Chef Ai's Baking Secrets with URC Flour.

The FCBAI Bakery Fair is back, and this year, the theme “Rise and Shine” couldn’t be more fitting with thousands of bakers from different parts of the world flocked to the World Trade Center for a 3-day baking exhibit.

Welcome to the FCBAI Bakery Fair!

This year’s fair is a celebration of resilience and innovation in the baking industry, testament to the bakers who have weathered challenges and emerged stronger. URC Flour Brand Ambassador Chef Aileen Asilom more popularly known as Chef Ai, graced this year’s Bakery Fair and led the bakery demonstration at the URC Flour booth.

Meet Chef Ai. :)

Chef Aileen’s story is one of inspiration. From her modest beginnings, fueled by a deep love for baking, she has risen to become a respected figure, known for her dedication to sharing her knowledge and empowering fellow bakers. Her journey resonates with many, making her the perfect face for URC Flour, a brand committed to providing quality ingredients for every baker’s dream.
URC Flour’s booth concept “SIKAT” reinforced the "Rise and Shine" theme of this year’s Bakery Fair. Chef Ai’s path to being a successful baker is a story itself of passion and perseverance

Chef Ai with fans and fellow bakers.

Choosing the Right Flour

Chef Ai conducted live baking demonstrations together with other expert bakers showcasing their signature recipes and innovative techniques, all using URC Flour. Attendees were able to witness firsthand the URC Flour quality products featuring Daisy, Globe, Continental, Sampaguita, Blend 100, and Cattleya among others. The baking demonstration also features baking equipment from Vesmach Hyundai Home Appliances while ingredients for the delicious baked goods are courtesy of Anchor Food Professionals, Sugar King Industries, Oleo-Fats Inc. and Neco Philippines, Inc. In collaboration with URC Flour, Chef Ai curated a selection of recipes, featuring both classic favorites and modern creations, that were given to booth attendees to take home and recreate.

The secret? URC Flour.

URC Flour: A Partner in Success

Chef Ai’s passion extends beyond her own creations. She believess sharing her knowledge and inspiring others to embark on their baking journeys. “Baking is a gift that should be shared", she says. “Through my partnership with URC Flour, hope to empower bakers of all levels to create delicious memories. Chef Ai’s partnership with URC Flour is e testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and its dedication to supporting the baking community. “URC Flour is more than just an ingredient; it's my partner in my baking journey,” she concludes.

URC Flour "Rises and Shines" with Innovation and Expertise at FCBAI Bakery Fair 2025.

THE Filipino-Chinese Bakery Association Inc. (FCBAI) Bakery Fair 2025 witnessed a dazzling display of innovation and expertise as URC Flour took center stage, reinforcing its position as one of the country's leaders in the baking industry. With a focus on cutting-edge techniques and high-quality products, URC Flour's participation underscored its commitment to empowering bakers and driving the industry forward.

"Innovation is at the heart of everything we do," URC Flour Division Sales, Marketing and Distribution Manager Naida Ebora stated. "With the recent opening of our Sariaya Plant, we continuously strive to develop products that meet the evolving needs of bakers, whether they are home enthusiasts or seasoned professionals. Our goal is to provide them with the tools and resources they need to create exceptional baked goods," she added.

This year's theme of "Rise and Shine" perfectly aligned with URC Flour's dedication to helping bakers achieve their full potential. At its vibrant booth, attendees were treated to a showcase of the company's latest advancements in flour technology and baking solutions. To support this year's theme, URC's concept of "Sikat" embodies the company's position in helping bakers achieve their objectives.

"Sikat" in Filipino, means to shine, to be radiant, to be successful. It embodies the very essence of what we aim to achieve together. With URC Flour, we want to empower you to be 'sikat' in your baking endeavors. We understand that every baker, from home enthusiasts to established professionals, dreams of creating baked goods that stand out, that are truly exceptional. That's why we've dedicated ourselves to providing you with the highest quality flour, the perfect foundation for your culinary masterpieces," Ebora said.

One of the hightlights of URC flour’s exhibit was the live baking demonstrations led by renowned Chef Aileen Asilom, which captivated audiences, showcasing the versatility and superior quality of URC’s Flour product range. The baking sessions not only highlighted the adaptability of URC Flour’s product range but also provide valuable insights into the latest baking techniques. In addition to the live demonstrations, URC Flour also featured interactive displays that highlighted the science behind baking, which provided attendees with a deeper understanding of the properties of different flours and how they affect the final product. The company's representatives were on hand to answer questions and provide expert advice, further demonstrating the company’s commitment to education and knowledge sharing.

URC Flour's participation in the FCBAI Bakery Fair 2025 was a testament to its unwavering commitment to innovation and expertise. By showcasing its latest products and providing valuable educational resources, the company has solidified its position as a leader in the baking industry. As the industry continues to evolve, URC Flour remains at the forefront, empowering bakers to "rise and shine” with their exceptional creations.

The FCBAI BAKERY FAIR 2025 has provided a platform for URC Flour to showcase their commitment to the baking community. Their SIKAT theme, combine with the fair’s RISE AND SHINE focus, has created a powerful message of empowerment and inspiration. By providing high quality flour and unwavering support, URC flour is helping bakers across the nation to truly shine.

How to level up your morning meal to achieve your health goals.

Working toward your health goals can be a long process, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyable. A small change to your diet, for example, can make the journey fun and worthwhile.

Here’s an idea: how about making plant-based milk drinks a part of your morning meals? Ready-to-drink milk brand Vitasoy is here to help you level up your breakfast with its range of delicious and nutritious plant-based milk drinks.

The brand offers three great-tasting, nutrient-packed milky variants: the soy-based Vitasoy Plus Milky and two new milk options: Vitasoy Plus Milky Almond, made from 100% almonds and oat-based Vitasoy Plus Milky Oat. What you’ll love about them is how they are nutritional powerhouses — packed with calcium, protein, and Vitamin D. Vitasoy Plus products are heart and gut-friendly as they are cholesterol and lactose free and low in saturated fat. With proper diet and exercise, these Vitasoy plant-based milk drinks will surely keep you strong and healthy while you enjoy that familiar milky goodness.

Don’t know which plant milk to choose? Vitasoy Plus Milky is soy milk that’s milky and creamy, even vegans couldn’t believe it’s plant milk! Vitasoy Plus Milky Almond has a creamy texture and roasted almond taste, while Vitasoy Plus Milky Oat has the rich, oat-y flavor and a milky texture and aroma. You can enjoy these plant-based milk drinks on their own, mix them in your morning cup of coffee or tea, or use them to elevate your breakfast game.

Check out some ideas below:

Milky Overnight Oats

Level up your overnight oats with Vitasoy Plus Milky Oat.

In need of a quick breakfast? Prep one the night before! Just mix Vitasoy Plus Milky Oat, oatmeal, chopped fresh fruit, and a sprinkle of nuts in a jar, place it in your fridge, and enjoy it the next day. For your fruit and nut toppings, you can try bananas or apples and cashews or walnuts. The creaminess of Vitasoy Plus Milky Oat enhances the various textures and tastes of this dish, making it a hearty and enjoyable meal.

Milky Breakfast Cereal

Enjoy your morning cereal with Vitasoy Plus Milky Almond.

Yes, you can level up your basic breakfast cereal with plant-based milk! Pour Vitasoy Plus Milky Almond over cornflakes, and add your favorite fruits like strawberries or mangoes. Vitasoy Plus Milky Almond’s delightfully nutty flavor will complement the crunch of the cereal.

Milky Korean Ramyeon

Experience Korean ramyeon the milky way with Vitasoy Plus Milky!

Balance out the heat in your Korean ramen by adding the creamy goodness of milk! Pour in some Vitasoy Plus Milky into your favorite Korean ramyeon recipe, further level up its protein content with egg! Mix in some chopped vegetables and enjoy your healthy Korean breakfast!

You know what they say, there’s nothing better than starting your day with a healthy and hearty breakfast. It’s time to make Vitasoy Plus’s plant-based milk drinks a regular part of your morning!

Follow @VitasoyPH on Facebook and Instagram to learn more. 

The Best Dishes You Can Make With Cheese.

Cheese is one of the most loved foods on the planet, and it is fair to say that it is also one of the most versatile too. Whether melted into a gooey goodness or grated onto a perfect pasta, cheese finds its way into our hearts (and stomachs) with ease.

If you’re looking to do some cooking with cheese, and you’re wondering what the best dishes to pair the dairy product with are, then check out my delicious, very cheesy, ideas below.

Photo credit: Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels.

Mac 'n' Cheese - The Classic Comfort Food

If there is one dish that is synonymous with delicious, cheesy goodness, then it is mac ‘n’ cheese. This dish epitomizes comfort food, with its perfect combination of creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta, all topped with a crust of crispy golden breadcrumbs. Want to make it even better? Use a mixture of at least three different cheeses for a richness and depth of flavor that is hard to beat.

French Onion Soup - A Cheesy Delight

Next up, we travel to France with the exquisite French Onion Soup, crowned with a generous layer of Gruyère cheese. This is the perfect dish for a cozy evening at the table with family and good friends. The caramelized onions, simmered in a rich beef broth, create a perfect backdrop for the golden, bubbling cheese on top, which adds a rich creamy note to the dish. Of course, you are going to want to serve it with warm, crusty French bread to ensure that each mouthful is a warm hug for your soul.

Photo credit: Valeria Boltneva on Pexels.

Cannoli - Sweet and Cheesy

This cannoli recipe here is the perfect thing to cook for anyone who loves a little sweetness with their cheese. A classic Italian dessert, cannoli consists of crispy, deep-fried pastry shells filled with a luscious mixture of ricotta cheese and sugar, often flavored with a hint of vanilla or citrus zest. This heavenly concoction is surely the proof we all needed that cheese can truly do it all, gracing our dessert tables with a balance of texture and sweet, creamy goodness. Beware, these can get pretty addictive, and they aren’t quite as good for our waistlines as they are for our tastebuds!

Queso Fundido - A Melting Pot of Flavors

If you're craving something spicy and zesty, Queso Fundido is your answer. This Mexican dish is a molten pot of melted cheese, seasoned with a spicy chorizo and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve it up with a side of crispy tortilla chips for a perfect, communal dining experience that will get everyone digging in with gusto.

Cheese and Charcuterie Board - A Gourmet Affair

For those who appreciate the finer things in life, a well-curated cheese and charcuterie board can be a gastronomic delight that is particular perfect for parties and get-togethers. Pairing different types of cheeses, like Brie, Camembert, or a tangy blue cheese, with an assortment of cured meats, crackers, and some fresh fruits creates a feast that's not only delicious but also visually appealing. If you want to sample lots of cheesy flavors from the sharp to the creamy, this is surely the dish for you.

Photo credit: Lisa Fotios on Pexels.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich - The Ultimate Snack

Never underestimate the power of a perfect grilled cheese sandwich. The key to nailing this beloved snack is selecting the right kind of cheese. A combination of cheddar and mozzarella offers a wonderful blend of sharpness and stretchiness that is hard to resist. Serve it with a side of tangy tomato soup for a meal that's comforting and utterly satisfying, or add some pepperoni and freshly sliced tomatoes for a more substantial snack.

Cheese Soufflé - A Cloud of Cheesy Perfection

Ending our cheesy journey on a high note, we have the sophisticated Cheese Soufflé. This French dish is a culinary masterpiece, bringing together the richness of cheese with the lightness of a soufflé. When done right, it rises to a golden perfection, offering a fluffy, cheesy center that's just heavenly to taste. It may take you a while to perfect this delicate dish, but it is worth putting the effort in because not only does it taste amazing, but it is one recipe that always impresses when you serve it up to friends and family!

Cheese is a simple, affordable ingredient that tastes good and gives us plenty of fats and proteins, and with such delicious dishes as the ones above, it is not surprising that it is one of the most loved foods around. Why not try cooking with your favorite cheese today?

Every day is National Fried Chicken Day!

Happy Fried Chicken Day!

Just in case you didn’t know, July 6 is National Fried Chicken Day! This is the one day solely dedicated to the crispy, golden, and delicious fried chicken that Filipinos dearly love. Although there is no curated historical information on how fried chicken really started in the Philippines, it is undeniable that fried chicken is one of Filipinos’ comfort food, loved by kids (case in point, my son, niece, and nephew) and the kids at heart (ehem, that would be me, my siblings, and my cousins).

Chicken is not only delicious but also nutritious because it is a good source of protein and has Vitamin B12 which supports bone health and red blood cell formation.

And what's the best way to cook friend chicken? Of course, it's with the Philippines' #1 fried chicken essential - Crispy Fry®! Crispy Fry® has a wide array of product offering specially made to deliver delicious fried dishes to perfection.

Spicy Fried Chicken with Gravy

Heat things up and add some spicy flare to your fried chicken. Try Crispy Fry® Breading Mix Spicy variant and enjoy fried chicken with perfect crispness and hotness.

To complement, you may pair it with the new Crispy Fry® Gravy Mix. So easy to prepare. Just mix water and Crispy Fry® Gravy Mix in a bowl, then pour the gravy sauce into a pot and simmer until thickened. And viola! Your homemade fried chicken and gravy are ready for your enjoyment.

Battered Fried Chicken 

If you’re the type who likes southern-style fried chicken, thicker and fuller with extra crunch, try Crispy Fry® Batter Mix.

So simple to prepare. In a bowl, combine the batter pack of the Crispy Fry® Batter Mix with water then mix well. On a separate plate, pour the contents of the breading mix. Coat each chicken with batter mix and then roll evenly one by one on the breading.

In a pot with heated oil, deep-fry the chicken pieces for 8-12 minutes or until golden brown. Drain excess oil using a strainer or colander and you’re all set to enjoy fuller fried chicken with extra crispiness!

Fried Chicken Burger

Who says fried chicken can only be enjoyed with rice? This recipe is so easy to prepare and perfect as quick lunch or merienda.

First, coat the chicken thigh fillet with Crispy Fry® Original Breading Mix evenly and fry for 10 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Next, prepare the sauce by combining mayonnaise and garlic in a bowl. Then assemble, on a burger bun, put lettuce, tomato, cucumber, fried chicken, and 2 teaspoons of mayo-garlic sauce.

For recipes, check-out Cookmunity by Ajinomoto Philippines, and like and follow their Facebook Page for updates and more cooking tips and ideas.

Make Time To Be A Dad | Luis Manzano's Thoughts on Fatherhood.

Fatherhood is one of life’s greatest blessings but along with it comes great responsibility, perhaps the greatest in any man's life. It is a role which nobody can really prepare for 100%.

Now a first-time dad, Luis Manzano shares his new journey of being a father to Peanut. Although he is famous for his funny jokes and punchlines (after all, he is a comedian aside from being an actor and TV host), Luis takes his daddy role very seriously.

Photo credit: Luis Manzano on Instagram.

“Being a Dad, it’s truly a surreal feeling," Luis candidly shared. "I don’t think one can ever be prepared on being a parent. It’s easy to say that you’re ready, you’re set, na lahat kayang- kaya, but once na andiyan na talaga, it’s something you work for each day.”

One major adjustment for Luis as a first-time father is having another top priority in life. Before, his wife Jessy and his work are his priorities, but now Luis makes sure to not simply have quality time with Peanut but also quantity of time even if it means he has to sacrifice some other things. Luis’ Daddy duties are mangulit during playtime with Peanut, reading her books, and putting her to sleep sometimes.

When asked what his advice for other first-time Dads is, Luis shared, “There is no one formula on being a dad, each child is different so each one deserves their own brand of fatherhood. A realization for me from my Dad is that its not simply about quality of time. Madami ang nagsasabi na its always about quality not quantity. No, I think quantity is also as important as quality. And of course, be healthy. We want to spend time with our children. Specially, if nabigyan ka ng blessing na medyo may edad ka na. There are so many things we want to do with them. For that, you need to eat right and to get proper rest.”

Luis Manzano for Ajinomoto Crispy Fry.

Dads play an active role in caring for children and it’s essential to keep up their energy levels. That’s why protein is crucial to the diet. It boosts the immune system and helps the body function the way you need it to.

Struggling to prep protein meals due to time constraints? Check out Ajinomoto Crispy Fry® breading mix! It’s so easy to use, just coat and fry, and in no time, you’ll have crispy delicious protein-packed fried chicken or even fried fish.

Being a new parent is truly a challenge, but raising a family is also one of the best jobs out there! Remember Luis’s advice and take the time to get to spend time with your child, play with them, prioritize them, and be there for them no matter what. Do that and you’ll do great. 

Take care of yourself, eat well and live well with the people you love.

This Home Appliance Tops the List of Popular Mother's Day Gifts.

The month of flowers is also the month for mothers! The month of May is upon us again, which only means that the spotlight shines extra bright once more for us moms as we celebrate Mother’s Day. If you’re thinking of the right surprise to give to the number one lady in your life, allow me to give you a clue. It starts with an A and ends with an R. It’s a kitchen favorite, one that will help the number one chef flex her amazing cooking skills.

Drumroll please... it’s Air Fryers! Yes, it is still air fryers, at least according to the latest data from OnBuy . According to the latest report, there is a big surge of sales on this nifty appliance weeks before the annual celebration of Mother’s Day. This kitchen must-have has boomed in popularity in the last couple of years and for very good reasons. In this blog post, I’ll give you a rundown of all its benefits by putting the focus on one of the most powerful models in the market: The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer. Below are all the reasons why you should #BringBrevilleHome.

1. Air frying is a better alternative to traditional deep frying.

When you deep fry, oil is heated into high amounts that can lead to increased concentrations of inflammatory compounds that are absorbed by the food. With air frying, you minimize the use of oil or can even entirely remove it. The way it works is that it uses convection heat to cook food, similar to the way a fan oven works.

2. It can help you cook healthier versions of your favorite fried dishes.

Regular consumption of deep-fried food has been known to be correlated to the development of chronic ailments like cardiovascular disease. The use of convection heat to fry can create the same crispy exterior that we all love so much from our favorite fried treats. The result is healthier versions of meals with lower saturated fat that are better for our diets.

3. It’s versatile!

The versatility of this kitchen partner is something all cooking aficionados will definitely appreciate. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer is a perfect example of this. On top of having a dedicated air frying setting, this unit from the premium home lifestyle brand comes with nine other cooking functions which include toast, roast, bake, crumpet, and even pizza. It’s like having 10 appliances, all in one powerful model.

4. It’s perfect for busy bees.

Talking about power, the Smart Oven Air Fryer is also ideal for anyone who wants to be efficient with cooking. Its dual-speed convection feature reduces cooking time by 30 percent which is perfect for all busy moms out there. 5. It’s very user-friendly. Air frying food is a no-brainer because you can easily pick settings for your recipe. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer takes this a notch higher with its Element IQ System which has a smart algorithm that creates the ideal cooking environment for a range of different cooking techniques. Forget about cold, uneven spots and ideal rack positions. This air fryer does it all for you and more, regardless of your cooking skills.

This Mother’s Day, give the gift of innovation to the special woman in your life by turning their dream kitchen into a reality. We already know that our moms are geniuses when it comes to creating meals that we love, but it doesn’t hurt to bring home an equally smart partner that can help them make even more cooking wonders. If you’re into it, you can even go the extra mile and take a crack at cooking by bonding with her to make your own Mother’s Day feast.

It’s time to #BringBrevilleHome this Mother’s Day. Want to know more about the Smart Oven Air Fryer? Visit their website to get the full deets about this appliance. Don’t forget to also follow their official Facebook and Instagram to get updated on their other releases.

The Stoveless Kitchen: Modern Solutions for Modern Problems.

Managing your own space is as fulfilling as it is challenging sometimes. For anyone living in a modern apartment or a condo set-up where every square foot holds its weight in gold, finding the sweet spot between maximizing space and making it conducive for everyday living can be a real struggle.

It's because of this need that so many multi-functional and space-saving household essentials shot in popularity in recent years. But how effective are they for other parts of the home where we usually spend a lot of time doing manual work and prep? Case in point: our kitchens.

Years ago, a regular kitchen was expected to have several appliances to be truly functional. But modern problems require modern solutions, and so a new wave of kitchen partners that can do multiple jobs started taking over households. Think about it: a few years ago, would you have even imagined that you could survive without a stove?

Now you might say, "This isn't even possible at present!" Well, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer is here to prove you wrong. The latest model from the premium lifestyle brand’s best-selling line of kitchen partners, the Smart Oven Air Fryer is a versatile unit that can do almost anything and everything a home cook needs in their kitchen.

The model’s dedicated air frying setting is just the tip of the iceberg of its note-worthy line of features. With ten cooking functions that include grilling, slow cooking, baking, roasting, and even a pizza-cooking feature, you can skip having a stove–and a dozen other appliances in your kitchen. Make your favorite roast or whip up your favorite crunchy fries in minutes with its dual-speed convection feature that raises hot air and sinks cold air to reduce the cooking time by 30 percent.

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer also has an Element IQ System that makes it ideal even for a newbie home cook. The technology is a smart algorithm feature that helps create the perfect cooking environment for different cooking techniques. The advanced sensing and temperature control of this model promises even cooking all the time, eliminating guesswork for its users.

In terms of design, the Smart Oven Air Fryer is crafted for ease of use. It comes with a clear and easy-to-understand LCD Display and an interior oven light that automatically turns on at the end of every cooking cycle. Topping these is its sophisticated and sleek aesthetic which makes it so easy to fit in any modern, classy home.

True enough, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer checks all the boxes a smart homeowner needs from a cooking appliance. It is sleek, versatile, user-friendly, and can elevate anyone’s creativity in the kitchen regardless of their cooking level. Small space or not, this model is a definite must-have for anyone looking for a kitchen partner that can meet their modern needs.

Do you want to learn more about the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer? Check out their website or follow their Facebook and Instagram pages now for more information.

Enjoy Nutritious Ginisarap Dishes Without Straining Your Budget.

With the continued soaring prices of onions and garlic, Filipinos are having a hard time adding these essential ingredients in their dishes. With that, home cooks are now looking for alternatives to continue serving their families delicious and nutritious dishes while still staying within their budget.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) offers an affordable and delicious alternative with Aji-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix. With its powdered form, the flavor seasoning mix can easily bring out the gisa deliciousness in every dish, even without garlic and onion. For only Php 3.00 for every 8 gram pack, veggie dishes can become more enjoyable for both kids and adults alike.

“With Aji-GINISA®, even without real onion and garlic in dishes, home cooks will still be able to achieve gisa deliciousness affordably and still prepare nutritious meals that their family can enjoy,” says Roann Co, APC’s General Manager of Corporate Planning and Public Relations.

Here are gisa delicious vegetable recipes made with Aji-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix that homecooks can try at home:

Meatless Chop Suey

Meatless Chop Suey is a classic all-in-one meal that Filipinos love. It is a medley of vegetables filled with vitamins and minerals that helps maintain a healthy immune system. Not only is it delicious but it is also easy to make, just add Aji-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix to bring that gisa flavor. See the full recipe here.

Dinengdeng

Dinengdeng is another Filipino dish filled with vegetables that are good for the body. The fiber in the vegetables help lower the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease while maintaining healthy hair and complexion. Add two packs of Aji-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix to add more flavor to this healthy dish. Try the recipe here.

Ginataang Sigarilyas at Tinapa

This soup-based dish will warm up mealtimes with its delicious flavor. It is also highly nutritious: sigarilyas has fairly good amount of iron and B vitamins that helps maintain alertness and vitality. Level up this recipe with gisa flavor with Aji-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix. See full recipe here.

Lumpiang Kalabasa

This popular dish is given a twist with a kalabasa filling. This vegetable is high in antioxidants like beta-carotene and polyphenols that help prevent illnesses like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. You can pair it with rice or enjoy it on its own! Full recipe here.

“One of our key thrusts at APC is to promote a healthy lifestyle. These recipes are part of our Eat Well, Live Well promise, which aims to create quality products and services for good food and better health among Filipinos,” ends Co.

For more delicious and healthy recipes, visit Ajinomoto’s Cookmunity website at cookmunitybyajinomoto.com. Aji-GINISA is available in the nearest stores and official online shops of APC Group.

Start the year right with New-tritious Pasta Recipes!

The new year is a good time to reflect on the year that was and the year that lies ahead. It's a great opportunity to try new things - a new sport, for instance. Or perhaps start reading a new book. Or better yet, adopt new, healthier habits like foregoing fast food deliveries for dinner, and eating homecooked meals instead.

One great way to do this is to try out new recipes that are easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and have high nutritional value. Pasta, for instance, is a quick and easy ingredient you can turn into a healthy and filling meal. There are also endless possibilities with pasta or “pastabilities” that you can whip up every day.

Kick off 2023 right with masarap, masustansya, and sulit dishes using a good quality ingredient like El Real Pasta. Here are some recipes that the whole family will enjoy:

Pinakbet Pasta.

Bet na bet na Pinakbet Pasta

Pinakbet is a Filipino ulam with pork and vegetables like squash, ampalaya, and tomatoes, which are all good sources of vitamins and minerals. You can change it up and make Pinakbet Pasta with El Real Healthy Pasta. The combination of crispy pork belly, hearty vegetables, and flavorful bagoong will give you a burst of flavors.

See the full Pinakbet Pasta recipe here.

Healthy Laing Pasta.

Spicy and creamy Healthy Laing Pasta

Add a spicy kick to your El Real Healthy Spaghetti by adding laing and chilis to it. The taro leaves used to make laing are known to be rich in vitamins A and C. For the sauce, it’s made with coconut cream to make it thicker and creamier.

See the full Healthy Laing Pasta recipe here.

Pesto and Parmesan Macaroni.

Go green with Pesto and Parmesan Macaroni

For a nutritious and filling macaroni dish, you can try making Pesto and Parmesan Macaroni. Made from basil, pesto is said to be a good source of vitamins, calcium, and iron, which makes it a great pasta sauce. Give your dish more flavor with some lemon juice and sour cream in the sauce, and top off your El Real Elbow Macaroni with chili flakes and parmesan cheese.

See the full Pesto and Parmesan Macaroni recipe here.

Healthy Sardine Spaghetti.

Healthy Sardine Spaghetti for your dose of seafood

Fish like sardines are an excellent source of vitamins B-12 and D, and other nutrients. Sardines can make a great pasta dish when mixed with oil, garlic, and a little lemon juice on top of El Real Healthy Pasta. See the full Healthy Sardine Spaghetti recipe here.

Creamy Spinach Pasta.

Creamy Spinach Pasta for all ages

If you want a dose of iron and vitamins, you can try adding spinach to your meals. A delicious way of incorporating this into a pasta dish is by mixing it with cream and ricotta cheese. You’ll get a nice creamy sauce with hints of spinach with every bite of El Real Healthy Spaghetti or any type of El Real pasta.

See the full Creamy Spinach Pasta recipe here.

Start the year right with sarap, sulit, at sustansya meals courtesy of El Real Pasta. You can now share nutritious pasta dishes that are also delicious with your loved ones, be it daily or on special occasions.

For more recipes, visit the www.realpastabilities.com/. For more information, follow www.facebook.com/iloveelreal/.

Cook Smart (not hard) this Christmas with the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer.

It's almost Christmas! Barely 48 hours away, to be exact. And with the most festive and most-awaited holiday of the year right around the corner, I'm sure you've already planned out your Noche Buena-slash-Christmas Day menu.

The holidays are always such a big eating season for everyone. It’s that one time of the year when we feel extra carefree about what we eat because seriously, have you really enjoyed Christmas without jumping from one banquet to another?

But what if we tell you that you do not need to sacrifice healthy eating to enjoy the season? Even more, what if you find out that you can whip up your flavorful recipe in minutes in your own kitchen?

Breville’s Smart Oven Air Fryer should be on every Christmas wishlist of all home cooks out there. Versatile, easy to use, and very durable, this oven from the premium home brand can give you the best of both worlds in terms of flavor and ease of cooking as you cruise through the holidays.

One of the beauties of the Smart Oven Air Fryer is its ten cooking functions that can let you make to-die-for crispy treats and scrumptious slow-cooked meals. Toast, bake, roast, grill, and of course air fry without any fuss while shortening your cooking time. Equipped with Dual Speed Convection, this kitchen partner speeds up the cooking process by raising hotter air while sinking colder one. The result: 30 percent reduced cooking time as compared to regular ovens and air fryers!

Richie Zamora, the vlogger behind The Pickiest Eater in the World makes a perfect case for this when he prepared a full spread of TV chow snacks for his family to enjoy in minutes. He shares, "All these amazing snacks were cooked in the air fryer with absolutely no oil. Everything was cooked to a beautiful crisp, but you don't even realize that they aren't deep fried."

Let’s Eat Pare also showed how fast and easy it is to make restaurant-level fried crispy wings with Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer. In just 20 minutes, they were able to make a big batch of chicken wings in sour cream flavor! You can check out their recipe here if you want to try their version.

Of course, preparing healthier versions of dishes is another thing that makes this kitchen must-have from Breville essential. Air frying significantly reduces—if not totally removes—the use of oil in cooking, which means that you consume fewer calories and prevent weight gain and obesity when you air-fried food. Fortunately, for the Smart Oven Air Fryer, you don’t need to worry about sacrificing flavors just to go the healthier route. Chef Beng proves this when she made a Pinoy-style whole fried chicken using it.

“Normally, I will have this deep fried, but using an air fryer is apparently so much better as the chicken is amazingly crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. Not to mention, this is a way healthier process than deep frying.”

She also shares that she loves the precision with time and temperature that this Air Fryer provides. “Just press a function and it automatically shows how long and high the cooking process will be.” This is made possible by Breville’s patented Element IQ System which is a smart algorithm that decides the ideal cooking environment for a range of different cooking techniques.

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer is definitely the kitchen partner to have this holiday season if you want to enjoy healthy, delicious meals minus the fuss. As Richie, Chef Beng, and Let’s Eat Pare say, respectively: "The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer proves that cooking doesn't need to be greasy to be delicious, and preparing food with less guilt doesn't mean less flavors either."

“It has 10 cooking functions which makes it a value-for-money purchase. I totally love it and I highly recommend this smart kitchen appliance.”

“It’s the ultimate kitchen tool you need to put on your Christmas shopping list, pare!”

What are you waiting for? Add the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer to your holiday wishlist now. To know more about the product, visit the Breville website and follow their Facebook and Instagram pages.

Quick and easy tips for a sulit and sustainable holiday season!

Filipinos are known to celebrate the longest and grandest holiday season. More often than not, this comes at an economic and environmental expense, having to spend more on food and gifts - but it doesn’t always have to be like that. Having an affordable and sustainable celebration can be an option and a great way for families to bond together.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC Group) shares a few tips on how Filipinos can have a meaningful holiday season- the budget-friendly and eco-friendly way. APC Group General Manager of Corporate Planning and Public Relations Roann Co said, “We, at Ajinomoto, believe that there is no small contribution when it comes to caring for the environment. Through our tips below, we hope to empower Filipinos in giving the gift of sustainability this holiday season.”

Here are some eco-friendly and meaningful ways to celebrate the holidays:

1. Recycled gift wraps and Do-It-Yourself gifts

Using old magazines and newspapers as an alternative gift wrapper isn’t a new practice to Filipinos. But, it is definitely something that we should further encourage among our families and friends. Not only does it help the environment, it is also easy on the pocket too!

Moreover, if you’re still wondering what gifts you should give, you can check some of the winning DIY projects during the online contest for Ilabas ang SustainAbilidad campaign such as the apron made from the wrappers of used Ajinomoto products and a DIY toy kitchen set for kids who want to learn to cook. You can also try re-inventing some of the projects to make it more creative and more heart-felt.

2. Solar-powered string lights

Christmas decorations are incomplete without bright lights at home and on streets. Retire your vintage decors by using solar-powered lights which give you the same merry evenings with less electricity consumption and environmental impact. And since these solar-powered decors don’t add to your electricity bill, you may also consider maintaining this type of ambient lights on your garden and terraces.

Beyond homes, Ajinomoto has also introduced solar energy to its Bulacan factory and it is projected to offset around 865 metric tons of carbon dioxide which is equivalent to reducing 2,352,456 miles in vehicle travel per year.

3. Prepare delicious, nutritious, and eco-friendly holiday meals

What makes Filipino holidays special is the variety of food options planned and prepared by home cooks. Bring out the flavor of your favorite handaan dishes like Pinoy spaghetti, lumpiang shanghai, adobo, kaldereta, and more with the new AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning 45g paper pack. The new packaging is made from a natural paper material that can be planted, grown, harvested, and then replanted which means you’re not only preparing delicious food for the family but also helping the environment.

Here are some holiday recipe ideas you may try:

Pasta Chips

Instead of buying salty potato chips as an appetizer for your guests this Christmas, why not try making your own chips at home? These Pasta Chips recipe can turn your typical soft pasta into a crispy delight that’s also less sodium, thanks to AJI-NO-MOTO®! Just deep-fry sliced and cooked lasagna sheets in a pan with oil. Drain excess oil using a strainer. While hot, immediately sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese and AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning for that added umami-goodness.

Chicken Cajun Pasta

New pasta dish to impress! Savor the delicious kick from Cajun and the savory goodness of AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning. Heat oil and melt butter in a pot. Add the chicken pieces then cook until golden brown. Chicken breast is a great source of lean Protein to help build strong muscles. Add the onions, tomatoes, French beans then cook for 3 minutes. Toss together the cooked penne pasta. To ensure an al dente texture or slightly firm pasta, cook pasta one minute less than the package instructions. Drain then you may opt to drizzle a little bit of olive oil to avoid the pasta from sticking together. Season with cream cheese and your homemade Cajun spice mix – smoked paprika powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning, and cayenne powder. Mix and cook for 3-5 minutes. Transfer to a plate then garnish with spring onions. This is another pasta dish that is complete with Go, Grow, and Glow Foods!

APC Group’s campaign for sustainability is part of its Ajinomoto Group creating shared value (ASV) framework which directs the company to realize greater wellness for people around the world through thoughtful business activities focusing on health and the environment.

“This holiday season, may we have more food to share and gifts to give. And more importantly, may the spirit of giving extend towards caring for the environment,” Co said.

Take a more proactive step towards sustainability and learn more about APC Group’s sustainability initiatives at ajinomoto.com.ph

Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022 | Discover Malabon’s Best of the Best.

With Christmas just around the corner, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry Malabon (PCCI Malabon) is opening the city’s doors and inviting everyone to discover Malabon’s best of the best as it holds the first ever Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022. The event is in partnership with the Local Government of Malabon with the support from Honorable Mayor Jeannie Sandoval.

Event starts tomorrow, Friday, November 18 until Saturday November 19 at the Malabon Sports Complex. As you explore the homegrown treasures of the city, you will be surprised to see how Malabon’s food business landscape is thriving - from local delicacies to food products as well as the value chain in the food industry from equipment, tools, packaging, and distribution network in the city.

Through this expo, PCCI Malabon is creating a platform to help push Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) to grow and thrive. This is in line with the organization's vision to be the voice of business owners and entrepreneurs, and its mission to provide technical assistance through job matching, credit access and financial planning, and digital transformation in marketing.

According to PCCI Malabon President Elsie Chua, this expo is a testament to PCCI Malabon’s goal of fostering and positioning Malabon as the Philippines' primary food industry hub and leading supply chain through warehouse and distribution facilities.

“The Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022 provides a platform for our Malabon MSMEs to showcase our products and services that are proudly ‘Made in Malabon.’ Being a businesswoman who slowly built Melawares 45 years ago, I firmly believe in the power of mentoring and the right support. Through projects like this expo, we are giving them the chance to grow so they too can thrive together with the homegrown Malabon business big brothers and sisters like Liwanag Candle, Rufina's Patis, Master Sardines, Dolor's Kakanin, Melawares or Remilly's Yema Cake,” Chua said.

The event is free admission to the public --- just present your government issued ID to register.

The two-day expo is filled with fun activities with learning and inspirational sessions. Virtually, you can also join the event through the live and interactive online selling on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PCCIMalabonInc.

To maximize the experience,  everyone is encouraged to join the expo onsite. Guests can look forward to various learning experiences such as the food safety program by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the credit access financing program by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Francorp Philippines will also be hosting a seminar on how to grow businesses through franchising.

To further ignite the passion from our MSMEs, Philippines esteemed entrepreneurs will share some inspiring talks to be led by Vice President of FFCCCII Cecilio Pedro of Founder and CEO, Lamoiyan Corporation and Mrs Natividad Cheng, Founder and CEO, Uratex and Ms. Tess Ngantian, Owner of Lotsa Pizza and AVP, PCCI National.

Guests can also watch out for a live cooking demonstration by celebrity Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou and learn how to create brand marketing from Mr. Ian John White Hyndman, Manager Partner of Dagaz Consultancy from Dubai, UAE.

Plan your itinerary tomorrow and on Saturday, and head over to the Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022. Tara na, Masarap sa Malabon!

The expo was made possible by Platinum Sponsors Melawares / Max Ideas and Spring Oil; Gold Sponsors include CDO, Dolores Kakanin, Remilly Cake, Ni Hao Express, Jamicos, Eagle Food, and Fudsource, and; Silver sponsors Pares Ave, Universal Canning, Manila Cocktails, Longlife, and Ideal Spaghetti.