by providing pet supplies to animals in need.

“We are very honored to partner with GMA Kapuso Foundation. We deeply admire their dedication to uplifting Filipino communities—not only by supporting people in need, but also extending care to animals and local pet communities. Through this partnership, we aim to support animal welfare efforts and help give rescue pets the top love and top care that they deserve,” said Universal Robina Corporation Agro-Industrial Group Marketing Director Jane Bernardo.

Paving the way for better pet nutrition: TopBreed and GMA Kapuso Foundation sign a Memorandum of Agreement to provide essential supplies to support pets in need.

Part of this collaboration is the initial support extended to rescued pets after the recent Mayon Volcano eruption under the care of the Albay Veterinary Office, with donated supplies helping address the animals’ nutritional and recovery needs

“Because of the economic challenges, it’s difficult to support pets during calamities, which is very heartbreaking,” said GMA Kapuso Foundation EVP and COO Rikki Escudero-Catibog. “This is why the GMA Kapuso Foundation partnered with TopBreed, to finally prioritize our pets’ welfare, so that no pet gets left behind.”

The partnership of TopBreed and GMA Kapuso Foundation reflects a shared commitment to improving the well-being of pets in need while supporting the communities and organizations working tirelessly to care for them. Through this, TopBreed aims to help provide nourishment and everyday care for pets .

Beyond the immediate assistance, the collaboration highlights the importance of community-driven efforts in advancing animal welfare. By working together, organizations and local communities can help create safer, healthier environments for rescued pets and encourage more responsible pet care practices.

This partnership reflects TopBreed’s commitment to supporting animal welfare efforts, highlighting how collaboration can create a safer, healthier world for every paw and tail. 

Why Sarah Geronimo Trusts URC Flour for Her Home Baking Creations

 

Baking is more than just cooking—it’s an experience best done at home and from the heart. There’s nothing quite like a fresh pastry or freshly baked bread kneaded with love. From a sweet batch of cookies to a rich, homemade pie, baking opens the door to endless culinary adventures.

For award-winning singer and baking expert Sarah Geronimo-Guidicelli, baking is a rewarding journey. “It was difficult at first,” she shares. “But after many attempts, I realized I could be good at it and bake for the people I love.” Like many others, she learned through trial and error by herself. As her interest grew, she enrolled at a culinary school and received her certification to become a pastry chef. 

The baking expert admits, “My first pastries weren’t great, but seeing the improvement was so fulfilling. I was overjoyed when I finally baked a soft bun!”

As her skills grew, so did Sarah’s list of favorite recipes. Her “absolute favorite” are chocolate cookies, which she makes for her friends and family. For special occasions, tres leches and plant-based goodies are on the menu.

Of course, great baking starts with great ingredients. Sarah emphasizes the importance of quality, saying, “You don’t want to shortchange your loved ones because you want the best for them, so choosing the right flour to create the best texture and flavors is a must. It helps bring out flavors and creates that perfect balance in your pastries.” That’s why Sarah trusts URC Flour for all her baking needs. “Discovering URC Flour was a game-changer. They offer everything I need for every kind of recipe!”

URC Flour offers a wide variety of flour options tailored to your baking needs. For cookies, biscuits, and wafers, flours like Sampaguita, My Rose, Cattleya, and Lilac deliver excellent results with great texture and flavor. If you’re baking cakes, Daisy is a fantastic low-protein flour that yields light, fluffy, and tender slices every time. For breadmaking, Globe and Blend 100 are excellent options for you.

Beyond pastries and sweets, URC also has options for savory dishes. Noodlelicious flour is perfect for making homemade pasta, while Oriental flour works wonderfully for lumpia wrappers and pancit dishes.

Aside from baking enthusiasts, URC Flour is also a top-quality choice for food businesses, ensuring that you can produce the best dishes and products at affordable prices, without compromising taste and texture.

Whatever you’re baking or cooking, URC Flour provides the quality and variety you need—all at an affordable price. And just like Sarah, choosing the right flour can elevate your baking experience, whether you’re making desserts or a savory dish that everyone will love.

For more information and recipe tips, like and follow URC Flour on Facebook.

Here’s how you can inject more fun into your Halloween party with loved ones

The Halloween season is one of those occasions where kids, teens, and adults can get creative and have fun together. Whether it’s dressing up for a Halloween costume party or sharing candies you’ve gathered while Trick or Treating, there are a number of ways you can bring smiles to each other during this spooky occasion.

 

Here’s how you can inject more fun into your Halloween party with loved ones:

#1 Paint your spookiest and cutest looks

Level up your costumes with attention-grabbing face painting, which you can do at home with your family. You can go the creepy route and help turn ate or kuya into a zombie or skeleton, while bunso can be a cute kitten. You can also let the kids paint on your face to let their creativity shine. Don’t forget to take a family photo to preserve the fun Halloween memory!

 

#2 Bond over horror movies & ghost stories

Bring an extra spooky vibe to your Halloween parties with a movie marathon of horror movies and sharing ghost stories with loved ones. You can also put on family-friendly Halloween movies for the kiddos. Of course, don’t forget to prepare treats you can enjoy, like soft Lush candies.

 

#3 Get your dose of Trick or Treat sweets

Complete your Halloween with Trick or Treat activities. Let your kids experience Trick or Treating within your neighborhood or participate in fun Halloween activities at a nearby mall. You can also bring packs of Lush Strawberry Milk and Chocolate to bring smiles to other kids and adults alike at these events.

Make your Halloween gathering with family and friends even more fun by sharing a pack of Lush candies. Their deliciously sweet Chocolate and Strawberry Milk flavors will bring smiles to anyone you share them with. These are also great treats to have for your Trick or Treat needs. Enjoy!

 

Lush is available at your nearest supermarket and sari-sari store, as well as URC’s official stores in leading E-commerce platforms. You can also order now and have it delivered to your doorstep via Shopee for only Php38.00 per pack of 50.

 

 

URC’s Sustainable Potato Program continuously helps Filipino farmers provide for their families

It is true that to plant a seed is to believe in a better tomorrow. Potato farmer Alan Regino of Sitio Gappang in Barangay Alegre, Davao Del Sur recounted that when he first received potato seeds from Universal Robina Corporation’s (URC) Sustainable Potato Program, he made P280,000 from his first harvest in 2019. The following year, he earned P170,000. The consistent stream of income allowed him to save up for his family’s needs.

“Dati, mababa lang ang produksyon ng patatas namin kaya hindi sya sapat sa amin. Malaki ang naitulong ng URC at DA dahil kumita ako at nakapagpagawa ng bahay  (Before, the potato production was very low, so it wasn’t enough for our needs. URC and DA helped me a lot because I was able to earn money and build a house),” Alan said.

Alan is just one of many farmers who have reaped the benefits from URC’s Sustainable Potato Program. First initiated in 2018 to complement the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), the program provides farmers access to quality potato seeds, training, research, and development in order to aid them in enriching their livelihood.

Last March, URC and DA representatives visited various barangays in Davao Del Sur and Bukidnon to distribute 27 metric tons of granola table potatoes to over 200 farmer beneficiaries. 

Previously, URC and DA provided assistance to potato farmers in Benguet and Lanao Del Norte.

A bright future for potato farmers

Before the Sustainable Potato Program offered its assistance, the farmers from Davao and Bukidnon struggled to grow good quality potatoes and other crops. A lot of times, they said, the potato seeds were “prone to sickness,” which greatly affected their overall yield and earnings.

Ricky Monterde from the Cawayan Farmers Association in Bukidnon said that high-quality potato seedlings greatly improved their harvests. This sentiment was echoed by Rex Nawasca, a farmer and member of the Gappang Alegre Potato Farmers Association in Davao Del Sur, who said, “Nung dumating ang binhi ng URC, madaming nagbago sa aming buhay  (When we received potato seeds from URC, a lot changed in our lives).” 

Nawasca added that he was able to buy a motorcycle, and also saw his colleagues purchase their own vehicles from what they earned from potato farming. 

Meanwhile, another farmer from the Imbayao Community Participatory Action Research Association (ICPARA) in Bukidnon shared, “Nakabili ako ng lupa, at nakapagawa ng bahay at garden para sa mga tanim namin.” (I was able to buy a lot, and build a house and a garden, where we can plant more crops.)

Former office employees like Noel Padrones of the Kapatagan Upland Farmers Association (KUFA) in Digos City also turned to potato farming to make ends meet. Apart from himself, he’s seen firsthand how fellow farmers achieved a better life and financial growth. 

“We’re happy with the Sustainable Potato Program because we can really see how it improved the lives of farmers,” said Melani Provido, DA representative of Alegre Vegetables and Arabica Growers Association, Mt. Apo Potato Farmers Association (in Balutakay, Davao Del Sur) and Highlight Farmers Agriculture Cooperation (in Kapatagan, Lanao Del Norte).

“When the pandemic hit, the program gave them jobs and money to feed their families. Now, they have their own vehicles, houses, and school tuition for their children,” she added.

Aside from enabling farmers to harvest quality produce for consumers, URC’s Sustainable Potato Program continuously helps Filipino farmers provide for their families. The program is part of the company’s move towards becoming a global sustainable organization in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

As the Philippines strives to improve the agricultural sector, this program, and others like it, is a step towards making food security and fruitful opportunities in farming more accessible to Filipinos.

Here are four simple ways to reward yourself during a workday, whether you’re working in the office or from home

Working for several hours a day can be tiring, that’s why efficient workers use motivational “tricks” to stay upbeat no matter how busy their day gets. One the tricks is to give yourself a small “treat” for a job well done. What it does is help encourage you to finish your daily tasks.

 

These don’t have to be expensive or elaborate. Simple and easy-to-do activities can feel satisfying and may even energize you for your next task. Here are four simple ways to reward yourself during a workday, whether you’re working in the office or from home:

 

Have a coffee break

 

Who doesn’t love sipping on coffee at work? Go to a quiet spot in the office lounge or at home and enjoy your drink without distractions. For a delightful experience, indulge in a sweet and comforting cup of Great Taste Supreme in Toffee Hazelnut Latte or Black Forest Latte! 

 

Say hello to your friends

 

Catching up with a friend—even just virtually—can give you that fun and rewarding break in between your busy day. While you’re at it, enjoy a satisfying treat by munching on Cloud 9 Gold. Enjoy the mouthful of sensations offered by Cloud 9 Gold Almond Fudge, and the sweet and salty combination of Cloud 9 Gold Caramel Nut Crisp!

 

Take a quick walk

 

Taking short walks can stretch your legs and get your heart pumping. To make these walks fun and purposeful, how about using them to drop by a convenience store near your office for a snack? Try Calbee – potato chips with unique Japanese flavors like Honey Butter, Wasabi, Cheddar and Sour Cream, and Classic Salted. 

 

Play a game

 

Finishing a mind-numbing task requires a brain break. So, how about spending a couple of minutes playing your favorite mobile game? Make the experience rewarding by enjoying sweet treats like Cream-O Premium, a melt-in-your-mouth, choco-coated, vanilla sandwich cookie!

 

Try these activities and you’ll feel more rewarded at the end of your workday. And don’t forget to partner them with premium yet affordable everyday rewards like Great Taste Supreme, Cloud 9 Gold, Calbee, Cream-O Premium, and more delightful treats from Universal Robina Corporation (URC)! 

 

URC’s wide range of snacks can help you create delightful and rewarding experiences out of simple, everyday moments. Explore them and discover #URDelightfulChoice!

 

Shop your favorite URC treats at a supermarket near you or online via GoCart.

 

Enjoy a variety of classic Pinoy snacks and well-loved treats from URC

Filipinos love to eat. This appetite has turned classic Pinoy treats into go-to snacks to satisfy cravings and food habits. For some, these goodies not only satisfied their tastebuds, but have become part of life’s unforgettable moments.

The classic treats you’ve grown to love might just be some of Universal Robina Corporation’s (URC) variety of food and drinks. Get to know more about these delightful goodies with these interesting facts!

 

Chiz Curls

Did you know that your fave childhood snack, Chiz Curls, is URC’s first branded snack product? And the kiddie characters in the packaging? They have names: Carl and Curlette! So, the next time you grab a bag of Chiz Curls, remember to say hi to them!

 

 

                                        Chiz Curls is URC’s first branded snack product

 

Chippy

Since the 60s, the crowd-favorite Chippy has been part of barkada trips, recess moments, and weekends at home watching morning cartoons and anime. Good thing it’s always been such an affordable and yummy snack! Speaking of which, Jack 'n Jill named the snack Chippy because it was sold at a friendly price during its launch back then.

Launched in the 60s, Jack ‘n Jill Chippy Barbeque has been one of the staple snacks of Pinoys

Cream-O

Remember the hexagonal box filled with Cream-O you get after finishing all chores or doing great in school? Those were good times, indeed. History tells that the first Cream-O product URC released are the chocolate-coated cookie sandwiches packed in those iconic hexagonal boxes. These are now called Cream-O Premium, a limited-edition Cream-O variant. You can grab this, and many other cookie variants of Cream-O, in select stores nationwide.

 

Aside from its well-loved Vanilla flavor, Cream-O is has several cookie variants.

 

Great Taste Coffee

Great Taste Coffee has always been one of the Filipinos' go-to coffee brands. This popular coffee brand has many firsts in the Philippine coffee market, pioneering the 3-in-1 coffee mixes and Twin Packs. It is also the first to launch White coffee, a creamier coffee mix formulated to cater to the taste buds of coffee drinkers.

 

Blend 45

Speaking of coffee, did you know that Blend 45 was the largest-selling coffee brand in the market when it was launched in the 60s? For years, Blend 45 had the monicker “Pinoy Coffee”! So, why not make a mug and enjoy reminiscing the good old times with Blend 45?

 

C2

Since its launch in 2006, the C2 brand has long been a well-loved ready-to-drink tea of Filipinos. But did you know that apart from the Philippines, there are also lots of C2 fans across Southeast Asia? It’s also quite popular in Vietnam! So, when traveling is allowed again and you get the chance to visit the country, make sure to grab a bottle of some of their unique C2 flavors while you enjoy the sights of your trip! 

Maxx 

Are you busy with school or work? You can brighten up your day with enjoyable treats like Maxx Candy. It is one of URC’s first candy brands launched in 1993. And the late actor, Max Alvarado, was one of the first endorsers of Maxx. 

Nips

Filipinos are known to have a sweet tooth with a particular liking to chocolate. One of the go-to sweets of Pinoys is Nips. First launched in the 1960s, Nips is URC’s first branded chocolate. The name came from the reversed word spin, which is the first step in the manufacturing process of these candy-coated chocolate lentils.

 

Nova

Jack ‘n Jill’s Nova, the first locally manufactured multigrain snack in the Philippines, has made a name for itself amongst the healthy snacks available in the market. Each chip is made from 4 fiber-rich grains making it a delicious guilt-free snack so you can have as much as you want!

 

Satisfy your cravings for these classic Pinoy snacks the next time you visit the supermarket near you. For a more convenient shopping experience, you can also order these online.

 

For 65 years, snack and beverage maker URC has been delighting Filipino consumers with good food choices. As an innovator, the company intends to always offer something fresh and delightful for everyone.