Dennis Trillo with daughter Dylan and wife, Jen Mercado
Cooking brings more than just meals to the table—it also creates meaningful connections. Today’s fathers, including Ian Veneracion and Dennis Trillo, are increasingly turning the kitchen into a space for bonding, shared moments, and valuable learning experiences.
Cooking together can become an enjoyable way to build everyday skills: following recipes helps develop reading comprehension, measuring ingredients introduces practical math, and cleaning up afterward encourages hygiene and responsibility. It becomes a form of teamwork where children actively participate while guided by their fathers, working together to prepare a satisfying meal that the whole family can enjoy.
The Cooking Connection
Ian Veneracion with sons Draco and Duccio
In the home of Ian Veneracion, the kitchen cradles some of the best conversations of the brood. He explains that cooking together feels safe and relaxing. It is not a stiff, serious environment that gives off an intimidating “we-need-to-talk” vibe.
“Kitchen time equals quality time, walang pressure, walang agenda.” He explains that “you’re just thinking of something funny to say, while chopping, frying, or waiting for the food to be cooked. And while your hands are busy, conversations become easier and more honest.”
As someone who enjoys preparing tasty family meals, Ian shares that one of his go-to dishes at home is fried chicken, made with Ajinomoto Crispy Fry® Breading Mix. Made from a special blend of seasonings and spices, Ajinomoto Crispy Fry® is Ian’s trusted partner in cooking crispy-sarap recipes.
Meanwhile in Dennis’ household, it’s common to see the whole family huddled in the kitchen. “Nagtutulong-tulong kami in preparing our food. Para samin, sitting down and eating our meals is our main type of bonding,” he shares.
Their ‘dinnertime ritual’ is less about the meal but more about being fully present with one another.
“Pinaka na-e-enjoy namin ang pagluluto kasi nakakatuwa na ang mga bata ay natututo na on their own. Mas magiging responsible sila,” Dennis adds.
With cooking companions like Sarsaya® Bulgogi Sauce, cooking their favorite dishes is convenient, even kids can join in the fun. Affordable, perfectly blended, and easy to cook Sarsaya® Bulgogi Sauce, empowers families to prepare restaurant-quality food with an authentic and rich Bulgogi taste.
The joy in the mess
Like many memorable family moments, cooking together isn’t always perfect — but those are the ones that are etched in the heart.
Dennis recalls one instance when his children accidentally spilled some ingredients while they were preparing a meal. Instead of getting frustrated, the family turned the mishap into a creative opportunity by adjusting the recipe.
“Sabi ko sa kanila, you don’t need to be a perfect cook.” He emphasized that “ang importante is you have fun cooking.”
Ian recounts a similar experience while teaching his kids how to make the “perfect omelette.”
“Somehow it ended up as a lesson on ‘how not to make an omelette,’” he jokes. But somewhere between the failed flips and uneven eggs, this is where the inevitable joy takes place.
“Years from now, they probably won’t remember the taste. But they’ll remember sitting around the table, laughing, being present, and spending quality time with each other.”
Shared moments in the kitchen truly deepen connections, and for Ian Veneracion and Dennis Trillo, cooking together becomes a meaningful part of fatherhood that helps strengthen family relationships.
Cook at home
For warm and memorable kitchen experiences with your loved ones, try Ian’s favorite—Mojos, Tofu, and Potato Wedges with Aioli Dip—or Dennis’ flavorful Beef Bulgogi recipe.
(See recipe below)
Mojos, Tofu, and Potato Wedges with Aioli Dip
Ingredients
2 cups Potato, unpeeled, sliced
1 pack Tofu, cubed
2 cups Potato, unpeeled, wedges
3 packs of 62 g Crispy Fry ® Breading Mix
2 cups Cooking oil
Aioli Dip:
3/4 cup AJI-Mayo ® Professional-Style Mayonnaise
3 cloves Garlic, minced
2 tsp Lemon juice
1/2 tsp Salt
1/8 tsp Pepper
Procedure:
COAT. Using a bowl, evenly coat the potatoes and tofu with Crispy Fry ®.
DEEP-FRY. Heat oil in a pot then deep-fry for 5 minutes or until the surface is golden brown. Place the mojos, tofu, and wedges on a strainer to drain excess oil.
MIX . In a separate bowl, make the dip by mixing Aji-Mayo®, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
SERVE. Transfer the mojos, tofu, and wedges to a plate before serving.
Beef Bulgogi
Ingredients
3/4 cup (200g) Beef, thinly sliced or tapa cut
1 pack (40g) Sarsaya® Bulgogi Sauce
8 tsps. (40ml) Water
2 cups (100g) Cabbage, strips
Procedure
MARINATE. In a bowl, combine beef and Sarsaya® Bulgogi Sauce. Mix well and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
STIR-FRY. In a heated pan, add the marinated beef and water. Stir-fry for a minute. Add cabbage strips and continue to stir-fry for 3 minutes.
SERVE. Transfer onto a serving plate.
