Food

For many Filipino households, milk continues to be an important part of a child’s everyday nutrition, providing essential nutrients that help support healthy growth and overall development. However, despite significant advancements in health and nutrition initiatives through the years, a large number of Filipino children still experience nutritional issues that require focused and effective interventions.

Based on nutrition benchmarks established by the World Health Organization, stunting refers to impaired growth often linked to long-term undernutrition. In the Philippines, data from the  Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) revealed that the prevalence of stunting among children decreased from 44.5% in 1989 to 23.6% in 2023. Although this decline reflects substantial improvement, the current figure remains above the recommended level, meaning that millions of children are still at risk of growth delays and reduced immune function. ​

“It is still a nutritional emergency,” said pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Felizardo Gatcheco, in a lecture held in Cagayan de Oro City. “Kasi, marami parin sa ating mga bata ang maliliit.

Dr. Gatcheco added that changing dietary habits among young children are also contributing to the challenge.

“Today, we are seeing children as young as two or three years old who already prefer milk tea or sugary beverages,” Dr. Gatcheco said. “Some no longer want to drink milk. But milk consumption should not end in the infancy stage. Children of all ages should continue drinking milk, even adults, in fact.”

Beyond undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, often referred to as “hidden hunger”, remain a critical concern. Studies estimate that about 13 percent of Filipino children experience deficiencies in essential micronutrients, with iron deficiency among the most common.

“Globally and in the Philippine setting, anemia is still the most common micronutrient problem that we have,” Dr. Gatcheco explained. “And for many decades, hindi nag-iimprove ang pagiging anemic.”

Iron deficiency can weaken the immune system and impair cognitive development if left unaddressed, making it a critical issue in child nutrition. Lactoferrin, a “miracle molecule” naturally found in milk, is becoming key to changing this situation.​

Lactoferrin: A Bioactive Protein with Immune Benefits

Among the nutrients gaining attention for their potential to address the nutritional challenges among Filipino children is Lactoferrin – a bioactive protein found in breast milk and other mammalian milk, uniquely equipped to tackle both undernutrition and iron deficiency.​

Lactoferrin is often described as a multifunctional molecule that supports immunity in several ways.

“Lactoferrin is sometimes referred to as a ‘miracle molecule’ because it performs multiple biological functions,” explained Dr. Gatcheco. “From the name itself lacto, which means milk, and ferrin, which means iron. Lactoferrin binds iron, supports beneficial gut bacteria, and helps strengthen the immune system – all in one.”

The gut plays a particularly important role in immunity. A 2021 research revealed that about 70 percent of immune cells originate in the gastrointestinal tract, where beneficial bacteria interact with immune cells to help the body respond to infections. Lactoferrin supports the growth of these beneficial bacteria, contributing to a healthier immune environment.

Scientific evidence continues to highlight its potential benefits. A 2020 clinical study found that children receiving lactoferrin supplementation experienced fewer respiratory and diarrhea-related symptoms compared to those who did not receive supplementation. Another study published reported that infants who consumed formula supplemented with lactoferrin had a significantly lower episodes of lower respiratory tract infection like pneumonia (Motoki et al. 2020; Manzoni P 2016).

Researchers say these findings demonstrate how certain bioactive nutrients can help strengthen children’s natural defenses.

Why the Way Milk Is Made Matters

The benefits of nutrients such as lactoferrin depend not only on the ingredients themselves, but also on how milk products are processed and manufactured.

“Processing plays a critical role in preserving the nutritional value of milk,” Dr. Gatcheco explained. “If manufacturing is not done carefully, bioactive components such as lactoferrin can be damaged.”

Traditional milk processing often relies on excessive heat, repeated reheating, or complex manufacturing steps that can degrade delicate vitamins and nutrients, and compromise overall product quality. Today, some manufacturers are adopting simplified processing methods that minimize unnecessary heating and maintain ingredient freshness, helping preserve milk’s natural nutritional value.

“Dapat kaunting proseso lang o minsan, isang proseso lang ang mga gatas,” Dr. Gatcheco advised. “With the one-step processing, you are thereby preserving the greater majority of nutrients, including important bioactive substances that should be retained in milk.”

As the Philippines continues to address the issue of childhood malnutrition, enhancing the nutritional value of food and improving production methods remain important priorities. Innovations in milk processing that help retain essential nutrients, together with increased understanding of beneficial compounds such as lactoferrin, provide valuable opportunities to promote better health among children.

Providing children with access to nutritious foods and encouraging regular milk consumption even beyond their early years can contribute significantly to stronger immune systems, proper growth and development, and a healthier future generation.

Ice-cold Sprites are the perfect summer drink for a Gen Z Filipino summer

Summer in the Philippines has always had its own unique vibe—longer days, intense heat, and everyday moments shaped not just by the destination, but by the journey itself. This season, Sprite is making its presence felt where these moments naturally happen, adding refreshment to ordinary summer experiences as Filipino youth continue to redefine what summer means to them.

While summer used to be all about beach outings and extended vacations, today’s generation finds value in the simple moments in between—experiences that feel authentic, relatable, and share-worthy. In these everyday settings, Sprite remains a familiar companion, delivering an ice-cold refreshment during spontaneous and unscripted moments under the summer heat.

Sprite has long shown up where young Filipinos actually are—from the convenience store across the dorm to the cooler at the local fiesta to a quick stop along a hot commute. It is a steady refreshing companion in the middle of summer’s unpredictability, cutting through the heat and the noise with every sip.

This summer, the brand brought that presence closer to where people already are through on-ground and live experiences across Metro Manila and key destinations nationwide.

At selected transport hubs including One Ayala, LRT Legarda, PITX, and LRT Marikina-Pasig, Sprite set up vending machines that offered commuters a refreshing pause during peak summer heat. The brand also brought its cooling presence to open community spaces such as Marikina Riverbanks and Luneta Park, adding moments of refreshment to everyday routines.

Commuters enjoy ice-cold Sprites from vending machines for free at commuting hubs

Building on this, Sprite marked the season with large-scale community moments, including a summer event at the SM Mall of Asia By the Bay that brought together music lovers and the youth. The event featured a lineup of local artists like P-POP group BGYO, Fitterkarma, Shanti Dope, Illest Morena and Drag Race Philippines Season 3 winner Maxie Andreison and highlighted how music, shared spaces, and refreshments come together during the Filipino summer. Beyond the city, Sprite extended its summer presence to beach destinations such as La Union, Bolinao, and Boracay, creating spaces for friends to gather, cool down, and enjoy the season by the shore.

Maxie Andreison’s iconic performance at The Ultimate Summer Sunset Party at SM By the Bay

These local experiences reflect a broader shift in how summer is being experienced, not just as a destination, but as a series of everyday moments shaped by spontaneity, connection, and choice. And when plans don’t always go as expected, when budgets are tighter or trips don’t push through, Sprite  continues to be a familiar constant, offering a refreshment in the moments that matter most, whether during a barkada hangout, a shared meal, or a quick stop to cool down from the heat.

Beach-goers enjoy the festivities at Sprite Summer event in Boracay

Globally, Sprite’s It’s That Fresh platform celebrates cutting through summer’s noise. In the Philippines, introduced locally as “Yan ang Refreshing,” that idea comes to life through moments that are real, accessible, and rooted in everyday life.

As Filipino youth continue to redefine their summer experiences, Sprite stays alongside them, adding a refreshing touch to the moments that truly capture the season.

Keep cool, stay refreshed, and create your own version of summer with Sprite — now that’s truly refreshing!

“Ang Sarap ng Chooks-to-Go nasa Chooks Diner na.”

Chooks Diner – Inoza Tower BGC

Chooks Diner is bringing its well-loved Filipino comfort food to even more diners with the launch of two new branches in Bonifacio Global City: Chooks Diner Inoza Tower BGC and Chooks Diner Sundry Food Hall BGC.

This expansion marks another achievement for the growing dine-in brand as it further establishes its presence in one of Metro Manila’s busiest commercial and lifestyle hubs. Conveniently situated to cater to office employees, families, and food lovers, both locations offer a cozy and accessible dining experience featuring delicious and budget-friendly Filipino favorites.

Chooks Diner – Sundry Food Hall BGC

As the restaurant brand of Chooks-to-Go, Chooks Diner brings the brand’s well-loved flavors and signature comfort food favorites into a full dine-in experience. Known for its satisfying comfort food offerings, the restaurant serves crowd favorites such as Chili Garlic Chicken, hearty Silog meals, indulgent desserts, and the iconic Chooks-to-Go Roasted Chicken. Guests can also enjoy free unlimited rice and unlimited soup, making every meal even more sulit and enjoyable.

With its latest branches in BGC, Chooks Diner hopes to become a top dining choice for professionals, locals, and visitors seeking satisfying meals that suit their daily routines. The brand continues to stay true to its commitment of serving quality dishes, affordable dining options, and the comforting Filipino flavors that customers have come to enjoy.

Store Locations

Chooks Diner – Inoza Tower BGC

Ground Floor, Inoza Tower, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

Chooks Diner – Sundry Food Hall BGC

Sundry Food Hall, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

In many households, a warm home-cooked meal is a mother’s quiet way of expressing love. Ajinomoto Philippines honors the women who pour care into every dish they prepare, despite the demands of everyday life.

Two of the country’s well-loved celebrity moms, Angelica Panganiban and Jennylyn Mercado, share how they stay present for their families while finding joy in cooking again — made easier with trusted kitchen staples like AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning and SARSAYA® Oyster Sauce, bringing less hassle and more flavor to every meal.

The Heart of the Home

For Angelica Panganiban, an actress and first-time mom to baby Amila, family life is guided by one heartfelt belief: that real love means being present — apron on, sleeves rolled up, and ready to cook whatever her family is longing for.

“No matter how busy I get — the school schedule, taking care of myself, shootings and tapings, housework and all the errands — I make sure that I get to cook for my family. Kahit anong request, basta pag dating sa kusina, I make sure na kaya kong gawin for them. My love language is service, and I show it through cooking for them.”

When Angelica cooks, she reaches for her own secret weapon. “I have a secret weapon. It’s AJI-NO-MOTO®,” she says. “Pinapagaan niya ang trabaho sa kusina. Malalasahan mo kagad ang umami and depth ng flavor na gusto mong maachieve kapag nilagyan ko na ng AJI-NO-MOTO® ang kahit na anong dish na request ng mag-ama ko.”

AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning is pure MSG or pure monosodium glutamate that brings out the natural deliciousness of any kind of dish, giving it the savory “linamnam“ taste or umami. From quick stir-fry dishes to slow-cooked Filipino favorites, AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning helps cut prep time without cutting corners on taste. As Angelica puts it simply: “AJI-NO-MOTO® really helps me save time in the kitchen. Less time in the kitchen means more time with your family.”

For Jennylyn, showing up for her family has always meant making time — no matter what her call sheet says. The award-winning actress and mother is the first to admit that her days are a whirlwind of meetings, tapings, and household responsibilities. But in the middle of all of it, she holds one thing constant: the family meal.

“Naniniwala ako na the best way to show your love is to make time with them. Na kahit na super busy ka, gagawa ka ng paraan.”

 “Ang bonding namin ng family ko ay usually nagrerevolve sa mga meals,” Jennylyn shares. “Kung breakfast, lunch, at dinner, sinisigurado ko na masarap ang kinakain namin.”

For a household as busy as hers and husband Dennis Trillo’s, the pressure to put something delicious on the table — fast — is very real. “Kailangan mabilis at masarap ang ulam namin,” she explains. “At syempre sa panahon ngayon mas makakatipid at mas healthy pag lutong bahay.”

That is why SARSAYA® Oyster Sauce is her kitchen secret – this elevates their everyday meals coming from its delicious blend of real oyster extract and spices.

For moms out there doing it all, Angelica and Jennylyn swear by their go-to kitchen buddies – AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning and  SARSAYA® Oyster Sauce.  With these, moms  get to experience the happiness of personally whipping up their loved ones favorite meals and ensure that they Eat Well, Live Well because every shared meal is a loving memory carved in their heartforevers.

Try It at Home

Try it at Home Our celebrity moms reveal their go-to, easy-to-make dishes that are perfect for hectic mornings and busy weeknight family meals.

Stir-Fried Cauliflower with AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning

1. SAUTÉ. In a pan, heat oil. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add cauliflower then cook for 3 minutes.
2. Add leeks and water. Mix, cover, and simmer for 3 minutes.
3. Remove the cover then add cornstarch mixture, AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoningand pepper. Mix well until thickened.
4. Transfer to a plate. Serve and enjoy.

One Pot Fried Rice with SARSAYA® Oyster Sauce

1. Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
2. Add your choice of protein — chicken, shrimp, or leftover meat — and cook until done.
3. Toss in day-old rice and stir-fry, breaking up any clumps, for 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add vegetables of choice: frozen mixed veggies, carrots, spring onion — whatever the refrigerator has.
5. Drizzle generously with SARSAYA® Oyster Sauce and toss until every grain is coated in a rich, savory flavor.
6. Season to taste, plate in one pan, and bring straight to the table. Done in  minutes. Loved for hours.

BIAP member companies at the celebration of association’s 38th anniversary last April 22 in Makati City.

At a time when the beverage industry is dealing with changing regulations, growing sustainability expectations, and evolving consumer preferences, collaboration is more crucial than ever.

For nearly four decades, the Beverage Industry Association of the Philippines has fulfilled this role by uniting the country’s leading beverage manufacturers under a shared purpose. As it celebrates its 38th year, BIAP continues to serve as an important platform for an industry that remains a steady part of everyday Filipino life.

A unified voice in a changing industry

From bottled water and fruit juices to soft drinks and energy beverages, the Philippine beverage industry is present in everyday moments across the country. Beyond what consumers see on shelves, it is also a major driver of manufacturing activity, employment, and economic contribution.

Established and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 1988, BIAP was created to unite companies across this diverse landscape, providing a platform where industry players could collaborate, align, and engage on issues that shape both business and society.

In this evolving environment, no single company can effectively address industry-wide challenges alone. BIAP helps bridge this gap by enabling dialogue among its members and building consensus on key issues. This allows the industry to work more constructively with government and other stakeholders, and to contribute to policies that are balanced, practical, and responsive to broader economic needs.

Strengthening standards and shared progress

Beyond coordination, BIAP also plays an important role in promoting quality, safety, and integrity across the industry. Through good manufacturing practices, voluntary standards, and a shared code of ethics, the association helps ensure that products consistently meet expectations for quality and safety.

This has strengthened alignment on responsible practices, from product quality and safety to operational standards that support long-term sustainability, contributing to a more consistent and reliable beverage landscape.

Over the years, BIAP has also strengthened coordination on key policy and regulatory developments affecting the sector. As a platform for dialogue between manufacturers and the government, it helps ensure that industry perspectives are considered in discussions on taxation, product standards, and broader manufacturing policies.

It also provides a platform for knowledge sharing through seminars, workshops, and technical exchanges, while sharing relevant information to keep both members and the public informed about industry developments.

Continuing its role in the sector

BIAP’s strength lies in the diversity and leadership of its member companies, which include ARC Refreshments Corporation, Asia Brewery, Inc., Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines, Coca-Cola Philippines, Del Monte Philippines, PepsiCo, Inc., Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc., Mondelez Philippines, Nestlé Philippines, San Miguel Corporation, Universal Robina Corporation,  Vouno Trade & Marketing Services and Philippine Spring Water Resources Inc. Together, these companies represent a broad cross-section of the beverage landscape, combining global expertise with strong local roots.

Leading the association is the association’s President, Atty. Juan Lorenzo Tañada, who also serves as Head of Public Affairs and Communications for Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines. Under his leadership, BIAP continues to function as a platform for industry coordination and engagement with key stakeholders and communities.

As the industry continues to evolve, the Beverage Industry Association of the Philippines stays committed to helping its members adapt responsibly. This involves strengthening partnerships, encouraging innovation, and maintaining a platform where the industry can progress together in service of consumers. After 38 years, BIAP’s mission remains clear—not only to represent the beverage sector, but to help guide its growth in a responsible, collaborative way aligned with national priorities.

In photo from left: CCT Constructors Corporation President Kaname Futaki; Aboitiz Economic Estates and Aboitiz Land President and CEO Rafael Fernandez de Mesa; Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation President Daizaburo Koga; and Senior Vice President Makoto Tanabe, who together led the groundbreaking ceremony.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) is advancing the development of its third manufacturing facility at TARI Estate, Tarlac City’s newest future-ready industrial mixed-use hub. The company recently held a groundbreaking ceremony to officially launch the project, which represents a total capital investment of approximately Php 9.1 billion.

The upcoming facility signifies a major expansion for APC as it increases its operational capacity to better serve the changing demands of Filipino consumers. This development reinforces the company’s strong presence in the Philippines, built over more than six decades. The new factory is expected to boost production, streamline the supply chain, and support APC’s commitment to providing high-quality, affordable food products.

According to APC President Daizaburo Koga, “The development of a third factory reflects our long-term commitment to innovation in the Philippine Food industry and the communities we serve. It’s also part of our continuing effort to fulfill our founding purpose to help Filipinos ‘Eat Well, Live Well’. We are strengthening our capability to consistently deliver high-quality flavored seasoning, cooking sauces, and breading mixes that enable Filipinos to experience the joy of cooking delicious, nutritious and affordable meals.”

Overall, APC’s move to build a third factory aligns with the Ajinomoto Group’s 2030 global goal of extending the healthy life expectancy of one billion people and reducing environmental impact by 50% in 2030.

The groundbreaking of APC’s Tarlac factory was supported by its development partners, Aboitiz Economic Estates, the developer of TARI Estate, and CCT Constructors Corporation.

During the event, Aboitiz Economic Estates and Aboitiz Land President and CEO Rafael Fernandez de Mesa said, “We congratulate Ajinomoto Philippines on this important milestone and thank them for their continued trust and partnership.”

CCT President Kaname Futaki shared that, “As the construction partner for this landmark mixed-use development, CCT draws on its strong track record in delivering high-quality commercial projects, along with its expertise in Japanese construction methods.”

Set to be fully operational by April 2028, APC’s Tarlac facility will manufacture some of its popular products, including AJI-GINISA®, Crispy Fry®, and Sarsaya®.