Yogorino Italy Opens at SM City San Pablo.

Yogorino, World's Loved Frozen Yogurt and Gelato from Italy opens its doors to customers in SM City San Pablo on September 7, 2023. In celebration of opening its 14th yogurteria, Yogorino offers an irresistible treat - its famed frozen yogurt in bambino size for Php 75 only, plus non-stop raining of Free Choco Torrone topping. Residents can also enjoy designing their own Yogorino together with Yogorista of the day and VIVA artist Marco Gallo, and other fun and exciting promo and activities.

Yogorino at SM City San Pablo.

Yogorino has captivated its customers throughout the world with presence in 30 countries and growing. Since opening its flagship branch in Makati City, it has been offering a positive and happy lifestyle with its array of healthy and guiltless sweet menu, winning the taste buds of Filipinos across all age groups. Yogorino was brought to the Philippines by Viva International Food & Restaurants, Inc. under the leadership of Vicente "Boss Vic' del Rosario, Jr. and the company behind Botejyu, Greyhound Cafe, Papermoon, and Wing Zone, among others.

The refreshing vibe of store design eases you into a comfortable seating, making it a perfect chill spot. Locals can enjoy a fast casual service with colorful premium ingredients displayed on the counter where they can place their orders and enjoy the theatrics of having their food made before their eyes.

"We have customers who tells us that Yogorino is the best-tasting frozen yogurt and gelato they ever had. It is this strong reception and patronage of our customers that drove us to constantly innovate and evolve. And with the brands positioning as a dessert cafe, we have aggressive plans in place to grow Yogorino across the country," says Vicente Raphael del Rosario IV, President and COO of Viva International Food & Restaurants, Inc.

Why is Yogorino the best tasting frozen yogurt? It is made only with all-natural, low-calorie, and best quality ingredients. It's naturally white, velvety creamy, with a balanced sweetness and light sour flavor. You can Design-Your-Own Yogorino with combinations of fresh fruits, crunchy toppings, and sauces, or choose from the best-tasting concoctions. A 100-gram Yogorino contains only 131 calories, 1.18 gram fat, and probiotic enzymes - a little indulgence you can have any time of the day.

On the other hand, their authentic Italian Gelato has a natural, creamy, and delicate flavor. Made fresh daily, they use only the freshest and healthiest ingredients for this guilt-free dessert. Crowd-favorite flavors include Rocher, Matcha, Tiramisu, and the classic Italian Milk.

Other specialties include the Parfait with layers of YOgoodness in a cup, the cooling yogurt-based Smoothies perfect for our tropical climate, and the sweet and handy Cone Crepe with 48 selections.

Follow the Yogorino social media pages for promos and updates! 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YogorinoPH

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogorino_ph

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yogorinoph

Be Careful with your Hearts.

Did you know: aside from being known as the month of love, February is also Philippine Heart Month. The yearly celebration aims to promote cardiovascular health and wellness.

As part of its continuing mission to help Filipinos live well, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC Group) has teamed up with lifestyle doctor Dr. Dex Macalintal in promoting healthy heart education by providing easy and simple ways to keep the heart in tip top shape.

Dr. Dex Macalintal, a registered nutritionist dietitian in practice for about 10 years and a licensed physician for 4 years, shared that Filipinos should practice, “heart above all.”

He noted that when our hearts malfunction, our actions will be limited and so will our productivity. Dr. Dex also highlighted that our hearts help us orchestrate how blood flows in the body which helps our other organs function properly.

In the Philippines, heart disease is the leading cause of death. In 2022, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that over 9,000 Filipinos succumbed to ischaemic heart diseases and over 4,000 died due to cerebrovascular diseases.

“Together with Dr. Dex, we want to share how Filipinos can take better care of their hearts by encouraging healthy eating habits and improving our physical health,” APC Group General Manager Corporate Planning and Public Relations Roann Co said.

Photo credit: National Cancer Institute.

Tip #1: Do not smoke, never smoke, or If you smoke, QUIT. NOW.

Studies have proven that chemicals in cigarettes put the heart at risk of heart diseases. Blockage from a clot can lead to a heart attack and to some extent sudden death.

Photo credit: Elena Kloppenburg.

Tips #2 & #3: Exercise regularly and maintain your weight.

Dr. Dex recommends having at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise daily to help achieve our ideal body weight to minimize the risk of hypertension and stroke.

Photo credit: Anna Pelzer.

Tip #4: Keep a balanced diet.

A diet rich in vegetables, less fat, and less in sodium has already been proven to reduce blood pressure and blood cholesterol which are known culprits for putting your hearts at risk of diseases. Dr. Dex shares “Kaya naman, having a balanced diet is very essential in taking care of our health. Mainam na malaman kung gaano karami lamang ang pwedeng kainin so that our weight will be in the ideal range, putting us at the safe zone from lifestyle related diseases.”

To help Filipinos take better care of their heart health, APC Group launched its BawAsin® campaign which aims to help homecooks serve less sodium dishes. One practical way is to lessen the usage of salt and use AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning. AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning contains only 1/3 amount of sodium compared to table salt, sodium intake can be reduced by up to 40% while maintaining overall deliciousness of food.

“The goal of the BawAsin® Campaign is to reduce salt intake which is a preventive move to reduce risks of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Creating less sodium and balanced meals through this campaign can help our community decrease the cases of heart disease and other non-communicable diseases,” Dr. Dex said, “Our continuous exposure to processed foods that are very rich in sodium and salt can put one at risk of these lifestyle-related diseases. Reducing salt and sodium intake just by ½ can be very helpful in the long run,” he added.

The BawAsin® or Bawasan ang Asin campaign is a reflection of the brand’s “Eat Well, Live Well” promise, which aims to help families improve their health by providing ways on how to prepare healthy and delicious meals. These initiatives are in line with the company's ultimate goal of extending the life expectancy of 1 billion people.

“With one simple step such as reducing sodium intake can help us take better care of our heart and overall health. With the tips shared by Dr. Dex and the recipes from our BawAsin campaign, we can live a healthier lifestyle while making sure we have delicious meals every single time,” said Co.

For more information about the BawAsin® campaign, visit https://www.ajinomoto.com.ph/

For easy-to-follow delicious less sodium recipes checkout ajinomoto.com.ph/whats-new-archive/sodium-recipes/

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.

Noche Buena Ideas | Paella Recipe from The Goodwill Market.

Just one more week 'til Christmas, and by now I'm sure many of you have already planned or are already working on their Noche Buena-slash-Christmas menu. Now that most COVID restrictions have been lifted, Christmas gatherings will be a lot merrier as we can now accommodate relatives, friends, and other guests in our homes.

Of course, this also means indulging in good food to celebrate holiday traditions with family and friends. However, having too much rich foods may take a toll on your health. Serving healthy alternatives on your get-togethers can ensure that you are providing nutritious and delicious options that everyone can enjoy without missing out on the festivities.

The Goodwill Market shares this paella recipe by Chef Joel Tan Navarro that uses Duru Bulgur instead of rice. It packs more than twice the fiber and four times as much folate from bulgur, plus the umami goodness of mushrooms and the heart-healthy properties of olive oil.

Mushroom Truffle Paella (Duru Bulgur’s Vegetarian Paella)

Ingredients:

✓2 tbsp. Umbria Original Truffle Sauce

✓1 cup Duru Bulgur coarse

✓A drizzle of Umbria Tartufi White Truffle flavored oil

✓1/2 cup shitake mushrooms fresh

✓1/2 cup shitake mushrooms dried

✓1/2cup white button mushrooms

✓1/2 cup portobello mushrooms

✓1/2 cup arugula

✓1/2 cup olive oil

✓1/2 cup onions

✓2 cups vegetable stock

✓Salt

✓Pepper

Preparation:

1. Soak dried shitake mushrooms in hot water and let them bloom. Set aside.

2. Prepare, wash and cut other mushrooms and set aside.

3. Cut onions and set aside.

4. Wash the arugula and trim it into small pieces.

Cooking Time:

1. Heat up olive oil in a paella pan

2. Brown fresh shitake mushrooms and set aside. It will be used as a garnish.

3. Add a little bit of olive oil then sauté onions.

4. Add the rest of the mushrooms until brown.

5. Add the truffle salsa.

6. Add Duru Bulgur coarse and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes.

7. Then add vegetable stock and let it simmer and reduce.

8. When reduced, place the fresh shitake mushrooms as garnish.

9. Cover with foil to continue cooking and adjust the heat to medium low.

10. When the bulgur is cooked, crank up the heat to achieve the socoratt (crispy bottom layer of bulgur).

11. When done, take it off the heat and garnish with arugula. Serve.

Switch things up this Noche Buena with this filling and festive paella, made with Duru Bulgur that is conveniently available at The Goodwill Market online store. Shop smart and have your healthy goodies delivered directly to your doorstep through www.goodwill.market.

Ajinomoto partners with Mega Prime to promote healthy eating habits.

True to the “Eat Well, Live Well” promise, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) aims to propel meaningful initiatives that will improve the health and wellbeing of Filipino families. In line with this, APC teams up with Mega Prime to encourage vegetable intake through easy to prepare yummy recipes which will help in strengthening immunity.

AJI-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix and Mega Prime formed win-win alliance to aid homemakers in making nutritious and delicious meals for the family as well as offering value to consumers with bundling promotions amidst rising prices of commodities.

Eggs are always an easy go-to dish, being easily accessible and quick to cook. Instead of usual scrambled egg, why not level up and cook Button Mushrooms Omelet with AJI-GINISA® and Mega Prime Pieces and Stems Mushrooms? Egg is good source of protein, but by adding mushrooms, you also add dietary fiber into your meals. Full recipe here.

 “With day-to -day busy schedule of homemakers and budget limitation, we understand that nutrition usually takes a step back when preparing meals. Through the partnership with Mega Prime, we aim to help homemakers in preparing affordable, nutritious and delicious meals for the family.” shares Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation Marketing Department Head Daryl Magno.

Veggie Fried Rice

Starting, or getting through a long day requires having a meal that’s rich in energy sources. For those days, what better way to fill up your stomach than by preparing some fried rice. Veggie Fried Rice is an all-in-one meal, with rice and corn as main sources of carbohydrates to produce energy, alongside egg which is rich in protein and repairs the body's cells and creates new ones. Stir-fry your favorite Mega Prime green peas with leftover rice and season with a pack of AJI-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix to add more flavor. Green peas are good source of Vitamins A, K and C and rich in antioxidants. Check the recipe here.

Visit Ajinomoto’s LazMall and Shopee Mall pages and get 1 free can of Mega Prime Green Peas (155g) for every purchase of 2 polybags Aji-Ginisa® 8g until October 30, 2022. Homemakers may also shop in select local grocery stores to avail for one free pack of Aji-Ginisa® 8g for every purchase of Mega Prime canned mushroom 425g.

“Nutrition need not be expensive and difficult. Nutritious food does not have to come at the expense of convenience and ease,” says Magno. “We at Ajinomoto, aim to provide solution and equip homemakers on preparing affordable, delicious and well-balanced meals so that every Filipino family can eat well and live well.”

For more delicious and healthy recipes, visit Ajinomoto’s Cookmunity website: https://www.cookmunitybyajinomoto.com/

Give the gift of healthy and delicious homemade meals this Father’s Day!

Father’s Day is just around the corner and one of the best ways to show your appreciation for your dad is by cooking a delicious and nutritious meal made with lots of love.

“Dads are known to be very hardworking and put their loved ones first before themselves. This is why we, at Ajinomoto, would like to help in putting their health and happiness first this Father’s Day by sharing healthy but delicious recipes that they will surely enjoy,” said Roann Co, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) General Manager of Corporate Planning and Public Relations.

Below are special recipes made healthy and delicious through the use of AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning that helps in reducing sodium without compromising taste. These recipes are part of Ajinomoto’s BawAsin® or Bawasan ang Asin campaign, an effort that encourages consumers to reduce their sodium intake without sacrificing the deliciousness of their meals.

Ajinomoto has created a BawAsin® section in its official website. It provides information that reducing sodium in diet is not difficult or will result to bland food. The site features 100 less sodium creative recipes that help individuals enjoy meals that contain less sodium yet enjoying same deliciousness.

Elevated dining with Creamy Salmon Garlic

Even through home dining, sophistication is possible with this hearty plate of Creamy Salmon Garlic. Rich in protein, salmon helps in muscle building and repair perfect for dads who like to stay active and workout. Not only that, the dish is rich in vitamin D for maintaining good bone density. This recipe works with the elegance of salmon fillet, all-purpose cream, cooking wine, parmesan cheese, spinach, garlic, onions, and AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning. Check out full recipe here: Creamy Salmon Garlic

Comfort with a twist in Chicken in Herb and Mustard

On the other hand, if you want something familiarity with a little bit of a twist, Chicken in Herb and Mustard may just do the trick. It is rich in protein and high in zinc, which helps maintain the heart’s health and the body’s immune system. This dish can be made in as little as 15 minutes too, using ingredients such as chicken, mustard, lemon grass, thyme, and AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning. Full recipe here: Chicken in Herb and Mustard

Super Food for Super Dad with Sautéed Bok Choy and Mushrooms

Finally, if you’d like to prepare a meal as super as your dad then best to play around with a superfood like bok choy. Studies also show that people who eat more cruciferous vegetables like bok choy have a lower risk of developing lung, prostate, and colon cancer. This superfood is then paired with button mushrooms and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Learn the recipe here: Sauteed Bok Choy and Mushrooms

“We, at Ajinomoto, believe that cooking is an expression of love. We hope that these thoughtful recipes help sons, daughters, and even beloved grandchildren to express their admiration to the special men in their lives- their dads and grand dads,” said Co.

Providing special, delicious, healthy, and easy-to-follow recipes are just one of the many ways that Ajinomoto lives its “Eat Well, Live Well” commitment to help people live a fulfilled life with their family and loved ones through nutrition without compromise.

For more nutritious and delicious recipes, visit the Less Sodium Recipes section of Ajinomoto’s Cookmunity website at cookmunitybyajinomoto.com/tag/less-sodium-recipes.

Ajinomoto launches Sustansarap, Sustansaya! online nutrition classes for nutritious, delicious and enjoyable meals.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) recently launched Sustansarap, Sustansaya!, a series of online nutrition classes and cooking demonstrations, through a Facebook Live on Cookmunity by Ajinomoto page. The project aims to help Filipinos improve their nutrition knowledge and cooking skills with the help of food experts. It is set to run on a quarterly basis on the brand’s official Facebook page.

“We, at Ajinomoto, believe that nutrition education is vital in taking care of our families’ health. However, for most, nutrition information can be intimidating and difficult to understand. With day-to -day busy schedule of homemakers and budget limitation, we understand that nutrition usually takes a step back when preparing meals. Sustansarap, Sustansya! makes nutrition information fun, simple, accessible and proves that easy, affordable, nutritious, and delicious meals are possible, especially with the help of Ajinomoto products,” said Roann Co, Ajinomoto General Manager of Corporate Planning and Public Relations.

Sustansarap, Sustansaya! BawAsin Natin Key Speakers.

Class #1: BawAsin Natin! (Delicious Salt Reduction)

The livestream launch features the first Sustansarap, Sustansaya! online class titled “BawAsin Natin.” The pilot session focused on delicious salt reduction wherein health and nutrition experts Dr. Dex Macalintal and Bea Menorca, RND shed light on the adverse effect of excessive sodium intake in our health and why it is important to reduce salt intake. They shared a practical tip that it is not difficult or costly to reduce sodium in daily meal preparation. One easy way is lessen teaspoon salt and use monosodium glutamate (MSG). MSG contains only 1/3 amount of sodium compared to table salt. With MSG, sodium intake can be reduced by up to 40% while maintaining overall deliciousness of food.

“It is important to know that high blood pressure or hypertension can cause complications such as stroke, heart failure, heart attack, and kidney failure. Among the factors is the frequent consumption of foods high in sodium. According to the World Health Organization, the recommended sodium intake per day is below 2000 mg. But for Filipinos, the actual intake is more than twice this recommendation. One way to reduce sodium intake is reducing intake of salty foods.” shared Dr. Macalintal, Lifestyle Medicine Specialist.

“To help and encourage Filipinos to clear their worries and struggle on practice of salt reduction, the BawAsin® campaign was started by APC. It aims to share how it is important to reduce sodium intake for our health and not sacrificing the taste and deliciousness of our meals,” said Menorca, APC Specialist - Science Communication.

For more information, checkout BawAsin® section in APC’s official website. The site features 100 less sodium creative recipes that help individuals enjoy meals that contain less sodium yet enjoying same deliciousness.

Cooking Demonstration by Ms. Sofie Conejos.

After the lectures, Sofie Conejos, RND APC Manager – Culinary Nutrition demonstrated two Less Sodium Recipes: Upo Kalabasa and Sotanghon Soup and Chicken Eggplant Omelette, made delicious by AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning. She reiterated that lessening sodium in diet is not difficult and does not mean sacrificing deliciousness of food. For other easy-to-follow delicious less sodium recipes checkout ajinomoto.com.ph/whats-new-archive/sodium-recipes/

The Sustansarap, Sustansaya! Online Class is in line with the brand’s “Eat Well, Live Well” promise, that aims to propel meaningful initiatives that will improve the health and wellbeing of Filipino families. This project is also one of the actions made by Ajinomoto to fulfill its ultimate goal of extending the healthy life expectancy of 1 billion people.

“With Sustansarap, Sustansaya! online classes, we hope to educate, empower, and enable families to live a healthy and happy life, one nutritious and delicious meal at a time, ” said Co. “We have more classes and cooking demonstrations in store and we’re eager to encourage more people to learn about nutrition and apply them in their own kitchens.”

To catch the next Sustansarap, Sustansaya! online class, follow and stay tuned at Cookmunity by Ajinomoto facebook page.

More Flavor, Less Salt.

Filipino cuisine uses a wide range of healthy and nutritious ingredients, however most pinoy dishes use generous amounts of salt, soy sauce, fish sauce, or bagoong to achieve full flavor. In addition to this, Pinoys also love salty dipping sauces or sawsawan. Unfortunately, the flavor that brings the yum in Filipino dishes may be a key ingredient that is putting people’s heart and health at risk.

That’s because too much salt leads to excessive sodium intake, which has been linked to many illnesses such as heart diseases, stroke, and kidney diseases. In fact, Filipinos’ average salt consumption per day is 11 grams (4,263 milligrams of sodium). This is more than the recommended 5 grams of salt (or less than 2,000 milligrams of sodium) daily by the World Health Organization (WHO).

To help address the issue, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) Group recently launched its BawAsin or Bawasan ang Asin campaign, an effort that encourages consumers to reduce their sodium intake without sacrificing the deliciousness of their meals.

Less Sodium, Happier Heart

Our heart works non-stop to keep us going, so we need to take a good look at the condition of our heart and give it the attention and love it deserves. And people can start with consuming less salt in their diets.

Ajinomoto’s new BawAsin section in its official website contains less sodium hacks as well as more than 100 less sodium recipes to help Filipinos in their pursuit of keeping a healthy and hearty diet. One of the main tips suggested is to substitute 1 teaspoon of salt with the combination of ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ tablespoon of MSG. This simple step allows for reducing sodium content by up to 40% while maintaining the flavor.

“Many people remain apprehensive of reducing their salt intake because of the notion and misconception that less salt results in bland-tasting or less flavorful food. This is far from the truth,” said APC Science Communication Specialist Beatrice Menorca, RND. “Based on a study entitled ‘Determining acceptability of a less sodium recipe with umami seasoning’ participants of the study actually preferred the less sodium recipes over regular recipes. This only proves that it is possible to cook delicious food with less sodium. It’s quite easy too, as there are healthier alternatives to make food rich in flavor without adding too much salt,” Menorca said.

APC Group’s BawAsin or Bawasan ang Asin campaign was also launched in a Webinar Series that was held in partnership with the Nutritionist-Dietitians Association of the Philippines. APC Group and NDAP’s Webinar Series enjoined nutrition experts and students to help spread the word about the importance of taking care of health, through healthy and nutritious food.

The first webinar entitled, ‘Invest in your health be better in 2022’, discussed how people can invest in improving their immune system by consuming healthy and nutritious food. Another webinar entitled ‘More flavor, less salt: Delicious salt reduction’ covered the effects of excessive salt intake on people’s health and how Filipinos can make food delicious with lesser salt intake.

The BawAsin or Bawasan ang Asin campaign is a reflection of the brand’s “Eat Well, Live Well” promise, which aims to help families improve their health by providing ways on how to prepare healthy and delicious meals. These initiatives are in line with the company's ultimate goal of extending the life expectancy of 1 billion people.

“It’s amazing how one simple step—reducing sodium intake—can bring about so many benefits for the heart and our overall health. We must do every little thing that would help us live a healthier lifestyle, while making sure we have delicious meals every single time,” said Roann Co, APC General Manager of Marketing and Public Relations. For more information about the BawAsin campaign, visit ajinomoto.com.ph.

Ajinomoto and Municipality of Cainta partner to fight malnutrition with Mag-Pinggang Pinoy® Tayo! Program

The Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) Group and the Municipality of Cainta held a hybrid ceremonial contract signing event last December 3, 2021 to mark their commitment to strengthen the Mag-Pinggang Pinoy® Tayo! (MPPT) program in a bid to address malnutrition in the country. The event was held in Banquet Hall East, Filinvest East, Cainta and broadcasted in a virtual meeting.

MPPT, a program launched by APC Group in 2018, aims to promote the practice of Pinggang Pinoy®, an easy-to-understand healthy food plate guide for Filipinos developed by the Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute.

“This program embodies our Nutrition Commitment towards extending the healthy life expectancy of Filipinos. We also recognize the importance of our collaboration with the local government unit of Cainta. Together, we will create an ecosystem that would make the MPPT program effective and sustainable,” said APC Group President Tsutomu Nara during the event.

The Ajinomoto Group’s Nutrition Commitment is to help extend the healthy life expectancy of 1 billion people by 2030 utilizing its expertise in Amino Science. This allows the company to support delicious salt reduction using umami, provide products to contribute to people's wellness and provide health and nutrition improvement information as well as easy recipes/menus.

Joining APC President Nara in representing the company is Mr. Hironori Aoki, Director, Marketing, Sales and Public Relations. Meanwhile, the Municipality of Cainta was represented by Hon. Mayor Johnielle Keith “Kit” Nieto and its Municipal Health Officer Dr. Edgardo Gonzaga. Also in attendance were representatives of MPPT partners and supporters: UPLB-MPPT Project Team led by Dr. Angelina DR. Felix of the Institute of Human Nutrition and Food- College of Human Ecology, UPLB; Dr. Pauline Jean Rossel-Ubial, former Secretary of Health; and Ms. Sarah Coe, Redscope Communications CEO.

“Thank you Ajinomoto for this opportunity, for having decided to give back, and for your willingness and your generosity in providing us everything we need. There is actually a lot more to do for us just to make sure that the people are always healthy.” said Hon. Mayor Johnielle Keith “Kit” Nieto in his address to the company and all the people that make MPPT possible.

The APC Group, Cainta, and its MPPT advocates are determined to combat malnutrition especially amid the ongoing pandemic where food systems have been disrupted and have continued to affect vulnerable groups like children. In line with this, the drafted MPPT program in Cainta consists of the following: (1) online capacity building of community health workers, (2) online nutrition education of homemakers, and (3) one-meal dietary supplementation among identified undernourished children for 120 days.

“This is truly one of the most important projects of the APC Group,” said Hironori Aoki, APC Group Director of Marketing, Sales and Public Relations. “Ajinomoto is not only a food company but a solution providing company guided by the Ajinomoto Group Creating Shared Value (ASV) with a mission to help resolve emerging social issues such as malnutrition through thoughtful initiatives.”

For more information about the MPPT program, visit ajinomoto.com.ph today.

PH’s 1st Stevia grower-manufacturer launches No Sugar iced tea mixes.

GIDC, The Stevia Company, and maker of Glorious products, is bringing no sugar iced tea mixes in major supermarkets and groceries! Consumers who cuts on sugar in their diet can now enjoy low calorie, no sugar iced tea mixes that are sweetened by natural alternatives.

Glorious Blend Lemon Iced Tea, Red Tea and Cucumber Lemonade that are sweetened iced tea mixes without sugar are especially produced for people who are cutting and avoiding food and drinks with too much sugar.

Glorious Blend iced tea mixes are naturally sweetened with stevia. The mixes are made from premium ingredients that include mixed berries, real black tea leaves, lemon, and real cucumber. It is low in calorie and loaded with vitamin C.

No sugar added!

“Stevia has been regarded as a safe and healthy sugar substitute. It can sweeten foods, and it has several health benefits, including decreased calorie intake, lower blood sugar levels, and less risk of cavities,” said Maura De Leon, the woman behind GIDC, the country’s first FDA registered stevia grower and manufacturer.

Before, stevia was restricted to the health food market without any FDA approval. However, it is now widely used as a natural substitute for artificial sweeteners in many products.

While it has zero calories, stevia is 200 times sweeter than refined sugar and does not affect blood sugar. It is a popular option for people looking to lose weight but who want to reduce their sugar intake.

Stevia is an herb that has been grown in tropical climates for centuries. It is a small bushy plant that belongs to the sunflower family and grows in Paraguay and Brazil, but it can be quickly grown elsewhere. For centuries, the people of Paraguay add them to their foods as sweeteners, and countries like Korea, Brazil, China, Japan, and South America, have long used stevia. 

Stevia is now being widely used as a natural sweetener in various food preparations.

Guilt-free iced tea!

People who have diabetes can benefit from stevia. Choosing pure stevia extract can help maintain normal blood sugar levels and should be used in moderation. Stevia can also help cut down added sugar consumption, which can be beneficial for children. High sugar intake in children could lead to heart disease due to reconstructing triglyceride and cholesterol levels, contributing to children's weight gain. Substituting added sugar for stevia can minimize these risks. At the same time, moderate consumption of foods with stevia and other sweeteners can prevent adverse side effects and promote overall health.

Stevia products such as iced tea mixes, healthy coffees and chocolate beverages manufactured by Glorious, are approved safe by the Food and Drug Association (FDA) for pregnant women or people who have diabetes.

Incidentally, all Glorious Blend beverages -- from the 3in1 coffee, 4in1 Malunggay mix, 5in1 Brown Rice Coffee, 7-in-1 Mangosteen-Malunggay Coffee, 7in1Native Cacao Choco and Maxitrim with L-Carnitine, use Stevia which has no calories, no carbohydrates, and zero glycemic index. All of their instant drinks will keep you alert and energized throughout the day. For more information about Glorious products, log on to https://gidc.com.ph/.

Boost Your Immune System With These Fruits and Veggies and Win Up To P2.5M from Pru Life UK!

Prepare the jackets, umbrellas, and vitamins—it’s the rainy season again! For some, this means hot meals and bed weather but for others, this requires taking additional precautions to avoid the flu.

With COVID-19 still looming in the country and stricter quarantine protocols being implemented, it remains important to do more to prevent one’s self from getting sick— even with just minor colds. This is why it’s important to consume the right food to help boost the immune system. While sometimes challenging, it can be made easier and gratifying with Pulse, the all-in-one AI-powered health and wellness app from leading life insurer Pru Life UK.

Pulse by Pru Life UK - a handy and helpful health and wellness app.

“With health being a top priority for all, Pru Life UK through the Pulse app, wants to be their customers’ partner in effectively monitoring their nutrition to help prevent any diseases especially this rainy season,” shares Allan Tumbaga, Pru Life UK SVP & Chief Customer Marketing Officer. “We at Pru Life UK want to help as many Filipinos as possible maintain optimal health, and instill this habit through our health management app.”

Some of Pulse’s features include Healthcheck, a comprehensive AI-driven health assessment tool that checks your medical and family history, lifestyle, nutrition, and mental health. It also has a Call-a-Dietician feature which offers unlimited chat access and a one-hour video call consultation with a licensed dietitian who can help address a user’s dietary concerns.

Through the Pulse Gold subscription, the app also has a Food Journal feature which allows users to upload a photo of their food and monitor their daily food intake to achieve a balanced diet. Some of the most nutritious fruits and vegetables that users upload as part of their meals are:

1. Oranges

High levels of flavonoids and vitamin C are present in citrus fruits which include oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. Vitamin C helps decrease inflammation, which is useful in fighting a fever. It’s better to enjoy these fruits raw since Vitamin C is heat sensitive and may be reduced when cooked. They also contain Quercetin, a specific flavonoid, which is helpful when treating rhinovirus infections that usually cause common colds.

2. Papaya

Aside from a substantial amount of Vitamin C, papaya contains papain, a digestive enzyme that has anti-inflammatory effects. This means that it is not only capable of protecting a body from viruses, but also of treating it. It also has fibers located by the bowels, allowing for better and more regular digestion. Lastly, papayas can be enjoyed raw, making them an easy treat.

Broccoli boosts immunity!

3. Broccoli

Broccoli is an example of a cruciferous vegetable that is proven to boost immunity. It contains sulforaphane, which neutralizes toxins and in turn, prevents them from turning into viruses. These can be activated by consuming it raw or steaming it for one to three minutes below 140˚C.

4. Spinach

Spinach contains Vitamin C and antioxidants like digestion-regulating fiber, which aid in the excretion of unwanted toxins in the body. Similar to broccoli, spinach can be best enjoyed with minimal to no cooking to ensure that its nutrients stay.

5. Asparagus

Asparagus contains Vitamin E, an antioxidant that strengthens your immune system by widening blood vessels and preventing clot formation. Cooking it with a little olive oil increases its effect since vitamin E is absorbed better if eaten with a little healthy fat.

Jo Jong Suk eats healthy.

6. Red Bell Peppers

Vitamin C is three times as present in bell peppers as they are in citrus fruits. It is also rich in beta-carotene which can reduce inflammation and boost immune functions by increasing disease-fighting cells in the body. It can be cooked and baked in multiple ways.

7. Ginger

Ginger contains anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties such as gingerol, which can help strengthen the immunity system. Not only does it help prevent flu-like illnesses, but it can also ease the feeling of flu and common colds for those who have them. Ginger can be incorporated into multiple meals and drinks, such as Indian cuisine and tea.

Using the Pulse app by completing activities and challenges, such as uploading photos of one’s meal, will give users raffle entries for a chance to win amazing prizes in Pru Life UK’s ongoing We DO Health and Wealth: 25th Anniversary Free Raffle Celebration. Participants can win gift certificates worth 2,500 pesos or iPhone 12 mini 64GB weekly. Meanwhile, one lucky winner will get the grand prize of 2.5 million pesos to be announced in the grand draw in September as Pru Life UK culminates their 25th year in the Philippines.

“Through our raffle celebration and the various offerings that users can access on Pulse app, we hope to contribute to the wellbeing of the Filipinos and encourage everyone to continue being mindful of their health,” adds Tumbaga. For more information about the raffle draw, visit Pru Life UK's site.