Browsing Category

Food

Food, News

The Marilao Commissary of Mang Inasal has achieved zero waste to landfill status

The commissary has fulfilled one of the Waste Reduction focus areas of Jollibee Group’s global sustainability agenda


While all Jollibee Group-owned and brand commissaries are already engaged in their own waste reduction efforts, Mang Inasal Marilao commissary is the first site to reach a 100% Zero Waste to Landfill status in 2023. Their concerted waste reduction efforts include co-processing residual waste (as seen in the photo) as alternative fuel for cement production.

In keeping with its efforts to strengthen its sustainability practices, the Jollibee Group celebrates the strengthening of the implementation of its Corporate Supply Chain Sustainability Program, which spans 11 company-owned commissaries and one logistics center nationwide, marking a major milestone for one of its brands.

The comprehensive program aims to achieve significant goals and efforts related to waste reduction, water and energy efficiency, and alignment with the Jollibee Group’s Joy For Tomorrow sustainability plan.

Mang Inasal’s (MI) Marilao Commissary is pushing the trash reduction initiative farther; in 2023, it attained Zero trash to Landfill Status. The MI Marilao Commissary made use of co-processing residual waste as an alternative fuel for cement manufacture, recovering and repurposing scrap garbage, and turning organic waste into compost in order to accomplish this.

During the 2020 baseline year, MI Marilao Commissary has sustainably disposed of 53% of its total waste. With the leaders and the team’s dedication and teamwork, the site has gradually increased its sustainable disposal to 85% in 2021, 91% in 2022, and 97% at the start of 2023 before reaching 100% status by June of 2023.


Waste Reduction is one of the focus areas of the Jollibee Group’s global sustainability agenda whose goals include reducing food loss and waste to landfill in the manufacturing process.  
 

Sustainability achievements

Waste Reduction is one of the focus areas of the Jollibee Group’s global sustainability agenda whose goals include reducing food loss and waste to landfill in the manufacturing process. These goals were set to contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), particularly “Responsible Consumption and Production” (Goal #12).  

Jose Miñana Jr., Chief Sustainability and Public Affairs Officer at the Jollibee Group, underscored the company’s proactive approach to integrating sustainable waste management practices into operations. “We prioritize recovering, reusing, and recycling waste that contribute to the creation of a more sustainable food system, ensuring that we can continue to nourish and sustain our communities and our planet for future generations.”


During the 2020 baseline year, MI Marilao Commissary has sustainably disposed of 53% of its total waste. With the leaders and the team’s dedication and teamwork, the site has gradually increased its sustainable disposal to 85% in 2021, 91% in 2022, and 97% at the start of 2023 before reaching 100% status by June of 2023.
 

The production locations of the Jollibee Group across the nation achieved a combined 42.8% reduction in waste-generated ratio last year compared to the company’s 2020 baseline thanks to its ongoing commitment to sustainable business practices. Over 51% of its garbage was disposed of sustainably by the end of 2023, a notable rise from 39.7% in 2021.

“The results achieved by Mang Inasal’s Marilao Commissary will be our benchmark for waste reduction implementation across all Jollibee Group manufacturing sites in the country, consistent with our commitment to maximize use of resources and reduce our impact on the environment,” stressed Michael Ong, vice president and head of supply chain at Jollibee Group.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

May 2, 2024 by
Food, News

Creating the Future of Health and Food: Taro Fujie, Global President and CEO of Ajinomoto, is in Manila, Philippines


(L-R) Hironori Aoki, Director for Sales, Marketing and Public Relations of Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC), Taro Fujie, President and CEO of Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Koichi Ozaki, President of APC and Ernie Carlos, Chief Sustainability Officer of APC.

With specific strategies up until 2030 that aim to promote the improvement of environmental health and human wellness, Ajinomoto Co., Inc. and the entire Ajinomoto Group are continuing to march towards a better and sustainable future. The multinational corporation seeks to improve consumer value, promote a healthy lifestyle, and address important food and health issues in order to help one billion people live longer lives worldwide.

The leadership by example of Ajinomoto’s President and CEO, Mr. Taro Fujie, who visited the Philippines and hosted a media conference in Quezon City, is evidence of the company’s dedication to helping to create a healthy future for everyone. Mr. Taro gave a summary of the 2030 Strategic Roadmap and the Ajinomoto Group’s Medium-Term ASV management during the discussion.

During Mr. Taro Fujie’s speech, he reiterated Ajinomoto’s core purpose, which is to be able to contribute to the well-being of all human beings, our society and our planet with “AminoScience”. With this, Ajinomoto aims to reduce our environmental impact by 50% in turn, regenerate our environment, and help extend the life expectancy of one billion people through better health and life. True to Ajinomoto’s corporate slogan, Eat Well, Live Well, Mr. Taro Fujie shares that the company has been relentless in living up to its ways, with creating new value, championing the pioneer spirit, engaging in social contribution,  which all ultimately values people, not just their customers. All these efforts are rooted all the way back from the company’s founding, where Ajinomoto promotes management that co-creates social value and economic value through its business, which they coined as ASV or the Ajinomoto Group Creating Shared Value.

“2030 is closer than we all think it is, but it is my great honor to share with you, that we, in the whole of Ajinomoto Group, will remain as enthusiastic as we are now, to achieve what needs to be achieved for the betterment of our society, and all of us in this world, and that we share every milestone with you, as our companions in this journey,” says Mr. Taro Fujie, Ajinomoto Co., Inc. President and CEO.

Mr. Taro Fujie has also set the expectations that the Ajinomoto Group has for Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC), which he is confident that APC will do everything in its capabilities to achieve. APC is expected to keep contributing to resolving social issues for the well-being of the Filipinos, the society, and the planet through initiatives led by the ASV, while being able to diversify its business steadily progressing from seasonings to frozen foods, supplements, and more in the future.

“It is my pleasure, and a great honor, to meet you all today, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation. I am indeed certain that you will continue to cultivate an environment where employees remain diverse, highly motivated, and engaged, as you are our essential and greatest intangible assets.” ends Mr. Taro Fujie.

Earlier during the day, Mr. Taro Fujie and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte engaged in an exchange where outlooks focused on sustainability and community development through co-creating a greener tomorrow, through the Saricycle Program of APC. Mr. Taro Fujie was also able to engage in a first-hand experience as he visited one of the participating sari-sari stores in Feria Road Old Balara, Quezon City.

The road to a more sustainable tomorrow is paved by innovative strategies and collaborations. Just recently, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation partnered with different stakeholders, including the Local Government of Quezon City and Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies (BEST), for the SariCycle Program. The program is a flagship plastic collection drive of APC Group that is focused on sari-sari stores and market stalls which incentives them to collect Single Use Plastics (SUPs) or Flexible Plastics from their customers which the store owner can exchange for Environmental Points (EPs) that is good as cash for participating merchants. APC also partnered with ACEN Res, allowing APC’s Bulacan factory to run on 100% renewable energy, with the goal of lessening its environmental footprint.

From 2011 till 2015, Mr. Taro Fujie served as president of Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation. And he has returned to the Philippines after nearly a decade, this time in the capacity of President and CEO of Ajinomoto Co., Inc. He has conveyed his appreciation to the APC Group and, above all, the Filipino community, which has long supported the Ajinomoto name. Ajinomoto genuinely believes that in the near future, all of our combined efforts will undoubtedly be enjoyed by the generations to come, whose mindsets have been instilled with the same responsibility of taking part in nurturing our environment while living a healthy life. Ajinomoto is committed to serving the community through managing the Ajinomoto business and co-creating a better future for everyone.

To learn more, visit www.ajinomoto.com.

May 2, 2024 by
Food

Purefoods Ready-to-Eat effortless Filipino flavors will elevate Mother’s Day

Many of us are looking for meaningful ways to honor the amazing ladies in our lives as Mother’s Day draws near. Why not give your mother a memorable, hassle-free homemade dinner this year? You can easily make recipes like Chicken Meatballs and Bistek Tagalog with Purefoods Heat & Eat Viands, making sure your mom feels particularly cherished and valued on her special day.

Do you recall the times when your mother prepared every meal at home with love? It’s your turn now to return the favor by making her favorite dishes. Imagine how satisfying it would be to serve tasty, slow-cooked meals that only take a few minutes to prepare. These handy snacks provide a solution that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or quality, whether you’re a working parent balancing work and family obligations or you just want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time cherishing moments with loved ones.

Preparing a delicious meal with Purefoods H&E Viands is as easy as 1, 2, 3. Simply heat the dish over the stove or pop it in the microwave for 8-10 minutes, and you’re ready to enjoy a hearty and wholesome feast. Add your favorite veggies to complement the flavors and elevate the dish to new heights of culinary delight. What’s more, they offer a diverse range of ulam options, making meal planning a breeze. Whether your mom prefers traditional Filipino favorites or craves something a bit more adventurous, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Bring a delightful and surprising twist to classic Filipino dishes by following these recipes from the HomeFoodie website and create a Sweet and Sour Meatball or an elevated Bistek Stroganoff.

SWEET & SOUR MEATBALLS

Ingredients: 

  • 2 packs (250 g each) PUREFOODS HEAT & EAT CHICKEN MEATBALLS
  • 2 cups cooking oil

Sauce:

  • 1 pc (50 g) red onion, quartered
  • 1 can (227 g) pineapple chunks, drained
  • 1/2 cup cane vinegar
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup banana ketchup
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch, dissolved in 1 cup water
  • 1/2 tsp iodized fine salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

Procedure:

  • Fry meatballs in a deep pan with hot oil for 2 minutes or until golden brown. Drain excess oil on paper towels and set aside.
  • In a saucepan, add 2 tbsp used oil. Sauté onion, then add remaining ingredients. Stir continuously until mixture simmers and thickens. Adjust seasonings as needed.
  • Add cooked meatballs and simmer once.
  • Makes 4-5 servings (Yield: 20-24 pc/4 pc per serving)

This Mother’s Day, make the most of the chance to spend time with your mother and family rather than spending hours in the kitchen. You can concentrate on making priceless experiences that will last a lifetime when you use Purefoods Heat & Eat. Adding a little bit of home to your Mother’s Day celebration has never been simpler thanks to these products, which are available at top supermarkets, grocers across the country, and online at San Miguel Mart, Lazada, or Shopee.

Make this Mother’s Day memorable by honoring the key women in your life with Purefoods Ready-to-Eat. After all, every moment becomes an opportunity to express your love and gratitude when spending quality time is made simple.

April 29, 2024 by
Food

The Jollibee Group’s Farmer Entrep Program Honors Women Farmers


Celebrating women in agriculture. Women represent more than 30% of farmers under the Jollibee Group Foundation’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP), which enables smallholder farmers to enhance their technical and business skills so they can improve their harvest and their livelihood.

Women have made major contributions to agriculture, a field generally associated with men, yet these achievements are sometimes overlooked. According to official data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, from 2007 to 2016, roughly 25% of workers in the agricultural sector are women. However, a report from the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) suggests that this figure may not accurately reflect real participation on the ground.

A significant portion of women may be underreported in the agricultural industry since, according to the PCW’s website, “women’s work in agriculture is normally considered to be extensions of their household tasks and therefore not reported as work.”

The Jollibee Group highlights the stories of three female farmers in this article as evidence that women may prosper in the agricultural industry.

Celebrating women farmers

Maricel Sevilleja of San Jose, Nueva Ecija; Noralyn Lopez of Tagudin, Ilocos Sur; and Bernadeth Carandang of Magallanes, Cavite are among the women farmers under the Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP) of the Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), the social development arm of the Jollibee Group.

The FEP was started in 2008 to help smallholder farmers become entrepreneurs—they learn technical and business skills so they can improve not only their produce, but also their source of livelihood. JGF partners with various organizations to provide the training and interventions, such as helping famers form clusters, so they can collectively meet the volume and quality requirements of buyers like the Jollibee Group.

Sevilleja, now 41 years old and a mother of two, started farming in 2006 when her parents became too old to farm. “Farming is not only for men. We can do what men can,” she said. “Farming may be hard but when you think about it, no work in this world is easy. We only need to learn how to love and enjoy our work.”

“To my fellow women farmers, don’t be afraid to grow and learn more about modern farming. For those who would like to become farmers, welcome! Let’s show the world that women can be great farmers too.”

Like Sevilleja, Noralyn Lopez is also a farmer’s daughter. But farming wasn’t her first choice for work. “Six years akong nagtrabaho as office staff. Tumigil ako last year at nagsimulang tumulong sa tatay ko sa pag-supply ng onion sa Jollibee Group,” she shared.” (I worked as an office staff for six years. I stopped working last year to help my father in farming onions to supply to the Jollibee Group.)

Lopez also shared her encouraging experience: “Wala naman ng gender issue. May gender equality naman na po. Ang mga kasama naman namin sa farming, itinuturing naman na akong kapatid.” (There’s a sense of gender equality. My colleagues see me as their sibling.)


Thriving in agriculture work. Bernadeth Carandang (middle in sky blue) and other women farmers proudly show their harvested onions. Aside from being a farmer, Bernadeth is also a teacher and a leader of the Mag-Samakame farmers’ cooperative in Cavite.

Bernadette Carandang shares the same sentiment. “Kaming mag-asawa, parehong magsasaka. Hindi limitasyon ang pagiging babae para sa ganitong larangan,” she said. (My husband and I are both farmers. Being a woman should never be a hindrance for this type of work.)

Before becoming a farmer, Carandang used to work in an electronics company. Today, she’s also a teacher and a farmer leader of Mag-Samakame cooperative in Cavite. She emphasized the need for sustained programs that help farmers improve their livelihood, such as the FEP.

Helping farmers to become entrepreneurs

“Tinuruan ako ng FEP na gawing matatag na negosyo ang pagsasaka,” Carandang shared. “Bukod sa kaalaman sa makabagong pagsasaka dahil sa mga bigay nitong teknikal na kaalaman, ang paghubog sa aking kamalayan na ang pagsasaka ay isang profession ay hindi matatawaran.” (FEP taught me to turn farming into a stable business. Apart from the technical skills in modern farming that I have learned from them, I have also developed the mindset that farming is a profession. This to me is invaluable.)

The Jollibee Group sources its veggies, including tomatoes, green bell peppers, and white onions, directly from smallholder farmers in the Philippines, including Sevilleja, Lopez, and Carandang, for use in a few of its products, including Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Mang Inasal. FEP farmers have produced sales of P370 million over the past five years.

“The Jollibee Group is one of the few institutional buyers. That’s a lot of money you’re making. Currently, we are planning to coordinate with our local government unit to make our connection with institutional buyers more transparent,” Carandang stated. (The Jollibee Group is our first institutional buyer; as a result, our income has increased.) We hope to work with our local government unit to strengthen our relationship with institutional buyers.


Capacitating women in agriculture. These women farmers from San Jose, Nueva Ecija, receive agro-entrepreneurship training from JGF and representatives of local government units.  

But one of the greater challenges that must be addressed these days is how the younger generation perceives farming.  “Sabi ko nga sa mga estudyante ko, ‘Ano ang gusto niyo maging pag dating ng araw?’ Walang may gusto mag farming. Ngayon, tinuturuan ko sila na ang agriculture ay hindi pang mahirap. Ito ay business. Kung may farmer, may pag-asa,” Carandang said. (I asked my students, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ No one wants to become a farmer. Now I’m teaching them that farming is not a poor man’s job. It is a business. When we have more farmers, we have more hope for the future.)

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

April 22, 2024 by
Food

Celebrate the First-Ever “Salamuch, Crew! Day” at McDonald’s Philippines

Through the Salamuch Crew program, McDonald’s Philippines expressed gratitude to its dedicated crew members operating in all of its McDonald’s restaurants countrywide for their dedication to bringing out the best in people.

Launched in November 2023, “Salamuch, Crew!” aims to create a culture of kindness among McDonald’s patrons, employees, and managers by deepening the meaning of the phrase “thank you” and providing avenues for expressing gratitude and appreciation.

  
“We’re very excited to celebrate our first ever National Salamuch, Crew! Day simultaneously in our stores all over the Philippines. Salamuch Crew! is McDonald’s way of saying thank you together with our customers, to our close to 60,000 crew who serve our customers every day and allow us to continue growing in the country. It is very heartwarming to read the notes and stories from our customers about how our crew made their McDonald’s experience great, and how these stories foster a deeper sense of appreciation and recognition among our crew,” said Adi Hernandez, Assistant Vice President for Corporate Relations and Impact, McDonald’s Philippines.


The project began with the launch of the “Salamuch!” virtual wall, an innovative platform that allowed customers to express their gratitude through personalized messages to crew members. This included ten gigantic, IG-worthy walls in select stores such as Katipunan, UN Del Pilar, and Commonwealth. Additionally, physical drop boxes for handwritten notes were made available in selected stores, with the most heartfelt messages displayed on picturesque, social media-ready walls. Across the platforms, the call to express their “thank you” to the crews drew in thousands of messages.

“By leading with gratitude, McDonald’s Philippines is not only elevating the workplace experience of our crew and managers, but we also aim to inspire more in the service industry to do the same– make every individual feel valued, empowered, and fulfilled in their work,” added Hernandez. The culminating event took place last April 17 at the Quezon Avenue-Ligaya store, which was broadcast live via Zoom to over 380 McDonald’s locations nationwide, including the latest addition in Tacloban, Leyte. The Quezon Avenue-Ligaya and Tacloban celebrations gathered almost a hundred participants, including media and other invited guests.

The day was filled with fun activities, including games, bonding exercises, raffles, and their favorite McDonald’s meals, all meticulously organized for the company’s crew members. A special segment of the event involved reading aloud the best customer letters from the “Salamuch!” drop boxes, further fostering a sense of community and appreciation.

Salamuch Crew Certificates were given to employees in recognition of their exceptional contributions, highlighting the importance of positive recognition in the workplace.

Highlighting the event was a surprise video appearance by showbiz personality and social media influencer Nikko Natividad, who shared inspiring words about how his experience as a food service crew played a role in his journey to success in the entertainment industry.

“Every crew member is a truly valuable member of McDonald’s Philippines. We work towards ensuring that our workplace culture is welcoming and inclusive, allowing for our people to do their work well and grow,” said Ben Marasigan, Vice President for Human Capital Group, McDonald’s Philippines, who was present at the McDonald’s branch in Quezon City where the media was invited to witness the celebration. This is based on progressive people practices like direct hiring, flexible scheduling, benefits available only at McDonald’s, and a training and development program that fosters growth. Our Chairman and master franchise holder for McDonald’s Philippines, Dr. George Yang, is a strong supporter of this philosophy. Yang has always held the view that investing in people and the things that help them feel and be their best is necessary for success and growth.

“Salamuch, Crew! Day” served as a potent reminder of compassion and thankfulness rather than just being a campaign or an occasion. By doing this, McDonald’s Philippines intends to inspire more Filipinos to genuinely say “thank you” or “Salamuch” to those who serve us on a daily basis in the service industry and beyond, in addition to celebrating the accomplishments of its workforce.

April 20, 2024 by
Food, Lifestyle

The “Lumpia Queen” of the Internet, Abi Marquez 28th Annual Webby Awards nomination


Abi Marquez is known all over social media as “Lumpia Queen” https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WBpOTcvWjXSul8O5-SSypawdrxt1qNxW/view?usp=drive_link 
  • Abi Marquez, known as the “Lumpia Queen,” has been nominated for the 28th Annual Webby Awards in the Social – Food and Drink category, marking a significant achievement for Filipino culinary representation on the global stage.
  • Urging public support, the nomination celebrates Abi’s impactful culinary content and Filipino cuisine’s global spotlight

Abi alongside other Food & Drink nominees
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DHuYDjE5IAV26BZ0XysPTcL6hTMzFTQ8?usp=sharing 

Abi Marquez, known online as the “Lumpia Queen,” has received an official nomination for the esteemed 28th Annual Webby Awards in the Social – Food and Drink category, an exciting tribute to the Philippines’ thriving food sector.

She is in the top 12% of entries with this nomination, which is one of five in its category and was chosen by hand from 13,000 projects submitted worldwide. She also joins the ranks of illustrious individuals and organizations like Jennifer Garner and America’s Test Kitchen. It also represents Marquez’s significant contribution to the online food community.

At just 23 years old, Marquez has captured the hearts and palates of millions worldwide with her delectable and innovative culinary creations, predominantly featuring the beloved Filipino dish, lumpia. Her engaging content and authentic portrayal of Filipino cuisine have amassed a following of 3.3 million on TikTok, with her videos receiving over 1 billion views and 86 million likes. Marquez’s rapid rise to social media stardom culminated in winning the TikTok Foodie Creator of the Year award in 2023, further cementing her status as a culinary influencer. Before becoming Lumpia Queen, Marquez was once upon a time a Hotel Restaurant and Institution Management (HRIM) student who utilized content creation as her practicum. She has been a talent of NYMA, the artist management arm of Kroma Entertainment, since 2023.

This nomination is not just a personal milestone for Marquez but also a moment of immense pride for the Philippines. It highlights the richness of Filipino culinary traditions and the boundless talent within the country, showcasing it on a global stage.

How to support Abi Marquez at the Webby Awards

Marquez is eligible to win at the Webby Awards two ways: by winning the award as chosen by the judging academy (the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences) and by being voted on by the public at The Webby People’s Voice Award. Both awards are a mark of international distinction for Internet excellence.

We cordially welcome everyone to participate in this historic occasion by casting their Webby People’s Voice Awards ballot for Abi Marquez. Your vote has the power to raise awareness of Filipino food and win this esteemed prize.

Please register at https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2024/social/general-social/food-drinkin order to cast your vote for Abi. Voting ends on Thursday, April 18 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time.


Choose Abi by signing up for an account and clicking Confirm Vote
Image: Confirm Vote for Abi.png
 

Come together to commemorate and advance our gastronomic legacy globally. Your support can help us showcase the Philippines as a creative and talented culinary powerhouse.

For more information and to follow Abi’s journey, please visit:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@abigailfmarquez

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lumpiaqueen

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lumpiakween

To learn more about KROMA and NYMA, visit https://www.kroma.ph/nyma.

April 10, 2024 by
Food, Lifestyle

One of Pasig City’s Top Taxpayers is Jollibee Group


Fifth Top Taxpayer of Pasig City. Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto (third from left) and Vice Mayor Robert Jaworski, Jr. (fifth from left) lead the recognition of the city’s top taxpayers. Receiving the award on behalf of the Jollibee Group were Clarisa Guerra, Jollibee Worldwide Services Director of Tax Services (fourth from left); and Atty. Anna Marie Curan, Jollibee Group Corporate Tax Manager (second from left).

The Jollibee Group’s dedication to helping to grow the country was further strengthened when it was recognized as the top five business taxpayer in Pasig City for 2023.

With the subject “One of the Pillars of Progress: Honoring our Tax Contributors,” The Grove by Rockwell hosted the award ceremony. The Pasig City Council, Vice Mayor Robert Jaworski, Jr., and Mayor Vico Sotto honored the top taxpayers in the city for their prompt and effective payment of overdue taxes, which supported the city’s services and programs.

“As a company proudly founded in the Philippines, we share in the role of nation-building. We do this not only by growing our business and serving food that brings joy to Filipinos but also by being a responsible taxpayer and corporate citizen,” shared Joseph Tanbuntiong, Jollibee Group Chief Business Officer and Head of Jollibee Group’s Philippine Business. We remain committed to supporting the government’s programs that help uplift the lives of our fellow Filipinos.”

Popular Philippine brands like Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Mang Inasal, and Red Ribbon are part of the Jollibee Group’s portfolio. In the nation, the company operated about 3,300 outlets as of December 2023.

March 26, 2024 by
Food, Lifestyle

Voices of Honored Women Leading Purposeful Lives

Iya Villania and Marian Rivera shares their take on what it’s like being a woman of today

When we were little, our mother served as our inspiration. However, at the time, we were unable to truly comprehend that our mothers are strong agents for good. The world would not function as it does without the daily tasks they perform, which are what keep it turning.

These days’ mothers do many different duties and wear multiple hats, and often there are enormous expectations for them to have it all. Iya Villania-Arellano and Marian Rivera-Dantes are two mothers who seem to have some kind of harmony between their enterprises and motherhood.

Iya Villania – Arellano is an actress, singer, model, and TV presenter (what can’t she do?) Known for her work as a VJ on Myx, this multi-talented multi-hyphenate is a mother of four. She somehow finds time to be a parent on top of everything she does.

Iya gets her strength from her children. She says: these days, their opinions matter more than anything else. he wants her children and her children’s children to experience Mother Earth in all her beauty. That’s why she tirelessly pursue sustainable living so her children can live in a better world.  In her advocacy, she found a reliable and like-minded partner in Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation.  The company has launched in the market the first-ever seasoning product in paper packaging, the AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning 45g which is made from natural and renewable paper material that can be planted, grown, harvested, and replanted

She believes that women’s month is more than just about celebrating women’s beauty and strength, but also their voices. She is using hers to build a better world for her children. She’s not the only one who is giving her all for what she believes in. Another mom to highlight is Marian Rivera-Dantes!

Marian Rivera-Dantes needs little introduction. This celebrity powerhouse wows us again and again with acting, modeling, hosting, and running a business! On top of all that, she’s even a mother of two. Becoming a mom has made Marian hyper-aware of her children’s health, and she knows that other women all over the Philippines are just as concerned about their children.

She is big on education and explaining. She gently and patiently includes her own kids in her cooking. She talks to them about how to incorporate veggies rather than fighting with them about it. According to her, it’s not just about telling them not to eat sweets; it’s about incorporating them into the cooking. We should be teaching them what ingredients are for and how flavors interact. She’s been involved with nutrition education advocacy, and she lives it every day.  She and Zia leads the “I Love Veggie-Licious” campaign introducing new era of cooking for kids to enjoy vegetables made delicious with Aji-Ginisa® Flavor Seasoning Mix.

Both these women are a shining example of creating a positive impact with their passion and influence, and Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation has been a long-time partner of these two Moms as  “Eat Well, Live Well” ambassadors.

They are a powerful force with platforms to reach millions, and they use that to do as much good as they can, not just for themselves but for the children who will take over after us.

Marian and Iya are both aware of what Mom used to produce. Our comfort comes from more than simply the food and the wisdom Mom imparted to us. It’s also about the impact mothers have on the world. Mothers bring about positive change in our lives by modeling excellent living and eating habits. They also teach us how to be decent citizens.

This Women’s Month, let us honor all women, including dog moms, aunts, and real mothers. Together, let’s bring about a positive change in the world, with each person contributing in a different way. What can you do when Marian and Iya are completing theirs?

To learn more, visit www.ajinomoto.com

March 22, 2024 by
Food, Lifestyle

On World Water Day, Coca-Cola Philippines celebrates takes part in discussions about sustainable water management


The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, led by Executive Director Ebb Hinchliffe; and Coca-Cola Philippines, represented by Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability Sr. Director Ivanna dela Torre and Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines President Cecile Alcantara, were among the speakers and panelists at the Sip & Sustain: Water Security forum.

Coca-Cola Philippines and the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) gathered stakeholders in honor of World Water Day to talk about the pressing issues pertaining to the country’s water resource management.


The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and leaders from various industries in the Philippines discussed
how multi-stakeholder collaborations can lead to sustainable water management for generations.
 

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), represented by Undersecretary Carlos Primo C. David gathered industry leaders, experts, and others for the Sip & Sustain: Water Security for the Philippines event on March 7th to talk about ways to guarantee water security for all Filipinos.


DENR Undersecretary Carlos Primo David shared efforts by the government to manage and preserve the country’s natural water resources. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, represented by President Cecile Alcantara, helps water-stressed communities have a sustainable safe water supply through watershed conservation and water systems for domestic use.
 

Participants shared their thoughts on the importance of sustainable water management practices and the need for collaborative efforts to tackle water-related challenges effectively. Topics ranging from data collection and planning to governance and accountability were explored, emphasizing the significance of transparent and accountable water management systems.

In addition to fostering dialogue among stakeholders, the event underscored the role of public-private partnerships in driving innovation and investment in water management initiatives, such as The Coca-Cola Company’s 2030 Global Water Security Strategy, where the company aims to:

  • Achieve 100% regenerative water use across 175 facilities in different countries identified as facing high levels of water stress by 2030;
  • Work with partners to help improve the health of 60 watersheds identified as most critical for the system’s operations and agricultural supply chains by 2030; and
  • Return a cumulative total of 2 trillion liters of water to nature and communities globally, between 2021–2030.

Please visit www.coca-cola.com.ph or follow @CocaColaPhilippines on Facebook and @cocacolaph on X (previously Twitter) and Instagram for additional information on Coca-Cola Philippines’ sustainability initiatives.

March 22, 2024 by
Food

Stores and Facilities of the Jollibee Group Continue to Support Earth Hour in 2024

On March 23, 2024, over 4,700 Jollibee Group stores and facilities in the Philippines, China, North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia will turn off their lights in solidarity with over 190 other countries to raise awareness about the negative effects of climate change on the environment.

The following restaurants will donate an hour for the Earth: Highlands Coffee in Vietnam; Tim Ho Wan, Yonghe King, and Hong Zhuang Yuan in China; Jollibee, Smashburger, and Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in North America and Canada; and Mang Inasal, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Burger King, and Common Man Coffee Roasters branches in the Philippines. until nine thirty p.m. (local time), as they will all turn out their lights at the same time, including their billboards and signage.


Pepot Miñana Jr., Jollibee Group’s Chief Sustainability and Public Affairs Officer, emphasized: “We believe that all actions count in helping ensure a sustainable future. While participating in Earth Hour starts with turning off the lights, it serves a bigger purpose of being a visible and important reminder that we can take deliberate steps to make a profound difference on the planet.”

Energy management priority

Energy Efficiency is one of the major focus areas under the Jollibee Group’s Sustainability Agenda called Joy for Tomorrow. Under this priority area, the Company has set reduction goals and initiatives that are aligned with and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly “Affordable and Clean Energy” (Goal #7) and “Responsible Consumption and Production” (Goal #12).

The Jollibee Group has implemented several energy-saving measures in its stores and commissaries to manifest this goal. This year, the Company will continue increasing the total number of solar-paneled stores to 64, on top of solar installations in its facilities.

After powering up an extensive 6,300 solar panel installation in its Canlubang Baking Facility last January, the Jollibee Group’s supply chain will mark another milestone by solarizing its two remaining sites, C3 and Jollibee Worldwide Services Logistics, by the second quarter of 2024.

After achieving a 28.2% reduction in energy consumption ratio in 2023, these manufacturing and logistics locations aim to further increase their energy reduction by the end of the year in order to continue supporting the Company’s expanding sustainable business practices.

Every year on the final Saturday of March, Earth Hour is observed in about 190 nations and territories. It encourages millions of people to take action by turning down their lights for one hour in order to limit their consumption of natural resources.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

March 22, 2024 by