Food

Everything appears to be lighter when you’re around friends. Tanduay’s latest TVC, “All Light Lang,” is not only entertaining to watch, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of having peers, especially in these trying times.

In the opening of the TVC, the main character is seen singing to the tune of Gloc9’s “Simpleng Tao” and the different stresses that he has to deal with everyday — from tech problems, to paying a lot of bills, to never ending household chores. Despite all of these, he is able to end his day with a smile because his friends are there for him.

“Masakit sa ulo, pero light lang tayo,” his friends sing to him as they unwind and share a drink of Tanduay Light.

Marc Ngo, International Development Manager and Senior Brand Manager at Tanduay, shared that during the concept development for the Tanduay Light TVC the brand direction was to convey the experience the product brings.

“We want a material that will make viewers feel happy. With everything that’s happening now with the pandemic, we just wanted to share a good laugh, a great drink, and a fun experience. For a moment, we want the viewers to set aside the negativity and focus on a light moment shared with friends,” he said.

As the song further cites, “Ang nagpapagaan ng lahat ng ito – ang tropa ko.”

The TVC comes to a quick end, reminding us that things will be smoother if we just reach out. “Gaan ng may kasama,” says the final copy.

Year after year, meal preparation may appear to be a difficult undertaking, but worry not. New food discoveries and hacks are always welcome. Foodies and homemakers alike are always on the search for something new that is also simple to prepare and pleasing to the palette and stomach. It was a nice change from having meals delivered! Make it a part of your Innovative Year’s resolution to test out San Miguel Foods’ new, life-improving goods.

Go Veega. For vegans, try familiar comforts such as Veega’s meat-free Tapa and Tocino, which are fully cooked and completely free of animal meat and by-products. For flexitarians, there are Korean-inspired faves such as Meat-free and ready-to-eat Bulgogi and Spicy Soy Garlic Balls. You’ll never miss out on flavor with these meat-free wonders.

Breakfast thy will be done.  Rethink about skipping breakfast with perfect breakfast mates, Purefoods Deli Breakfast Sausage and Purefoods Beef Bacon. They are so good, you”ll truly want more. And beyond breakfast, these delicious products can also be served in a lot of ways.

Create “chicken’’ na chicken meals. Make meal preparation a breeze in 2022 with freshly marinated and ready-to-cook Chicken Timplados. Prepping meals can be done in minutes with any of these easy chicken sarap variants- Magnolia Ready-to-Cook Fried Chicken, BBQ, Tocino, Teriyaki, Spicy Fried Chicken, Oriental Wings, Spicy Wings, Inasal and Roasters (marinated whole chicken) in Lemon Herb and Smoked Pepper. The menu will never be boring with the selection of variants cooked as is or leveled up with some twists.

Develop a Pasta-stic Habit. Have pasta anytime with Purefoods Spaghetti Sauce. Just reheat and toss in cooked noodles or level up with addition of some ingredients. Either way, you’ll get consistent, satisfying pasta sauce each time.

Make meal preparation and dining with the family a fun food journey and try to explore new food discoveries.

Also, for recipe ideas using these ingredients, go to www.homefoodie.com!

Photo upper left (left to right):Gian Franco Go, Nicole Andrea Tedoco, Hon. Julienne “Jam” Baronda, Jida Huetea, Xyra Lois Javellana, Rod Kenneth Delfin; Photo lower left (left to right): Gian Franco Go, Nicole Andrea Tedoco, Celine Syching , Xyra Lois Javellana, Rod Kenneth Delfin

Small business owners can use milestones to track their progress as entrepreneurs. As they marked their first year anniversary, Otako Monsta hit a big milestone. They also hailed the success of Crazy Tori, a similar Japanese street food concept that was planned and introduced at the same time last July 2021. As he welcomed guests, Co-founder Gian Franco Go said, “This event is our way of showing gratitude to everyone who has been with us every step of the way, and we look forward to more fruitful years with you as our partners.” The event was filled with music, wonderful food, and beverages to honor their partners who have made a significant contribution to their company’s success.

Sharing their love for Japanese food inspired a group of young entrepreneurs to launch their business at ILEA Christmas Bazaar last December 2020 in Iloilo city. Bringing the same quality and taste of Takoyaki found in Osaka, Japan has always been at the core of their business. Their offerings are competitively priced at P99 for 6 pieces, and are only made with real seafood ingredients. Seasonal product introductions keep their menu updated and exciting. The brand is best known for Monsta – Takoyaki filled with scallops, shrimp, cheese, and topped with baby octopus. They’re also the first to introduce matcha dessert balls, perfect to be paired with Takoyaki, for the same price.

Those looking for a snack do not have to look far because Otako Monsta is widely available in Visayas and Mindanao. It ended their first year in operation with 32 branches and plans to double it to 60 stores nationwide by the end of 2022. The group kicked off their expansion to Luzon, opening a branch in Cavite last October 2021. Takoyaki lovers can expect more branches in NCR in the first quarter of 2022.

Otako Monsta has a fair franchising package and a proven business model, with their carefully planned mall branches achieving a ROI of 5-6 months, exceeding the initial projection of 8-12 months. If you enjoy Takoyaki and wish to share the gift of wonderful food with others, you can apply for a franchise on their official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OtakoMonsta.

Stay updated on our social media channels for more information. OtakoMonsta is on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OtakoMonsta. otako monsta on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otako_monsta/

The two friends, McDonald’s Philippines Chairman and Founder George T. Yang once again joins forces with one of the country’s OPM icons, Jose Mari Chan in an online video to share the light and happiness of the holiday season. In the short clip who first shared the screen in a McDonald’s video for Grandparents’ Day in 2019 give a new meaning to virtual caroling with fun animated versions of themselves caroling one silent night in a classic Pinoy Christmas setting.

Check out McDonald’s Facebook at facebook.com/McDo.ph. and watch the video, as part of McDonald’s Philippines ‘Share the Light‘ campaign which aims to spread happiness and kindness this season.

In the spirit of sharing the light this holiday season to those affected by the recent onslaught of Typhoon Odette, Yang and Chan collaborated for the benefit of the McDonald’s Kindness Kitchen, a program of the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) that was set up to serve meals for frontliners and marginalized communities. With the support of its partners the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), Naval Reserve, Coca-Cola, Air Asia, and the Philippine Airlines, McDonald’s activates its Kindness Kitchen to serve 20,000 meals in communities affected by the typhoon.

McDonald’s Kindness Kitchen has served over 550,000 hot meals nationwide, since it began its operations in March 2020. It continues to serve kindness to more communities with the support of its corporate and individual donors.

Visit rmhc.org.ph, to find out more about the program and how you can help #ShareTheLight.

Filipinos have a lengthy Yuletide tradition of serving ham throughout the holidays. Classic, cozy, and beautifully glazed Christmas hams enhance the festive season, and no Filipino household’s holiday meal is complete without Mekeni Christmas Ham. Mekeni Christmas Hams are a holiday favorite not just because of their exquisite taste, but also because of their versatility. Any of Mekeni’s Christmas Hams can be used to make a dozen amazing meals!

You may believe that upgrading Christmas hams requires a lot of time and work in the kitchen, but there are some excellent recipes that are simple to prepare. Try these Mekeni Christmas Hams-based recipes!

Try these simple ham recipes for your loved ones

Mekeni Shredded Christmas Ham with Honey Glaze Pineapple

Honey pineapple glaze basically complements any type of meat, and it is typically used to level up any Christmas ham. Adding pineapple’s tanginess and honey’s subtle sweetness to your smoky and tasty Christmas ham will surely hit the spot! Check this shredded ham recipe with honey pineapple glaze recipe by Mekeni and excite your taste buds!

Ingredients:

• 500g Mekeni Deli Premium Ham, cooked and shredded
• ¾ cup of honey
• 1 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• ¼ cup of water
• 6-8 flour tortillas
• shredded lettuce
• pineapple chunks
• salsa

Procedure:

1. In a saucepan, bring honey and pineapple juice to a boil.
2. While waiting for the pineapple and honey mixture to boil, mix cornstarch and water in a separate bowl. Whisk until smooth.
3. Add the cornstarch mixture to the honey and pineapple mixture. Stir constantly until it thickens. Set aside.
4. Shred the cooked 500g Mekeni Deli Premium Ham and toss with the honey pineapple glaze. Then, set aside.
5. Heat a pan, then warm the flour tortilla pieces according to the package instructions.
6. Assemble the wrap by putting the shredded Mekeni Deli Premium Ham with honey pineapple glaze at the center of the tortilla.
7. Add shredded lettuce, pineapple chunks, and salsa as desired, then wrap it up.
8. Serve it on a plate.

Mekeni Holiday Bell Pepper Cups

Stuffed bell peppers are not just enticing to eat as these are also healthy and easy to assemble. With only just a few ingredients you can find in your pantry, you can make this healthy rainbow of sweet red, yellow, green, and orange bell peppers. To level up this bright and colorful dish, use Mekeni Piña Ham for that subtle sweet and tangy kick!

Ingredients:

• 250g Mekeni Piña Ham, shredded
• 4 bell peppers, any color
• ¼ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium-sized eggs
• ¼ cup cheddar cheese
• salt and pepper to taste
• cilantro for garnish (optional)

Procedure:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Coat a baking pan with cooking spray. You can use a muffin tray to ensure that the bell peppers will stand.
2. In a saucepan, add water enough to cover the peppers. Bring to a boil.
3. While waiting for the water to boil, cut the top part of the bell pepper. Remove the seeds and membranes then, rinse.
4. Put the bell peppers in the boiling water for about 2 minutes, then drain.
5. In a pan, sauté onion, garlic, and the shredded Mekeni Piña Ham. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Put the bell peppers in the tray or baking pan then stuff it with the ham mixture, at least half filled. Add cheese if you want a gooey texture.
7. Crack the egg in each pepper cup and season with salt and pepper. You may add more cheese if you prefer.
8. Bake until egg whites are set and cheese is melted and lightly browned.
9. Garnish it with cilantro.
10. Serve while the bell pepper cups are still hot.

Mekeni Christmas Ham Fried Rice

Hams and fried rice are a perfect combination. Tired of having Christmas ham leftovers? Try this Mekeni Christmas Ham Fried Rice recipe. It is so easy to make plus, it will surely be a hit among the family members.

Ingredients:

• 250g Mekeni Pear-Shaped Ham, sliced into pieces
• 3 medium eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 pcs medium shrimps, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup frozen peas
• ½ cup frozen carrots
• ½ cup frozen corn
• 200g pineapple chunks
• 2 tbsp turmeric powder
• 6 cups cooked rice

Procedure:

1. Beat eggs in a bowl until smooth. Then, fry it in a hot pan. Set aside.
2. In the same pan, sauté the Mekeni Pear-Shaped Ham for 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
3. Heat a large-sized wok and add the remaining oil and butter. Sauté the garlic then add the shrimps, peas, carrots, corn, pineapple chunks, and turmeric powder.
4. Once the shrimps are cooked, add the cold rice to the wok. Continue sauteing until rice is warmed through. Add salt to taste.
5. While the rice is being warmed through, slice the fried eggs, and mix them with the fried rice.
6. Add the Mekeni Pear-Shaped Ham pieces to the rice.
7. Serve while hot.

Mekeni is your help when it comes to making the festive season richer and even more meaningful. Mekeni’s family-favorite Christmas Hams—Mekeni Gold Premium Ham, Mekeni Deli Premium Ham,  Mekeni Piña Ham, Mekeni Pear-Shaped Ham, and Mekeni Brick Ham  —can truly #TimplangAtin your holiday feasts. Mekeni Christmas Hams are available via Mekeni Home2Home Delivery, Mekeni Food Outlets, and local wet markets.

Excited to celebrate this Christmas with friends and family to eat together, although big, chaotic, and fun face-to-face gatherings are put on hold. Thanks to McDonald’s found a way to brighten up the festivities even when celebrated apart.

This feature, exclusively available in the McDelivery App, can simultaneously deliver favorite McDo meals in multiple locations! McDelivery Share to Many, you can bond with friends and family over your McDonald’s favorites in the comfort and safety of your homes and despite being miles apart.

Whether you want to send your virtual guests individual menu items, Happy Meal orders for the little ones, or even food bundles via Holiday Group offers for a big feast, the McDelivery Share to Many feature will make sure the meals will arrive at everyone’s houses safe and ready to be devoured!

With the McDelivery Share to Many you can now celebrate and share the holiday cheer with family, friends, and colleagues by sharing and sending their favorite McDo meals, Head on over to the McDelivery website or download the App now through the App Store or Google Play, and make sure to follow McDonald’s on Facebook for more McDo announcements!

Take some inspiration from the “Casa Mamas,” Aliza Goco, Carmel Villongco, Gin Panlilio, Kat Maderazo, and Leona Panutat, who just enjoyed their Friendsgiving with Subway!

The Casa Mamas are a bunch of hodophiles and travel junkies. These mothers all reside in the same area and see each other at communal events such as mass. They’ve chosen to carpool to and from events because they all live in the same neighborhood.

They got to know one another more and found out that they’ve had a lot in common. They then started taking turns hosting breakfast, and the rest is history.

In this short gathering #CasaMamasxSubway, the Casa Mamas teaches us about friendships and how they can enrich our lives in so many different ways. Good friends can teach us about ourselves and challenge us to be EXTRA better.

They celebrate your successes and stay with you through encouragement and camaraderie even as times get tough. But to maintain such friendship, people must be willing to create a safe space for discussion and listen to different perspectives. #CasaMamasLoveSubway

There’s a lot to be thankful about this year, even if the pandemic has significantly disrupted our lives. So tune in and subscribe for more family, friendship, love, travel, and fashion advice by the Casa Mamas!

The NEW Subway® Italian B.M.T.™ Plus! With More Cheese & Meat!

Friendsgiving is meant to be celebrated with the people closest to you. And nothing brings people together than great food that’s loaded with more meat and cheese in Subway®’s Italian B.M.T.™ Plus!

Subway is offering their Italian B.M.T.TM Plus with ala carte prices starting at Php 165 for a 6-inch sub, Php 320 for a footlong, Php 175 for a 10-inch wrap, and Php 260 for a salad for a limited time only till January 18, 2022.

Order today and enjoy a more cheesy and meaty Italian B.M.T.TM Plus version of everyone’s favorite! This applies to both dine-in and take-out orders. During this pandemic, Subway® is concerned about your health and safety. This new menu item is available for delivery via GrabFood or Facebook Messenger BOTTY www.m.me/SubwayPhilippines. Takeout is also available from any Subway®

In partnership with Reach Out Feed Philippines, Mega Global Corporation expanded its CSR program Mega Bigay Sustansya to 15 communities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The feeding program benefited 881 children nationwide.

Mega Global, which first initiated the third year of its Mega Bigay Sustansya (MBS) program in July 2021, persists to increase the nutrition of children nationwide as the program has now provided a total of 66,694 meals to 881 children in 15 communities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, recognizing its role in nation-building as one of the country’s providers of food staples and honoring its malasakit core value.

The 60-day program, which was organized in collaboration with Reach Out Feed Philippines, sought to help children in six provinces. The feeding program will operate until November 2021, benefiting a total of 881 children ages 4 to 12 who will get daily meals delivered to their homes. At least one sardine meal was included in each day’s meal, prepared with Mega Global’s nutrient-dense high-quality sardines.

“Our food products are considered to be one of Filipinos’ staple foods. As such, we recognize our role in providing affordable, accessible and nutrition-filled meals to communities, especially those who need them the most,” Marvin Tiu Lim, Chief Growth and Development Officer of Mega Global said. “Our MBS program was created not only to give them proper nutrition during the program, but also provide them opportunities to sustain it through our leave-behind materials that will help parents provide nutritious meals to their family that is abot-kaya.”

Initial evaluation of the kids show that 79 percent of the beneficiaries have gained a minimum of one kilo up to five kilos after 36 feeding days. These kids are the ones who are religiously present during feeding days, and the ones who are being consistently supported by their parents by getting the meals for the kids and motivating them to finish them.

Children ages 4-12 are given house-to-house delivery of meals every day. Upon evaluating the children, results showed that 79 percent of the beneficiaries have gained a minimum of one kilo up to five kilos after 36 feeding days.

Apart from Mega Global and ROFP, the barangay officials and dedicated volunteers of the communities play a big role in the implementation of the project. The barangay officials ensure that the manpower for the program is enough, and that they remain safe during the distribution. As for the volunteers, they dedicate themselves to creating delicious meals such as Sardines Lumpia, Miswa with Sardines, Tortang Sardines, etc., everyday, rain or shine.

Mega Global introduced the Mega Bigay Sustansya (MBS) initiative in 2019 with malasakit as its core value to enable children fight malnutrition. Now in its third year, the organization has a broader vision that will affect an increasing number of Filipinos. Because of the extended program duration and broader reach, the program continues to have a beneficial impact on the lives of children all throughout the country. Mega Global has worked with Adarna House to establish a recipe notebook that families may use as a reference for choosing economical but healthy food, taking into mind the program’s long-term viability and the improved conditions of its beneficiaries.

Mega Global intends to expand its Mega Bigay Sustansya program in the coming years, extending out to an increasing number of Filipinos in need and distributing the gift of nutrition one sardine can at a time.

SubwayNEW ®’s and festive Mint Choco Chip Cookies will bring some little holiday happiness to your table! Until January 18, 2022, get five (5) delectable goodies for only Php 125.

The NEW Mint Choco Chips Cookies come in a festive Christmas Cookie Box! It includes a blank message card on which you can write your own seasonal greetings for family, friends, coworkers, and loved ones!

1-pc Mint Choco Chip cookies are only Php 35, 3-pcs are only Php 85, 6-pcs are only Php 175, and 12-pcs are only Php 350. Cookies purchased in quantities of three, six, or twelve can be blended with other cookie tastes. This special offer is only good for dine-in and takeout orders. This item is not available for delivery.

Now is the time to place your order and send a short and thoughtful note together with a tasty dessert that will make the recipient smile!