via GRAPHIC PLUS | Manila, June 12, 2026 — There is a very specific kind of longing that every Filipino living abroad knows—a sudden, undeniable craving for the flavors they grew up with. This Independence Day, artisanal brand Marcelo’s Microcreamery is honoring that feeling with an achievement truly for the books.
In a true testament to artisanal dedication, Marcelo’s Microcreamery has been honored with the 2026 Best Specialty & Gourmet Frozen Dessert of the Year at the highly esteemed Katha Awards. Administered by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Katha Award represents the absolute pinnacle of Philippine product design, innovation, and craftsmanship.
Earning this seal of approval requires navigating one of the most demanding evaluation processes in the local food sector. That a newer brand could achieve this distinction alongside veteran competitors speaks volumes about their uncompromising commitment to quality.
Marcelo’s Microcreamery is honored to help push the Philippines to the forefront of the global dessert conversation. For Founder & CEO John Marcelo, this hard-won accolade is a “frozen promise” to the people—a meticulous representation of Filipino culture. That cultural reverence takes center stage in their award-winning, coconut-based flavors: Bilo-Bilo, Latik-Latik, and Mangga’t Suman.
“This isn’t just a win for me, it’s a win for Filipino Culture. Our flavors now sit at the forefront of the conversation. This is a testament that our flavors fit the competitive landscape of local and global innovation.” says John Marcelo.
Honoring the People Behind the Pint
Everything at Marcelo’s Microcreamery was designed with the Filipino in mind. This recent award, perfectly timed with the celebration of Independence Day, serves as a powerful testament to not just honoring Filipino culture, but uplifting the hardworking people behind it.
The brand’s entire supply chain is rooted in sourcing ingredients directly from the very heart of Philippine agriculture: our local farmers. By ethically sourcing the finest homegrown produce, Marcelo’s ensures that every scoop celebrates the rich bounty of the country.
This award is a shared victory with the farmers who cultivate our heritage, proving that world-class quality starts from the local soil.
A Preamble to the World: Exporting a “Taste of Home”
This commitment to world-class local quality recently propelled the brand onto the international stage. Serving as the sole Philippine brand featured in its category at THAIFEX Anuga Asia 2026 at the Halal & New to Market Showcase, Marcelo’s used the prestigious expo as a strategic preamble for their next great frontier: international export.
Marcelo’s Microcreamery was the only Filipino brand showcased at both the Halal Showcase and New to Market Street at Asia’s Biggest Expo of 2026
The Marcelo family is no stranger to representing the country. Known for their historic, high-performance legacy in professional racing— Today, John Marcelo is channeling that exact same drive and national pride into his next massive milestone.
Raising the Flag: Reaching a Kababayan, One Pint at a Time
“It is daunting, but I want to showcase my heritage not just to our kababayans here, but to our kababayans everywhere,” Marcelo shares. “I am so excited for this to reach the hands of our fellow Filipinos abroad where our flavors bring them back to a taste of home, even just for a moment.”
By setting the absolute gold standard for artisanal ice cream, Marcelo’s Microcreamery is proudly gearing up to share the warmth of Filipino heritage with the world—reaching a kababayan, one pint at a time.
Marcelo’s Microcreamery’s award-winning collections costs P469.00 per pint, and are available at Landers, The Marketplace, Robinsons Supermarket, Shopwise, HeyDay, One Word Deli, Romulo Cafe, Last Chucker, Manila Polo Club, Anya Resort Tagaytay and Likhaang Filipino.
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