Snack Your Way to South Korea: Mister Potato and Squid Game 2 Present the Ultimate “Crunch to Win” Challenge.

Mister Potato Philippines is taking your love for snacks to a thrilling new level. In collaboration with Netflix’s global hit Squid Game, Mister Potato has launched an interactive contest that could turn your next canister of crisps into a passport to incredible prizes—including a dream trip to South Korea!

Dubbed the Crunch to Win: Mister Potato x Squid Game 2 contest, this high-stakes campaign combines the excitement of Netflix’s breakout series with the irresistible crunch of Mister Potato snacks. Whether you're a Squid Game superfan or a dedicated snacker, this campaign promises something for everyone.

The Crunch That Could Take You to Korea

Running from November 15, 2024, to January 15, 2025, the Crunch to Wincontest invites snack lovers to uncover hidden Squid Game-inspired symbols inside the metal lids of specially marked Mister Potato canisters. These symbols could be your ticket to an unforgettable journey filled with exclusive prizes.

Here’s what’s at stake:

● Weekly Prizes:

○ Squid Game Funko Pop collectibles.

○ P1,000 worth of vouchers for select partners.

○ Bundles of Mister Potato products to keep your snack stash stocked.

● Grand Prize:

○ A dream getaway to South Korea, including airfare, accommodations, and a curated itinerary designed to immerse you in the magic of Korean culture.

● Consolation Prizes:

○ Additional bundles of Mister Potato products.

○ Exclusive Squid Game merchandise and vouchers worth up to P1,500.

Each canister brings a new opportunity to win, making snack time an even more exciting adventure!

How It Works

Participating in the contest is as easy as crunching open your favorite Mister Potato flavor. Follow these steps to join:

1. Purchase limited-edition Mister Potato x Squid Game 2 canisters, available at leading retailers nationwide.

2. Look for the hidden Squid Game symbols inside the metal lid of the canister.

3. Submit your entries online at www.misterpotatoph.com.

4. Follow Mister Potato on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok to get updates on contest announcements, symbol collection tips, and winner reveals.

Each unique symbol you find serves as a ticket to the weekly draws and the grand prize. The more symbols you collect, the better your chances of winning!

Pop Culture Meets Snack Innovation

This collaboration between Mister Potato and Squid Game 2 is a testament to the power of blending entertainment and consumer engagement. With Squid Game returning for a much-anticipated second season, Mister Potato aims to capture fans’ excitement and turn it into an unforgettable brand experience.

“Collaborating with Squid Game 2 felt like a natural fit for Mister Potato. Both our brand and the series have legions of loyal fans, and this contest allows us to bring something truly exciting and unique to both audiences,” said How Yuan Yi, Chief Marketing Officer of Mister Potato. “We’ve combined the thrill of watching Squid Game with the fun of enjoying a snack, offering fans a chance to win fantastic rewards along the way.”

By linking its signature snack with one of Netflix’s one of the most successful series, Mister Potato taps into the growing trend of experiential marketing, where brands create memorable, interactive moments for their consumers.

Beyond Snacking: A Gateway to Adventure

The Crunch to Win campaign isn’t just about munching on crisps; it’s about being part of a global phenomenon. The collaboration celebrates the best of both worlds—Mister Potato’s bold flavors and Squid Game’s gripping storytelling. Together, they’ve created a contest that takes consumer engagement to the next level.

“This collaboration with Netflix is about more than just cross-promotion,” the spokesperson added. “It’s about offering a new kind of experience, where our product becomes part of the fun and excitement of a global entertainment event. It’s not just a snack anymore; it’s a gateway to an adventure.”

Exclusive Canister Designs

The specially marked canisters are just as exciting as the prizes. Each flavor—Original, Sour Cream & Onion, Honey Cheese, Hot & Spicy, and Barbecue—features limited-edition Squid Game designs, making them collectible items for fans of the series. Whether you're a fan of the iconic Red Light, Green Light doll or the mysterious masked guards, these canisters add a touch of Squid Game to your snack shelf.

Your Chance to Be a Winner

Ready to crunch your way to South Korea? The Crunch to Win contest is your ticket to rewards that go beyond the snack aisle. With prizes designed for fans of both Mister Potato and Squid Game, this campaign offers a unique way to connect with your favorite snack brand while celebrating the cultural phenomenon that is Squid Game.

The contest is live from November 15, 2024, to January 15, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to collect those symbols, rack up entries, and snag one of the amazing prizes.

For more information and contest mechanics, visit www.misterpotatoph.com. Be sure to follow Mister Potato on social media to stay updated on the latest announcements, winner highlights, and special promotions.

Returning to the office? Never get ‘hangry’ by having these snacks and drinks on hand.

It always pays to be prepared when hunger pangs hit you at work! When working from home, you can quickly get snacks from the kitchen or from the nearest sari-sari store, or order them via food delivery apps — but not so much when you’re back in the office.

It’s best to stuff your bag — or locker — with ready-to-eat snacks and ready-to-drink beverages so you always have something delicious on hand. No one wants to be that “hangry” (hungry and angry) one whose energy and productivity get affected because there’s no food or drink to perk them up.

Here are some snacks and drinks you can cop from the supermarket so you’ll never go “hangry” at work: 

Jack 'n Jill Presto Creams

Feel like you’re losing your focus at work because you’re hangry? If lunch can’t come any quicker, you can grab Presto Creams from your bag. Not only is this treat filling, but it can also help give you the mental focus you need at work because it’s rich in B Vitamins! This delicious cookie sandwich has a yummy peanut butter filling so you’ll surely enjoy every bite.

Chicharron ni Mang Juan Espesyal Suka’t Sili

For your mid-afternoon slump, Chicharron ni Mang Juan Espesyal Suka’t Sili is the way to go! This crunchy, tasty snack captures asim-anghang sarap in every bite and will surely push you to keep going! It's also good for sharing, too, so might as well get the party pack!

Jack ‘n Jill Cloud 9

During particular busy hours, one snack that can help you pull through is Jack ‘n Jill Cloud 9. This can be your go-to snack during those hangry moments or those times when you simply want to treat yourself for a job well done at the office. Your workdays are bound to get sweeter with this delicious treat!

Great Taste Choco

Calling all coffee lovers! You’ll want Great Taste Choco as part of your workday caffeine selection. It’s an indulgent choco-flavored coffee that can help give you that boost of happy energy as you work. It’s affordable, easy to prepare, and totally satisfying with its delicious, rich chocolate coffee taste.

C2 Milk Tea

No doubt milk tea is one of those drinks you’ll crave when you need a pick-me-up. Happy feels? C2 Milk Tea is all you need! Enjoy it in your favorite flavors: Wintermelon, Chocolate, and Caramel. Each one is brewed from natural green tea leaves and real milk so you know it’s legit!

Universal Robina Corporation (URC) has been delighting Filipinos with its wide range of delicious and high-quality snacks and drinks. Remember to stock up on your URC faves so you won’t get “hangry” during long days at work!

Shop for URC products in grocery stores and supermarkets nationwide, as well as online via URC’s stores at Lazada, Shopee, and Zalora. Get your stash of these yummy treats so you always have something delicious on hand

Foodie Goodie | Sarang Mart Korean Grocery.

If there's one thing I truly, madly, deeply, miss about Korea (aside from my husband, the temperate climate, and the super fast internet speed), it's the food. I usually order Korean food stuff online, but today, in this hot and humid weather, I suddenly craved for Korean ice cream. Of course, I can't order that online. Good thing there's a newly-opened Korean grocery smack dab in the middle of the city, located five minutes away from where we live.

Annyeong, Sarang! :)

Sarang Mart Korean Grocery recently opened their second branch in San Pablo City, right across the Human Heart Nature Concept Store in Barleta Street. Their first branch has been operational since 2016, but not many people know of this gem since it's located in the outskirts of San Pablo City.
This new branch is a lot more accessible, and if you'll be visiting for the first time, the location is very easy to find as it's near the San Pablo City Cathedral.

 If you're a fan of Korean snacks, love stocking up on Korean condiments, or simply in the mood for some Korean ice cream, Sarang Mart is the place to be. They pretty much have everything in stock - ramyeon of all brands and varieties, ice cream of all kinds, dipping sauces in different sizes, and Pepero and Binggrae Milk in different flavors.

Jin Ramen on sale. 

Samyang and Chapaguri, as seen on the Oscar winning movie, Parasite.

Yue's all-time favorite Nongshim ramyeon.

Gochujang, Doenjang, Ssamjang.

Cledor goodies.

My all-time favorite Bungeoppang ice cream.

Classic Melona.

Pepero flavors (OMG the Nude Cream Cheese is the bomb)!

They also have frozen food products like eomuk (fish cake) and mandu (dumplings), and fermented food products like kimchi and danmuji (pickled radish). They even have enoki mushrooms, which are quite difficult to come by in supermarkets here in San Pablo, as well as king oyster mushrooms.

Eomuk - perfect for cold, blustery days.

Photo credit; Sarang Mart Facebook page.

Photo credit: Sarang Mart Facebook page.

In the mood for samgyup? Sarang Mart has authentic Pork Samgyupsal and Beef Bulgogi which you can grill in the comforts of your home. If you don't have your own grill pan yet, Sarang Mart has you covered as well! They have grill pans for sale, as well as the ramyeon cooking pots (you know, the gold tin ones) that you see in Kdramas.

Beef Bulgogi and Pork Samgyupsal.

I hope they'll have Oreo O's in stock next time I visit. Yue has been asking for his favorite cereal for God knows how long, but I don't have the time to go all the way to S&R just for that. Also, this COVID-19 scare is deterring me from traveling outside the city and making me want to stay home most of the time.

On that note, I wish you're all safe and sickness-free wherever you are. Stay healthy, and always keep your hands clean! :)

Sarang Mart Korean Grocery
Barleta Street. cor. Gen. Malvar Street,
San Pablo City

6 Reasons Why Snacking on Peanuts Can Be Beneficial to Your Health

Peanuts have been declared a superfood for good reason. They’re full of vitamins and minerals contained in a tidy little package that’s easy to pop when you’re feeling the urge for a quick snack between meals. But did you know that snacking on them also comes with some added benefits? Below are some of the major benefits of regularly consuming peanuts and peanut-derived products:

Peanuts are good for you!

Peanuts Can Help You Lose Weight 
They’re chock-full of fiber and protein, which keeps you feeling full and sated for longer. As such, they’re an excellent way to manage the hunger pangs that have you reaching for chips or sweets. They also increase your metabolic rate as well as help stabilize your blood sugar. If snacking on peanuts whole doesn’t happen to be your thing, you can get all the benefits without any of the chewing by drinking a glass of milked peanuts or getting them from another source, such as peanut flour or peanut butter.

Peanuts Are a Great Source of Biotin
Biotin is a water soluble vitamin which can help convert certain nutrients you absorb through food into energy. It also helps keep your hair, skin, and nails healthy and strong. Research also suggests that getting enough biotin is vital for pregnant women, in order to reduce the risk of congenital birth defects in the fetus.

Peanut-derived products are heart-healthy, too.

Peanuts Are a Heart-Healthy Food
Peanuts are rich in monounsaturated fats, which have been known to lower your risk towards cardiovascular ailments. These monounsaturated fats help clear the arteries and keep your blood flowing strong and healthy. In a study conducted in 2017, it was found that regular consumption of peanuts led to a 15% reduction in the risk for coronary heart disease in a sample size of 200,000 participants.

Peanuts Are Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules that combat free radicals, which cause cellular damage. Excessive free radicals have been linked to cancer, which means that getting your antioxidants in is essential to reducing your risk towards certain cancers. Peanuts contain many of the same powerful antioxidants present in red wine, notably resveratrol. You don’t have to pop peanuts on the daily to boost your resveratrol intake, either—you can drink peanuts in the form of all-natural milked nuts, just as you would with wine.

Peanut Bars, anyone?
Photo credit: Betty Crocker.

Peanuts Are Nutrient-Rich Powerhouses
Niacin, folate, thiamin, and riboflavin are only a few of the nutrients you can get from a serving of peanuts. They’re also rich in vitamins B6 and E, pantothenic acid and choline, as well as essential minerals such as magnesium and potassium, among others. Niacin and vitamin E in particular are nutrients that help protect you from Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline due to advanced age.

Peanuts Can Lower Your Risk of Developing Gallstones
Gallstones are small, hard, crystalline masses that form in the gallbladder or bile ducts as abnormalities. Certain individuals are at a higher risk for it: women, those who are obese or overweight, people aged 40 and up. An unhealthy diet composed mainly of refined carbohydrates and calories can also increase your risk of developing gallstones. Consuming at least one serving of peanuts per day can lower your risk of them forming by up to 25%.

So the next time you have an urge to snack on chips or other types of junk food, you might want to consider eating a handful of peanuts instead. Aside from being a tasty treat that can stave off those hunger pangs, the health benefits that they bring are a much appreciated bonus that no one can deny.

Foodie Goodie | Ginataang Bilo-Bilo (Sticky Rice Balls in Coconut Milk).

Whenever my Mom Squad (aka my mommy friends at my son's school) and I are not busy doing house chores or working on our kids' academic requirements, we're either shopping at the nearest mall or eating at some restaurant or coffee shop. And since we love to eat, we also love to cook!

Yesterday, while waiting for the kids' afternoon classes to finish, we made Ginataang Bilo-bilo (otherwise known as Sticky Rice Balls in Coconut Milk), because we've been craving for it for the longest time. Sure, we could have just saved by time and effort by buying cooked bilo-bilo at the food stalls in the public market, but that takes the fun out of rolling your own rice balls! It's a fun activity, apparently, especially when you're doing it with friends. It's like being a kid and playing with Play-Doh all over again, haha!

Ginataang Bilo-bilo

Ingredients:
2 cups glutinous rice flour
2 tablespoons rice flour
3/4 cup warm water
6 cups coconut milk (gata)
1 cup sugar
1 cup ripe jackfruit (langka), shredded
3 cups sweet potato (kamote), cubed
1 cup taro root (gabi), cubed
1 1/2 cup plantain (saba), sliced
2 cups mini tapioca (sago), cooked
1 1/2 cup coconut cream
1 pandan leaf (optional)

Procedure:
1. Make the glutinous rice balls: Combine glutinous rice flour and rice flour. Add warm water and knead to form a dough. Take ½ tablespoon dough and roll in your palms to form a ball. Place on a plate. Repeat with the rest of the dough. Set aside.

Bilo-bilo (sticky rice balls).

2. Boil 3 cups water, coconut milk, sugar, pandan leaf, and jackfruit in a pot over medium heat. Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Jackfruit (langka).

3. Add sweet potatoes, taro, purple yam, and saba. Simmer until tender. Add glutinous rice balls and tapioca pearls. Simmer for 5 to 8 minutes.

Sweet potatoes (kamote) and taro root (gabi).

Plantain (saba).

4. Add coconut cream and simmer for 5 more minutes. Serve hot.

Project Bilo-bilo is complete!

This snack is actually quite versatile as you can also serve it cold, straight from the fridge. :)

Foodie Goodie | Eat, Drink, and Crave Healthy!

Constant food cravings are normal during the early stages of pregnancy. When I was pregnant with my son, my food cravings varied from the 'normal' ones such as chicken cordon bleu, tamarind candies, and siomai drizzled with lots of calamansi; to the more 'outlandish' food combinations such as green mangoes and mayonnaise, and carbonara with salted egg. Crazy, right?

Occasionally, I would crave for junk food like potato chips and the like. However, I do not want to risk my then-unborn baby's health just so I could satisfy my desire for overly salty, fatty, unhealthy food.

Fast-forward to 2017. If I were pregnant now and craving for junk food, I'd probably grab a bag of Crave Healthy and eat to my heart's desires.

Crave Healthy!

Crave Healthy is the first snack product in the Philippines that is specifically designed for the pregnant woman by doctors and nutritionists.

It’s nutritious because it contains essential nutrients – Folic Acid, Iron, and Calcium that are critical for both the mom and her growing baby. It also has reduced salt and just the right amount of calories that give the pregnant woman that extra energy she needs daily.

It’s delicious because it tastes just like any regular snack. Crave Healthy is currently available in Sweet Corn flavor and does not have any aftertaste of nutrient fortifications. It helps support the nutritional needs of pregnant women and their developing fetus. A healthy way to satisfy hunger and food cravings of pregnant women!

A pack of Crave is worth Php 25.00 at 30 grams each. It’s available online at www.cravehealthysnacks.com, select Med Express branches, and select Robinsons Supermarket outlets.

Similarly, there's also a milk product especially formulated for women.
Women like us, who are always on the go, seek to strike a balance between work, household duties, and personal time to be able to enjoy life to the fullest. That is why we need to stay fit and attractive, to look good and feel good whenever you can. We have unique needs that only us women would truly understand.

Introducing Athena, the milk especially formulated to meet our special nutritional needs.

Athena - milk for women.

It is high in calcium, which is essential for optimum bone health. It is also a source of Vitamins D and K, Magnesium and Phosphorus – nutrients to help maintain strong bones. However, it is low in fat so you can enjoy this beverage without the risk of high caloric intake.

In addition, this milk is also a great source of anti-oxidants such as Vitamins A & E and Zinc to help maintain healthy skin and promote optimum immune function.

Choco flavor.

Athena comes in two flavors – Milk (180 grams – Php 130.00; 400 grams – Php 273.00) and Choco (180 grams – Php 130.00). It’s available online at www.athena.com.ph and in-store at Mercury Drugstore, Watsons, and Southstar.

Seoul Searching | Top 5 Must-Try Korean Snack Shops.

With the exception of my husband and the huge deals and discounts on my favorite makeup and skincare brands, there is one other thing that I miss dearly about South Korea - the food. They say you'll never go hungry in Seoul, and I can very much attest to that. With the diverse selection of street food available in just about every nook in cranny in Seoul (particularly in tourists areas such as Myeongdong and Dongdaemun) and with affordable prices to boot, it won't be surprising if you gain a pound or two after a vacation in South Korea.

In one of my previous posts, I made a run down of must-try Korean food. This time, I'm listing down some of the snacks shops in Korea that we have been to, tried, and enjoyed - and where to find them.

1. Limburg Waffle.
Deoksugung Palace, City Hall Station, Exit 2.

Limburg Waffle, Deoksugung.

After watching the Guard Changing Ceremony and a quick stroll inside the Deoksugung Palace, Yue and I decided to grab a quick bite at the nearby stall of Limburg Waffle. Located right next to the main entrance of the palace, this hole-in-the-wall snack shop serves liege waffles with toppings, coffee, hot chocolate, and fruit smoothies.

While waiting for our waffles to cook.

Small as it may seem, there's almost always a queue at this snack shop - even in the dead of winter. The waffles smell heavenly with the scent wafting towards the direction of the Deoksugung Palace, as if inviting tourists to drop by for a waffle or two.

Their best-selling waffle, which I eventually ordered.

Yue ordered the Nutella Waffle (3500 won), while I got the Blueberry Spread (3500 won). Both waffles were perfect - coated with caramelized sugar on the outside with a bit of crunch on the edges, and soft, fluffy, and buttery on the inside. Hands down, the best waffle I have tried in Seoul!

Nutella Waffle.

Blueberry Waffle.

2. Deli Manjoo.

Myeongdong Station, near the ticket gate entrance.

Deli Manjoo, Myeongdong Station.

I love Myeongdong for so many reasons, and among them is this extremely popular Deli Manjoo stall. Located near the ticket gate entrance of Myeongdong Station, this stall is a tourist attraction itself as there's always a line in front of it whenever I pass by. 

Not your ordinary mandu.

Deli Manjoo is short for 'delicious mandu', or 'delicious dumpling' (mandu is the Korean word for 'dumpling'). They're not your typical meat/vegetable-filled dumpling, though. These bite-size corn-shaped treats are filled with sweet and creamy custard that my boys (and I) love. 

My boys love these just as much as I do!

Freshly-baked and served piping hot, they're perfect as pasalubong, or as a snack while riding the subway. Yue would always ask for these whenever I go to Myeongdong, and he can finish a pack in just one sitting! These yummy treats are usually sold by the dozen, and I would often buy the 5000 won pack which contains 24 pieces.

3. Poop Bread.

Ssamziegil Mall, Insadong.

Poop Bread stall, Ssamziegil.

Ssamziegil, the iconic cultural complex located in the heart of Insadong, is home to handicraft stores, accessory shops, art galleries, food stalls, and a variety of charming knick knacks. Here, we discovered this quirky stall which serves 'dong bang' - or in English, 'poop bread'.

Hey poop! :)

Don't be disgusted, though. They're simply pancakes in the shape of poop. Think of it as bunggeoppang (also known as taiyaki), cooked in poop-shaped molders. Similarly, these poop breads also come with a dollop of filling and you can choose between the traditional red bean filling or the creamy custard filling.

They're edible, and yummy at that!

Paired with a cup of brewed coffee or warm cocoa, they're the perfect tummy-fill as you explore Ssamziegil and the rest of Insadong. The stall is located near the entrance of Ssamziegil - you can't miss it!

4. Dragon's Beard Candy.
11-2 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu.

Dragon's Beard Candy, Insadong.

Another interesting food find which we chanced upon while at Insadong is the Dragon's Beard Candy. Also known as 'kkultarae', this traditional Korean dessert is made with honey and maltose, repeatedly spun and stretched to create 16,000 fine strands.

More than 16,000 strands of stretched honey.

The strands are then filled with peanuts or almonds, even chocolate at times, with the finish product looking like a cocoon. Said to be a highly-priced sweet within the Korean royal court, this candy has a rich, sweet flavor and a threaded, chewy texture.

Peanut-filled candy.

There are several of these stalls lined up along the streets of Insadong, and the friendly candy-makers will definitely catch your attention. Most of them can speak in different languages, and some of them even sing and dance as they make the candy. Truly, a sight to behold!

5. Isaac Toast.

Hyundai City Outlets, Dongdaemun.

Isaac Toast, near Hyundai City Outlets in Dongdaemun.

There's a hidden gem tucked along the streets of Dongdaemun and it's called Isaac Toast. Yue and I discovered the stall on our way out of Hyundai City Outlets in Dongdaemun, one of Seoul's most busiest shopping districts.

A popular sandwich chain in Korea, Isaac Toast serves freshly-grilled sandwiches, prepared and cooked right before your eyes. Their menu consists of a variety of flavors, with prices ranging from 2000 to 3200 won.

I see bacon!!!

Isaac Toast was founded in 1995 by an elderly woman who resorted to selling sandwiches to money for her sick husband. She started with a small stall outside one of Seoul's popular universities.

Toasted! :)

Years later, the business changed hands but the taste and the flavors remained the same. Customers continued to patronize the brand which led to its increasing popularity and huge success. In 2003, Isaac Toast opened its doors to franchisees and now boasts of more than 500 outlets all over South Korea and even abroad.

Best. toast. ever.

Paired with a cup of Caramel Macchiato (which they also serve, along with other coffee and tea flavors), Isaac Toast makes is truly worthy to be called the 'Breakfast of Champions' - or snack, lunch, and even dinner for that matter.