Monthly Archives

July 2024

Lifestyle

A Memorable Vacation with Friends: The Barkada Package at the Rizal Park Hotel

The special Barkada Package, created for friends seeking an opulent and unforgettable staycation in the heart of Manila, has just been unveiled by the Rizal Park Hotel. For ₱10,000 just, this special deal includes three nights in a deluxe hotel and three breakfasts at the buffet at Cafe Rizal.

For individuals who like to relax and make priceless memories with friends, the Barkada Package is ideal. If your group is bigger than three, you can add more people for just ₱3,000 each, so everyone can enjoy this enjoyable activity.

The hotel’s top-notch amenities include an infinity pool with views of Manila Bay, a cutting-edge fitness center, and a variety of dining options, including the excellent Chinese restaurant Imperial Court, the all-day cafe Rizal, and the rooftop bar The Deck, which offers panoramic city views. Furthermore, the hotel’s excellent location makes it simple to visit Manila’s historical and cultural sites. Enjoying a memorable visit with friends or commemorating a particular occasion is what the Barkada Package is all about.

Call 0917 657 1334 to make bookings or with any questions about the Rizal Park Hotel.

Visit https://www.facebook.com/RizalParkHotel and https://www.instagram.com/rizalparkhotel1911/ to learn more about the Rizal Park Hotel and its amenities.

Entertainment

Halsey releases the eagerly awaited song “Lucky” along with the video

Music video directed by Gia Coppola Written by and starring Halsey

The highly anticipated new single “Lucky.” which was produced by Michael Uzowuru (Frank Ocean, SZA, Rosalia), by GRAMMY® nominated, genre-blending artist Halsey, features an interpolation of Britney Spears’ “Lucky” in the chorus and features the production of the No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 Hit, “Angel of Mine.”

Halsey released the music video for the new song along with her first single in more than two years. Actor Simon Rex makes a brief appearance in the video, which was directed by Gia Coppola (Palo Alto, Mainstream) and contains photography by Alexis Zabe (The Florida Project). Halsey is the star of the film.

Halsey revealed last month that she has been secretly battling with her health for almost two years after receiving a diagnosis of Lupus and a rare T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. Halsey thanked her followers in a statement following the reveal for their extremely kind words.

With four RIAA-certified albums under her belt and over 75 million adjusted RIAA-certified singles, Halsey has collected more than 50 billion global streams. She is among the few musicians in history to have four distinct songs reach one billion streams on Spotify. additionally possess two RIAA-Certified Diamond records.

Sports

In Korea, Januarius Holdings intensifies the Fighting Maroons’ training

UPMBT in Korea

The Pre-season is being utilized to its fullest by the UP Fighting Maroons as they prepare for UAAP Season 87.

The UP Men’s Basketball Team will spend two weeks practicing in Novi Sad, Serbia, where they defeated collegiate and professional teams in every tune-up game. From July 28 to August 9, they will return to Korea to continue their training.

In keeping with his pledge to be the Maroons’ “training buddy” from 2018, longtime UPMBT supporter JJ Atencio, CEO of Januarius Holdings Inc. (JHI), has once again helped the squad improve by funding their abroad preparations.

Although Atencio hails from Ateneo de Manila University, he has been one of the staunchest supporters of the Fighting Maroons, pledging to take care of their athletic training abroad yearly to prepare them for the upcoming collegiate seasons.

Atencio supports the team in a very focused way – by funding their training in places where they could get better. He has funded the Maroons’ training in Las Vegas, Serbia, Japan and Korea in various years.

“In the beginning, when they were the perennial underdogs and had not yet won a championship, I was attracted to the UP story. I identified with them because they were underdogs and I had a similar experience. Through hard work, persistence, dedication, integrity, sincerity and prayer, you can reach your goal. And I did, they did.”

STATS Technical Sportswear, a subsidiary of JHI, has also outfitted the Maroons and produced their official merchandise since Atencio started supporting the team.

“JHI is one with the UP Men’s Basketball Team as we all strive to be stronger and better in Season 87,” said Atencio. “Since we entered into a partnership with UP, our goal is to be a contender every year, which we have done for several seasons now. But we are not stopping there.”

“The story of the UP Fighting Maroons, who were once an underdog and now is a team to beat, continues to resonate with me and our company. That’s what makes this team special. Some may see them as the top dog now, but deep inside, they still have that underdog mentality. They will keep trying and trying and will stay hungry all the time,” Atencio added.

Bo Perasol, director of the UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development (UP OASD), acknowledged the teams’ gratitude for Atencio’s efforts’ significant contribution to the Fighting Maroons’ progress both on and off the court.

“JJ is like a father figure to the boys. We are really grateful for his generosity and help in our overseas training camps. More than that, we are extremely blessed to have him as a partner in guiding the players and looking after them beyond the corners of the basketball court,” said Perasol. Coach Bo was UP’s head coach when Atencio first partnered with the team in 2018.

Travel

Japan Agenda: The Ultimate Travel Guide Explore Tohoku During Summer

We visited Hokkaido in the last edition, covering its attractions, cuisine, and fun activities. We have carefully selected an itinerary featuring the best vacation places peculiar to Japan, including views of beautiful lakes and special tours of historic whisky museums. This edition of the itinerary is no different. We’re taking you south of Hokkaido to the fascinating and enigmatic Tohoku Region in this article for the Japan Agenda: The Premium Travel Blueprint series. This place will enthrall you and may even inspire you to prolong your five-day visit.

In keeping with the topic of lesser-known destinations, the Tohoku Region is a great spot to start thinking about where to go on vacation. This area offers a variety of activities for all kinds of adventurers. This region needs to be on your list of locations to visit in Japan because it offers stunning scenery, temples, and monuments in addition to forests.

Day 1: Sendai (Arrival)


Akiu Otaki Falls Photo by Visit Japan International Facebook Page

Sendai is the Gateway to the North of Japan. It’s only an hour and a half from Tokyo Station via Shinkansen.

Morning: Arrive at Sendai via Shinkansen from Tokyo Station.

Afternoon: Check in at the relaxing Hoshino Resorts KAI Akiu and rest your body at the hot spring within resort premises, where you can learn about hot springs and its qualities. You may also take this to visit the nearby picturesque sights like the Rairaikyo Gorge and Akiu Otaki Falls.

Evening: Enjoy a special kaiseki dinner in the resort with premium seasonal ingredients, served on a lacquer standing tray, similar to how daimyo’s received their meals.

Day 2: Matsushima Bay


Matsushima Bay Photo from Japan National Tourism Organization

Morning: If you’re looking to experience other premium accommodations, check out of Hoshino Resorts KAI Akiu and check-in at Mitsui Garden Hotel!

Take the train to Matsushima, and experience one of Japan’s many incredible seascapes. Matsushima Bay is one of the most beautiful in the world and it’s best appreciated by boat. Book one of the many tours from the city and see what makes this region special.

Afternoon: For lunch, you must try the salt-water eels. These anago are a popular dish in the summertime and are particular to this region. After sampling the local cuisine, learn a little more about the history of the place. Ruler and warlord, Date Masamune, left behind historical sites such as Zuiganji Temple, Entsuin Temple, and the Kanrantei Tea House. Spend the afternoon exploring these fascinating treasures.

Evening: Head back to Sendai for some bar hopping. Some good options are among the back alleys and izakaya houses of Bunka-yokocho (back alley cafes) and Iroha-yokocho (a historic arcade). After drinking and eating like a local, spend a night recharging at the Mitsui Garden Hotel in Sendai.

Day 3: Hiraizumi, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Iwate Prefecture


Photo from Japan National Tourism Organization

 

Morning: Book a car and drive the hour to Hiraizumi. Explore the Chūson-ji Temple and visit the Konjikidō or Golden Hall. After that, check out Mōtsū-ji Temple, known for its beautiful garden.

Afternoon: After lunch of wanko soba, which is like a small plates tapas experience but with refills of your soba bowl, head over to the Geibikei Gorge and book a boat trip. You don’t want to miss the pristine natural landscapes in this area.

Evening: Spend the evening in the quaint mountain town of Ginzan Onsen. It’s one of the most picturesque onsens in Japan so you won’t want to miss it.

Day 4: Yamagata


Yamadera Temple. Photo from Japan National Tourism Organization
 

Morning: Drive to Yamagata. Give yourself some time to take in the trip. Have a leisurely lunch of Yamagata beef at a place like Yamagata Sugi Beef.

Afternoon: Hike to the incredible Yamadera Temple and experience scenic views from a structure perched on the side of the mountain.

Evening: Check-in at another luxury hotel like the Hotel Metropolitan Yamagata with its spotless rooms and nice view of the surrounding area. If you manage to get up after all those steps from Yamadera Temple, walk around Yamagata’s many vibrant neighborhoods!

Day 5: Sendai (departure)


Photo from Japan National Tourism Organization
 

Morning: Head back to Sendai and get your bearings after such a whirlwind trip!

Afternoon: Go on a tour of the city to say goodbye! There are some wonderful temples and castles in Sendai as well. Be sure to try Zunda-mochi, a unique Sendai delicacy of a sweet soybean rice cake.

If you are more into shopping, there are some great options for retail therapy. There are the Sendai Izumi Premium Outlets. The shopping center is a half hour away from your hotel by car.  Another option is Mitsui Outlet Park Sendai Port which is thirty minutes by car from Sendai Station. It’s the largest outlet mall in Tohoku. If you are looking for something closer to home, there is also Sendai PARCO which is just in front of Sendai Station.

Evening: Head back to Tokyo Station on the Shinkansen.

This itinerary represents a small portion of what the Tohoku region has to offer. Although a five-day journey is a lot, you’ll find that Tohoku’s stunning natural surroundings and engrossing history will entice you to return time and time again.

Next time, extend your stay to discover the hidden locations that are only known to the locals. In case you forget that this region is also a winter wonderland, there are winter activities to engage in, trekking on Mt. Zao, and day trips to Fukushima! Summertime is a busy time of year, so it’s easy to forget. See the places and keep an eye out for the schedule for next month to assist you in organizing your subsequent trip to Japan.

Lifestyle, News

Increased foot traffic at SM is driven by improved mall activities


A crowd gathers to watch their favorite characters at the Grand Mascot Parade in SM Mall of Asia.
 

According to SM Supermalls, foot traffic increased from 3.3 million in the same period last year to an average of almost 4 million daily visitors in the first quarter of 2024. This consistent expansion demonstrates SM’s dedication to enhancing the mall experience with a variety of interesting events that meet changing customer demands.

According to SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan, “The increase in foot traffic reflects our steadfast commitment to meeting the daily needs and wants of our customers. Our malls serve as dynamic hubs that blend modern retail services with vibrant entrepreneurial environments.”

SM has turned its shopping centers into destinations that provide immersive experiences catered to each and every member of the Filipino family through its integrated property developments.

Amid a shift towards discretionary spending, Filipino consumers increasingly visit malls for leisure and dining experiences. Food tenants now constitute 30% of mall spaces leased, up from 10% a decade ago while non-food tenants including entertainment now occupy 50%. Other service-related tenants complement the diverse offerings.


The Space & Time Cube+ at S Maison is the first-ever immersive art museum in the Philippines.
 

Recent innovations include the Space & Time Cube+ at S Maison, an immersive art museum featuring 20 themed attractions such as LED tunnels and holographic displays, exemplifying SM’s commitment to blending art with entertainment.  

SM Supermalls also provides a platform in support of fandoms, whether you stan your favorite K-pop group, anime, and artists. SM is excited to support these communities and be the go-to place for these celebrations of fan gatherings of all ages and backgrounds.

One of the places fans can express themselves is the newly launched Cosplay City at SM City Fairview. It’s a hub for the community where they can be creative and be immersed in this multiple district spot filled with toy exhibits and anime themed zones wrapped with that Tokyo City vibe for Instagram-worthy posts.


Over 500 cosplayers from Metro Manila excitedly gather at SM City Fairview to check out the Cosplay City.

A 1,947 square meter indoor entertainment complex featuring amenities like a basketball court, bowling alley, e-darts, and an indoor archery range is also available at the flagship Game Park of SM Mall of Asia, which opened in November 2023 and caters to a variety of interests.

As stated by Mr. Tan, “SM keeps innovating and improving customer experiences. Our objective is to create enduring memories through dynamic destinations that complement traditional shopping.”


A family creates lasting memories at the Pyromusical Competition in SM by the Bay, SM Mall of Asia Complex.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: [email protected] 

Lifestyle, News

Eastern Communications Supports Local Businesses and Smart City Initiatives by Bridging the Digital Divide in Bohol


Eastern Communications and esteemed guests from the local government of Bohol and the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry raise a toast to the telco’s launch in Tagbilaran City. [From L to R:] Eastern Communications (EC) Head of Visayas Regional Operations Rafael Castellano, EC AVP & Head of Marketing & Customer Experience Jed Estanislao, EC Executive Account Manager Deogracias Nazareno, EC Emerging Business & Regional Sales Head Anthony Co, EC Segment Marketing Head Gian Conde, Board Member of the First District Province of Bohol Aldner R. Damalerio, EC VP & Head of Sales Mike Castañeda, Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) Executive VP Atty. Lucas M. Nunag, BEDIPO Head Maria Fe Dominise, Tagbilaran Uptown Realty Corporation President Engr. Albert Uy, and BCCI Member George Lim

The Philippines’ leading ICT solutions provider and telecommunications company, Eastern Communications, is expanding in Bohol to further its objective of digital inclusivity. It has already brought advanced connectivity and ICT solutions to Tagbilaran City and plans to branch out to other areas of the island in the near future. Through its “Via Eastern” launch event, the telecom formally introduced its services, showcasing its products intended to support the province’s digital transformation efforts and empower regional companies.

“Eastern Communications is expanding its reach to make its services more accessible across the Philippines,” said Mike Castañeda, Vice President and Head of Sales at Eastern Communications. “We see Tagbilaran City as a strategic area for growth in the Visayas region,  embracing digitization initiatives like cashless transactions and the development of the new Bohol Business Park, which is projected to generate 3,000 jobs.”


Eastern Communications team with Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Censoria Cajes-Yap [From L to R:] Eastern Communications (EC) Executive Account Manager Deogracias Nazareno, EC AVP & Head of Marketing & Customer Experience Jed Estanislao, EC Head of Visayas Regional Operations Rafael Castellano, EC Emerging Business & Regional Sales Head Anthony Co, Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Censoria Cajes-Yap, EC VP & Head of Sales Mike Castañeda, EC Segment Marketing Manager Suzel EC VP & Head of Sales Mike Castañeda, EC Strategic Segment Marketing Manager Suzel Lim, EC Segment Marketing Head Gian Conde, EC Strategic Segment Marketing Manager Danny Banzon, and EC Brand Communications Head Hannah Lazatin

Eastern Telecom is dedicated to Bohol in ways that go beyond its network and merchandise. On July 23, 2024, the MetroCentre Hotel hosted the “Via Eastern” launch event, which provided local businesses with an opportunity to learn important lessons about digital transformation. Local government representatives from Bohol, business leaders, and special guests imparted their knowledge and gave attendees advice on how to use Eastern’s solutions to streamline processes and spur expansion.

Powering businesses of all sizes

Eastern Communications focuses on bridging the digital gap and empowering local businesses through its innovative ICT solutions. The expansion will provide micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as large enterprises in the area with access to Eastern’s fast and reliable connectivity services, such as Eastern Fiber 1 and Internet Direct Service (IDS).

Eastern Fiber 1 offers a shared, high-speed fiber service that ensures optimal performance during peak office hours, making it an ideal choice for emerging businesses seeking affordable yet reliable internet. For enterprises requiring greater connectivity, IDS provides dedicated bandwidth speeds of up to 10Gbps, ensuring uninterrupted, round-the-clock operations.

“Reliable connectivity partnered with ICT solutions are crucial for businesses to thrive and provide the best services to their stakeholders,” said Jed Estanislao, Assistant Vice President and Head of Marketing and Customer Excellence at Eastern Communications. “Our full suite of internet and ICT solutions can be packaged to meet the unique requirements of each type of business, ensuring dependable and customized tech services for Boholanos.”

Eastern Communications’ ICT solutions include Network Solutions, Cybersecurity Solutions, Cloud and Data Center Solutions, and Business Applications. These digital tools are essential for local enterprises to confidently expand and lead their businesses to success.

Partnering for a smart and connected city

Eastern Communications’ expansion aligns with Tagbilaran City’s vision of becoming a premier destination for IT-BPO companies and tourism. The telco recognizes the city’s immense economic potential, particularly with the thriving IT-BPO sector and the resurgence of tourism exceeding its 2023 target of 900,000 arrivals.


Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Censoria Cajes-Yap welcomes Eastern Communications in the city.
 

Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Censoria Cajes-Yap expressed her enthusiasm for Eastern Communications’ entry into the market, saying, “Tagbilaran City welcomes new businesses with open arms and extends sincere gratitude to all existing businesses and investors for their enduring support over the years. The prestigious recognition as the Most Business-Friendly City for three consecutive years showcases Tagbilaran as an ideal environment where businesses not only survive but flourish. This acknowledgment underscores the city’s commitment to facilitating a conducive atmosphere for economic growth, benefitting both Tagbilaranons and Boholanos by fostering an environment of prosperity and progress.”

Eastern Communications’ arrival at Bohol follows its nationwide expansion through the joint Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) project, the longest undersea fiber optic cable network in the Philippines, spanning 2,500 kilometers. This strategic infrastructure investment ensures Bohol’s high bandwidth and low latency connectivity, solidifying the province’s position as a prime destination for business and leisure.


Eastern Communications VP and Head of Sales Mike Castañeda announces that Eastern’s internet and ICT offerings that are now available in Tagbilaran, Bohol

“We are proud to say that we are also present in 30 of the 38 Next Wave Cities and Digital Cities identified by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) — a list that includes Tagbilaran City,” said Castañeda.

Eastern Communications is prepared to assist Bohol on its journey toward a thriving and connected future as it continues to embrace digitalization.

You may reach Eastern Communications at 0919-081-7788 or 0917-300-7788, or you can visit their website at www.eastern.com.ph to find out more about their offerings.

Automotive

The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing GT Cup 2024 registration is now open!

Qualifiers for TMP’s national sim racing championship happening July 26 to August 3

Registration for Toyota Motor Philippines’ (TMP) flagship sim racing competition, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Gran Turismo Cup (TGR GT Cup), is now open.

To find the top virtual racers in the Philippines, the TGR GT Cup brings together fans of virtual racing from all across the nation. The winners will receive cash rewards, exclusive GR items, Autocross tickets, and Asia Finals seats!

The TGR GT Cup is launching a new competition structure for its fifth season. The forty players who finish the time-attack challenge fastest in the Qualifiers will move on to the Quarterfinals. This is scheduled for July 26 until August 3.

Registrants have the option to participate in their qualifier online or on-site at the Toyota Motor Philippines Marketing office in Makati City.

The Top 20 players from the Quarterfinals will then advance to the Semifinals, which will determine the Top 10 who will battle it out in the National Finals.

The National Finals will be the final stage for the Top 3 winners before they go on to represent the Philippines at the Asia Finals in Malaysia later this year.

The Quarterfinals, Semifinals and National Finals will be an on-site event in Metro Manila on August 17-18. Participants will compete in a series of thrilling sprint races to determine their standing.

Interested participants can register through this link: https://tinyurl.com/GTCup2024Registration 

To participate, players must be a Filipino citizen residing in the Philippines, 14 years old or older at the time of registration and have an active PlayStation Network (PSN) account and active PS PLUS subscription.

For other requirements and more information on the TGR GT Cup Philippines, visit https://toyota.com.ph/tgrphilippines/tgr-gtcup and follow TOYOTA GAZOO Racing on Facebook and Instagram.

Petron, GT Radial, and Seiko work together to bring you the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing GT Cup Philippines. Toyota Financial Services Philippines, myTOYOTA Wallet, Denso, AVT, 3M, ROTA, Tuason Racing, OMP, and Kinto One are other sponsors of this event.

Follow Toyota Motor Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, ToyotaMotorPH on X, and become a member of the Viber community at Toyota PH to stay up to current on Toyota events, services, and products.

Health and Wellness, Lifestyle

Leading the Way in Promoting Running and Wellness in the Philippines: Santé Barley

One of a kind running series in the Philippines partners with Santé Barley to promote running as a way to live more, do more


From L-R: Andrea Intalan- General Manager Sante Fitness Lab, Joey Marcelo CEO, Sante, Jonah Rivera and Christian Marcelo- Santé Barley Triteam, Pauline Bulatao – Corporate Communications, Santé

Santé Barley, the leading authority on barley in the Philippines, is thrilled to announce that it will be co-presenting and the Official Nutrition Partner of HOKA Trilogy Run Asia 2024, an exciting initiative to encourage healthier living among Filipinos.

HOKA Trilogy Run Asia, originally known as RUNRIO Trilogy, was founded in 2010 and has since nourished the nation’s love of running, promoted an active lifestyle, and fostered a thriving community of enthusiasts and athletes alike. Santé Barley understands the significance of this relationship, which marks a turning point for the brand as it increases its reach and pushes for an active and healthy lifestyle. This is because more Filipinos are becoming interested in running, and the running scene has grown.

The increase in the number of participants was evident during the opening race on April 8, with 8,000 runners taking part. Subsequently, more people have been registering, and organizers anticipate a turnout of at least 64,000 participants for this year’s HOKA Trilogy Run Asia.

Santé CEO Joey Marcelo expressed his enthusiasm, noting that this partnership represents a significant opportunity to promote healthier lifestyles among Filipinos.

“We are thrilled to partner with HOKA Trilogy Run Asia, not only to expand Santé Barley’s reach but, more importantly, to promote health and fitness across the Philippines. Just as Santé Barley is packed with nutritional benefits, we believe in holistic wellness, and this alliance presents an exciting opportunity to inspire individuals to live more and do more,” said Marcelo.

Marcelo also shared that within the Santé community, more employees and business owners are joining the races, making running a viable, affordable, and accessible choice to stay active.

“The beauty of running is that you can do it whenever and wherever you want. Whether you run solo, with groups, or even if you don’t join races like this and just set your own PRs (personal records), you can still enjoy the sport. So, I am really glad that we get to share this positive outlook on running within the Santé community and, of course, with the general public, Marcelo added.

The partnership aligns perfectly with HOKA Trilogy Run Asia’s mission of promoting inclusivity and encouraging Filipinos to confidently adopt a healthier lifestyle. With a growing number of participants in their races, HOKA Trilogy Run Asia is expanding its reach to locations across the Philippines. Santé Barley’s support will further fuel this enthusiasm, fostering a positive, health-conscious community through running.

The races will take place across six cities in the country, including Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo/Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao, with a National Finals in Pasay, featuring a total of 19 races nationwide. Several races have already been completed but interested runners can check out the dates below to participate in the upcoming legs.

Upcoming Races:

  • Bacolod (July 28, 2024)
  • Pasay, Manila (August 4, 2024)
  • Cebu (August 18, 2024)
  • Cagayan De Oro (September 15 and October 27, 2024)
  • Baguio (September 29, 2024)
  • Iloilo (October 13, 2024)
  • Davao (October 20, 2024)
  • National Finals in Pasay (December 8, 2024)

In every race organized by RunRio Inc., Santé Barley sets up a booth where participants can enjoy Santé Barley products and experience the benefits of Santé before and after the race. This addition significantly enhances the overall race experience, providing runners with the necessary nutrition to perform and recover better.

Santé Barley’s digital presence will also play a role in promoting the said races, with the help of its e-branches in Luzon (including Baguio City), Visayas (Cebu, Iloilo, and Bacolod), and Mindanao (Cagayan de Oro and Davao). Santé Barley is also part of other Run Rio races like Earth Day Run, Clark Marathon, Manila Half Marathon, and Manila Marathon, further solidifying its commitment to promoting running as a way to live healthier lives.

Through this collaboration, Santé Barley, RunRio Inc., and HOKA Trilogy Run Asia are supporting a lifestyle that is focused on vitality, well-being, and general health in addition to encouraging athletics and fitness. Collectively, they hope to encourage people of all ages and walks of life to embrace the path towards a more active, healthier future.

Go to mySanté.com to find out more about Santé Barley and other Santé products.

Food

“Superfoods and Umami: A Dream Team for Nutrition”

Recipes that are sure to welcome Nutrition Month in a hearty, delicious, and nutritious way!  

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) is thrilled to present dishes throughout nutrition month that will pack July full of flavor without sacrificing the nutritional content of any meal. The combination of superfoods with the umami flavor—one of the basic five tastes, along with sweet, sour, salty, and bitter—would be a match made in heaven for obtaining the ideal amount of nutrients while also indulging in such delectable cuisine. The word “umami” in Japanese refers to a flavorful, savory taste. It is sometimes described as a savory, meaty goodness that enhances the flavor of each bite.

Gourmet cuisine is frequently described as flavorful and delectable, but can the same be said of superfoods? Though flavor-wise, these food kinds are not as well-liked, they do offer other advantages such as nutrients that prevent heart disease and cancer-fighting capabilities. If you’re wondering why they’re so frequently referred to as “superfoods,” it’s because they have more benefits than merely satisfying hunger. Superfoods are rich in fiber, phytochemicals, and antioxidants that support and feed your body, according to study.

Luckily here in the country, these superfoods are easy to find, convenient to grow, and readily available anywhere. Considering that here in the Philippines, there is always a local store or sari-sari store that carry them as products. Examples of these superfoods  found locally are moringa leaves or known locally as malunggay, guava, or bayabas, calamansi, sitaw, pomelo or suha among many others.  

With all these superfoods found ready and available locally, there’s just no excuse not to live a life where you’re not able to Eat Well and Live Well. Just be sure that you are  well stocked with these superfoods!  

Here are some recipes you can use for your next family meal,  baon at work, or even just  a simple dish preparation to satisfy your random cravings.

Orange Tofu with SARSAYA® Oyster Sauce 

Those who love the Chinese restaurant staple orange chicken or lemon chicken are in for a treat with this recipe! You can begin with your sliced tofu cubes as you coat them with cornstarch,  salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure to coat all sides! That will ensure that perfect crunch! Afterwards, you may now concoct your special orange sauce by heating cooking oil and sautéing the garlic. Add orange juice and our SARSAYA® OYSTER SAUCE, give it a whisk until well incorporated. Add cornstarch and water mixture to thicken sauce and set aside.  

Now we make our tofu crispy! In a deep pan, heat oil and deep fry coated tofu cubes until crunchy. Finally, we mix cooked tofu onto the orange saucepan. Garnish with sesame seeds and spring onions. Then transfer this perfect meat alternative dish onto a serving plate and enjoy!

Cheese and Malunggay Fish Fillet Rolls  

Ah, a fried dish that everyone will surely find joy in preparing and devouring. Who doesn’t like fried rolls? It’s time you add Cheese and Malunggay Fish Fillet Rolls to your mastered recipes because this dish  was made for people of all ages. Your cooking adventure begins by seasoning cream dory with garlic, ginger, AJI-GINISA®, parsley, and lemon. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes. Our cream dory fish filets will absorb the meaty-gisa taste from our AJI-GINISA®. Once you’re through with the first step, it’s now time to roll by placing mozzarella and malunggay leaves in the middle of the fish filets and roll. Time to get that crunch! To achieve this, you must make sure that you coat fish filet rolls with flour, egg then breadcrumbs well, before your last and final step, deep fry, and serve! Now fried food lovers have their own favorite sauce pairing, and with this dish, ketchup, mustard, or maybe even sweet & sour sauce should do it!  

Sinigang na Bangus sa Bayabas 

Tamarind for souring agent? Done that. Vinegar as a sour base? Love that. But do you know what special souring agent you can try? Ripe guava or hinog na bayabas is waiting to be your grand champion for these types of dishes! But we’re sharing an exclusive tip for you guys, sour soups or bases can be leveled up by adding AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning! To prepare, begin by boiling water in a pot. Place ripe guava, tomato, and whole peppercorn and cook until you can mush it with fork. Add the bangus to the pot and cook for 10 minutes. Add fish sauce then boil for another 5 minutes. Drop the okra, green chillies, and kangkong leaves to the pot. Season with AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning. Finally, close the lid and let it rest for 5 minutes before transferring onto a serving bowl for everyone to savor!

Umami and superfoods are indeed a formidable pair for meals that are supposed to make you feel good and nourish your body. These recipes are up to you to modify, and you can do it even after Nutrition month because superfoods are abundant in our homeland, and Ajinomoto products that carry the umami flavor are definitely easy to find, it’s so easy that even your nearest sari-sari store or community store has it.

In honor of the global commemoration of Nutrition Month, APC would like to share with you some simple dishes that we hope will become a regular feature in your home. Naturally, with a personal touch! Philippines, happy Nutrition Month!

Go to Cookmunity by Ajinomoto Philippines for additional recipes. For further updates, you can also get in touch with us on Facebook and Tiktok.

To learn more, visit www.ajinomoto.com. 

Entertainment

Global superstar Madison Beer, nominated for a Grammy, releases “15 MINUTES”


Photo by Christina Bryson

With the release of her new music video and track, “15 MINUTES,” Madison Beer is extending her summertime dominance. Both are accessible right now. Madison Beer most famously teased “15 MINUTES” during her recent performance at Jimmy Kimmel Live Outdoor Stage, and she also included a brief snippet at the end of her most recent video, “Make You Mine.” Her fans were ecstatic to see the teases, which they watched on social media a few times, with over three million views. The exciting new album is currently accessible for viewing and streaming.

[Watch: Madison Beer, “15 MINUTES”]

[Get: Madison Beer, “15 MINUTES”]

Madison Beer tells a romantically exciting story in “15 MINUTES” that simultaneously evokes sentiments of joy and deep interest. Directed by Madison Beer and Aerin Moreno, the cinematic video feature picks up the storytelling motif from Madison Beer’s previous video work, with Beer at the center of an intensely stressful escape room scene.

15 minutes ago I was laying in bed / Then I had a crazy thought in my head / So I took the keys and got in the car / Don’t know how I got here but baby here we are,she sings, meshing the lyrics with the unpredictable atmosphere of her new video. Viewers will need to buckle in. 

“15 MINUTES” follows Madison Beer’s immensely successful last single, “Make You Mine,” which ascended to the #1 slot on the Billboard Dance Airplay charts in May, marking her first-career chart-topper as a solo artist. Its video, a feature inspired by the cult classic film Jennifer’s Body, earned Beer critical acclaim from outlets like Uproxx and Billboard, who raved of Beer’s dedication to creativity and intentional nostalgia. 

It’s been quite a year already for Madison Beer, who received her first-career GRAMMY nomination at this year’s ceremony in February, a “Best Immersive Album” nod for her sophomore LP, Silence Between Songs. Subsequently, she released “Make You Mine,” a certified Dance hit, and just weeks later in April, she embarked on her 52-date Spinnin Tour, and released the “Make You Mine” video just before the first night of the tour’s North American leg. 

During this run, Beer sold out the legendary Radio City Music Hall and Greek Theater venues, creating viral moments to last for her highly engaged audience, evoking headlines and in-depth coverage from Teen Vogue, Miami New Times, Vegas Sun and more. Most importantly, the live trek allowed her to reach her fans in ways Beer had been yearning to. 

“I want to be honest with people. I feel like that’s why I have such a strong connection with my fans, because I am honest with them, and I want them to know that it’s not all just sunshine and rainbows.” she told Teen Vogue, which attended Beer’s performance at this year’s JBL Fest in Beer’s home state of New York.

Next up: a quick tour of Asia and Australia, which will take place between August 17 and September 2, starting on August 17 at the Tokyo Summer Sonic Festival in Japan and ending on September 2 in Melbourne, Australia, with stops in Singapore, Brisbane, and Indonesia along the way. You can get tickets here. The itinerary for the entire excursion is below:

Aug 17: Tokyo Summer Sonic Festival – Tokyo, Japan
Aug 18: Osaka Summer Sonic Festival – Osaka, Japan
Aug 22: Expo Hall 7 – Singapore
Aug 24: Indonesia LALALA Festival – Jakarta, Indonesia
Aug 28: Fortitude Music Hall – Brisbane, Australia
Aug 30: Hordern Pavilion – Sydney, Australia
Sept 2: Margaret Court Arena – Melbourne Australia