Food

As a chocoholic I’m very fond of tasting and experiencing different chocolates to satisfy my cravings and at the same time exploring different kinds that I wasn’t able to taste before.  Along with these I really wanted to know more about chocolates and how they are made. That’s why I’m so grateful Godel invited me along with other bloggers to experience a one-of-a-kind moment in a chocolate factory. It was really a dream come true to know how my favorite chocolate was being made. We acquired a lot of information about the process of cacao until it became a chocolate. I’m delighted with my tour and experiences at Godel. They let us explore different things at their place and let us gain knowledge about their production from the smallest details up to the production itself. I gained knowledge that it’s really not easy because there are a lot of processes for a sweet chocolate to be served and made. It will go through a lot of procedures and machines from a cacao to a sweet treat.

In all honesty I was ecstatic to have my tour at Godel, which is not only a chocolate factory but also a baking supply store. Every woman enjoys adding those tools and baking necessities to her kitchen because many of us enjoy experimenting with new recipes and cooking for our loved ones. They showcase to us how durable their products are and how good the quality they offer. Godel also conducted a presentation where it tackles the harvesting process, the source of their cacao, the cacao fruit opening and the processes of their chocolates. After that we toured around every corner of their place and saw how they worked with their machines. We also personally experienced different things while we roamed around. It was a great experience since they also showed us how they mix and match the ingredients, how they packed their products and even the simplest details along the way with their business. Lastly, we tasted their exquisitely delicious chocolates and all I can say is that it is really good. I totally experienced a whole new kind of sweet and at the same time learned so much from Godel with everything they have shown and offered to us.

Thus, I’m so delighted with the tour I had at Godel and thankful for the chance to explore and experience a whole new thing. Indeed, I acquired so much fun and knowledge knowing the different processes from my favorite sweet ecstasy. Godel also served Hot Chocolate bomb, Stir-in Hot Chocolate, Milk Chocolate Almonds, Chocolate with whole Almonds, Milk Chocolate with Cashews, Salted Caramel Chocolate, Chocolate with Nibs and Bonbons with fillings. It is a perfect gift for all occasions, you may also visit their facebook page: godelchocolate, instagram acc: godel_chocolate and youtube acc: Godel Chocolate to know more and satisfy your sweet cravings and to support this proudly local brand.

Tokens from Godel Chocolate

ABOUT GODEL CHOCOLATE

Cacao Origin: PHILIPPINES

All Godel products are made from locally-sourced, fermented cacao beans. Our chocolates are made using the latest technology, resulting in consistent quality, tine texture and smooth mouthfeel. They are simple in formulation but packed with the flavors that make chocolate delightful and enjoyable.

HOW TO ENJOY

TABLEA

Traditional Tsokolate: Boil 250ml water or choice of milk. Add 3 pieces tablea and stir until they melt completely.

Instant Tsokolate: Place 3 pieces tablea in a cup and add hot water or hot milk. Stir until tablea melts.

For 100% cocoa liquor, add sugar and/or milk, if desired

CACAO NIBS

1. eat as a snack

2. pair with a slightly sweeter food item

• sprinkle on top of oats, cereals, yoghurt or ice cream.

• add to baked goods such as cookies

CACAO TEA

Loose Leaf: Place 3 tbsp cacao tea into pot. Add 500ml hot water. Steep for 3-5 minutes. Strain tea solids before serving. Straining is not necessary if tea infuser or coffee press used.

Tea Bags: For every 180ml hot water, steep 1 tea bag for 3-5 minutes before enjoying. Add sugar or a splash of milk, if desired.

To provide more outdoor dining options for Filipinos to safety eat in the restaurant giant McDonald’s Philippines opened its Bike & Dine facilities in its CM Recto and Clark Gate stores in Pampanga. Soon they will do it also in other cities. Since the virus can spread efficiently from person to person, McDonald’s has been investing in elevating the customer experience, by making dining more accessible, convenient, and inclusive for Filipinos; examples of which include Drive-Thru, McDelivery and outdoor dining. Having a strong foothold on these segments allowed the company to continuously serve its customers safely despite evolving quarantine restrictions set by LGUs.

In a ceremonial opening of McDonald’s CM Recto’s Bike & Dine area, which was attended by McDonald’s Philippines managing director Margot Torres, Pampanga governor Dennis Pineda, and Bases Conversion and Development Authority president and CEO secretary Vince Dizon, the managing director shared how this new facility is one way of championing customer inclusivity.

“We recognize the thousands of Kampampangans, especially frontline workers, who have turned to biking as their means of transportation during this unprecedented time. We saw this as an opportunity to provide them a way to enjoy their favorite McDonald’s meals conveniently, while ensuring that their bikes are safe and secure,” said Torres.

Known as a bike-friendly zone, Clark plans to build more bike-related facilities moving forward and through the McDonald’s Bike & Dine, this aims to provide cyclists a dining space after they ‘Ride Thru.’ McDonald’s Ride Thru aims to encourage all types of vehicles, not just 4-wheeled ones, to order food via the drive thru lane without leaving their vehicle.

Apart from that, cyclists can conveniently mount their bike securely in racks that are attached to a ledge which doubles as a table. Through this, bike-riding customers can enjoy their meals without worrying about the safety of their bicycles. To date, there are two other Bike & Dine facilities in the country, McDonald’s Vermosa (Cavite) and McDonald’s McKinley West (Taguig), with more slated to open this year.

Under the QSR giant’s M Safe program, stringent health and safety protocols are also set in place to assure that diners can enjoy their food while ensuring a high standard of safety.

Customers who will visit the stores will also be subjected to contact-tracing and temperature checks, and are required to wear a face mask and shield. Social distancing will be followed at all times from queueing for their orders and while dining in. Meanwhile, cashless payment options are also available in stores to minimize physical contact.

“We are excited to scale Bike & Dine to more stores in other cities too. We look forward to introducing this innovation to more bike-riding communities, where more customers can enjoy their favorite McDonald’s meals safely and more conveniently,” concluded Torres.

Visit www.mcdonalds.com.ph to stay updated on the daily operations of stores, visit www.mcdonalds.com.ph and for more announcements follow McDonald’s Philippines Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/McDo.ph.

Remember the movie which was released 25 years ago, Space Jam Tunes Squad is making a comeback this year, the new design collectibles are in honor of the much-awaited sequel to the beloved classic Space Jam: A New Legacy is the standalone sequel that features another exciting adventure with our Looney Squad.. Also this time with McDonald’s Philippines! Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Sylvester, and the rest of the crew are all returning as McDonald’s launches the new Space Jam Happy Meal! The new collection of toys is made even more exciting as King Lebron James joins in the toy character lineup.

As McDonald’s aims to bring families closer together, it teamed up with the iconic squad and has created an exciting lineup of must-have toys which would bring nostalgia to parents and young adults, and play time fun for kids. The Space Jam Happy Meal consists of 12 Tune Squad characters which include: Bugs Bunny, Lola Bunny, Daffy Duck, Sylvester, Road Runner, Yosemite Sam, Wile E. Coyote, Taz, Elmer Fudd, Marvin the Martian, and of course, Lebron James.

Starting July 9 collect all 12 toys and order via McDelivery, McDo Drive-Thru, Take-Out, or Dine-In and have a family bonding time that is loonier than ever. To score as many points as you can with every Happy Meal! Start practice your shooting skills with LeBron and the Space Jam Tune Squad.

McDonald’s Philippines President & CEO Kenneth S. Yang, and McDonald’s Philippines Managing Director and Ingat Angat Bakuna Lahat communications advocacy co-lead Margot B. Torres join government representatives and other industry leaders in a symbolic vaccination ceremony that marked the start of the inoculation of economic frontliners.

McDonald’s Philippines continues to encourage the private sector to support the government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s vaccination program in order to achieve population protection as the country continues its strategies to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic for a safe reopening of the economy.

Grounded by the QSR giant’s commitment to the safety of its people and customers, McDonald’s Philippines President and CEO Kenneth S. Yang has been advocating the importance of getting vaccinated, especially for the vaccination of economic frontliners under the A4 category, which includes McDonald’s crew members and store managers.

Close to 4,000 McDonald’s store employees have been vaccinated to date, and the numbers continue to climb as McDonald’s continues to support and enable its people to get vaccinated. Aside from providing credible medical information, the company has been working double time with coordinating with the different LGUs to register its people for their vaccination program. The QSR giant also purchased close to 100,000 vaccine doses to be administered to its people for free.

“The health and safety of our people is our top priority. Guided by our principle of M Safe, we always ensure that they are safe, so our customers can also be safe. As we work for the safe reopening of the economy, we will continue to boost our efforts to educate our people on the importance of vaccines, in parallel with our efforts to support the government in its vaccination campaign,” said Yang during the A4 ceremonial vaccination kick-off at SM Mall of Asia.

McDonald’s Philippines continues to support its employees with free RT-PCR testing, the distribution of care kits, and strict implementation of protocols to ensure a safe working environment for the employees, and a safe McDonald’s experience for customers.

A McDonald’s crew member gets inoculated at the A4 ceremonial vaccination event held last June 7.

McDonald’s also currently supports the Ingat Angat Bakuna Lahat, a vaccine education campaign in an effort to boost the confidence of Filipinos on getting vaccinated. “With all of us working together to vaccinate our economic frontliners at the soonest time possible, we look forward to recovery and a better quality of life for everyone sooner,” Yang concluded.

McDonald’s gives “Bakuna Benefits” to vaccinated customers in an attempt to motivate more Filipinos to get vaccinated. Customers who have received their first dose of vaccine and produce their original vaccination card, together with a valid ID, will receive a 10% discount on solo products and meals when buying until August 31, 2021. Customers must choose one offer to apply to their transaction when redeeming this short promo; it cannot be combined with other savings. This offer is valid for dine-in and take-out orders at all locations countrywide.

Certified safe. McDonald’s McKinley West and McDonald’s Robinson’s Magnolia receives the Safety Seal certification from Taguig and Quezon City governments, respectively, to signify its full compliance with health and safety protocols set by the Inter-Agency Task Force against COVID-19. In photo from left: McDonald’s PH Operations Consultant Grethel Somera, Operations Manager Mhil Tungala, Managing Director Margot Torres, Taguig Mayor Lino Cayetano, Restaurant Manager Tony Ibalan, and Taguig Councilor Jorge Bocobo.

McDonald’s stores are receiving their Safety Seal certifications from their corresponding local government units such as Quezon City and Taguig as a proof of the store’s complying with public health and safety protocols in the fight against COVID-19, allowing diners to experience their favourite food worry-free.

Mayors and LGU officials delivered the seal to McDonald’s Philippines, represented by Managing Director Margot Torres, during ceremonial installations at the QSR giant’s branches. The Safety Seal Certification is a voluntary program that certifies that a business complies with the government’s basic public health criteria and employs or integrates their contact tracking with StaySafe.ph. As of June 29, the certification had been received by 82 McDonald’s locations.

In photo from left: McDonald’s PH Managing Director Margot Torres, Cabinet Secretary Karlos Nograles, McDonald’s Owner Operator Norkie Go, QC Mayor Joy Belmonte, and McDonald’s PH President & CEO Kenneth Yang.

The rest of McDonald’s branches nationwide are in the process of applying for their seal. McDonald’s, with its M Safe program, continues to re-assure its customers of their safety. It starts with ensuring that McDonald’s employees are safe so that their customers can enjoy dine-in, take-out, drive-thru, or McDelivery services safely.

“The Safety Seal is another way to show our commitment to safety, which has always been a part of our operating culture. We will continue to follow protocols across all branches to ensure the best and safest dining experience for our customers and a safe working environment for our crew and managers. We are glad that our M Safe program is aligned with the government’s institutionalized guidelines for public health and safety. We are always ready and willing to work together to create a better normal for everyone,” declares McDonald’s Philippines Managing Director Margot Torres.

Local government units award the government’s Safety Seal to businesses that follow the Inter-Agency Task Force against COVID-19’s (IATF) criteria for enforcing minimal public health requirements in public places. Customers’ screening areas, contact tracing methods, and the provision of handwashing and sanitizing stations are among the measures included in these criteria.

The certification has already been given to 110 McDonald’s locations across the country. Visit https://mcdonalds.com.ph/press-center/when-were-safe-you-are-too/ to see the full list. Customers may anticipate more branches receiving their own Safety Seal in the near future.

The Bogels N.Y., your newest favorite spectacular bogus bagels, Jimini Foods Group (JFG), a leader and innovator in the frozen-fresh foods market, delivers an exciting new product for Pinoy foodies.

Bogels N.Y. takes pride in using the freshest ingredients and unique baking technique that results in an incredibly satisfying bites. Delight in the wonderful crunch of a perfectly baked crust with a soft, chewy inside. Bogels N.Y. offers the perfect balance of health and great taste, all in one delightful bagel!

Bogels N.Y. bagels are best enjoyed with a generous dollop of cream cheese or butter, or as a sandwich stuffed with all your favorite greens and deli cold cuts. Bogels N.Y. can even be enjoyed on its own; it’s that delicious!

Bogels N.Y. bagels come in two classic flavors: Whole Wheat Delight and B&W Sesame Sprinkle. The Whole Wheat Delight offers a more satiating and dense bite, while the B&W Sesame Sprinkle gives you that extra crunch and texture. Elevate your breakfast sandwiches and snacks or make it an everyday meal on its own with Bogels N.Y. This is nothing you’ve ever tasted before!

Bite into amazing today!

Bogels N.Y. bagels are available online on GustaFood.ph! and Naber.ph In individual packs (P42) and per dozen (P504 each pack)

Farmers’ Produce is returning to SM Aura following a successful run, this time with new food choices that are generally only seen on Instagram. The weekend market caravan, which takes place on the top ground level of SM Aura from June 23 to 25, is a foodie’s paradise, with the freshest vegetables from local farmers and the tastiest meals from MSMEs.

“We’re very happy with the outcome of the first weekend of the Farmers’ Produce at SM Aura Premier and look forward to offering a healthy, fun, and safe experience to the community in the upcoming weekends. With this caravan, SM hopes to bring only the most interesting and organic food selections for consumers, as well as help farmers and small businesses during these challenging times,” said SM Supermalls president Steven Tan.

If it’s fresh produce and rare fruits you’re looking for, Farmer Juan Ranch has the guavapple, a hybrid of guava and apple that’s imported from Davao. Two fruits in one?What more can you ask for?

On the lookout for the next dessert trend? A new sweet treat to check out are Crack pies from Crack.PH,an addicting pastry made with an oatmeal cookie crust and a luscious gooey filling! Ifyou’re a donut lover, and have never tasted Poison doughnuts, now’s your chance! Their unique flavors like pili glaze and salted dark chocolate will have you craving for more! If, on the other hand, bubble milk tea is your thing but want to enjoy it later to ration your sugar load, the new Milk Tea Home Kits from Lala Café Bubble Tea House is something you can prepare at home, plus they have doggie treats to reward your fur babies after a visit at SM Aura’s Paw Park, too! Youcan also get a taste of the all-new ZIG for healthy poke bowls and salads, Goto Believe and Recovery Food for savory Filipino meals, the Daily Knead for baked goods and pastries using wholesome ingredients, and Moloko and Scout’s Honor for delicious cookies.These, and more, are just some of the new and unique food finds that you will find at Farmers’ Produce this weekend, June 25-27, at the upper ground floor of SM Aura.

The event is also your chance to taste – if you haven’t yet – the latest flavors from   one of the best local ice cream brands. Sebastian’s Ice Cream takes pride coming up with distinctive flavor offerings, and as its owner Ian Carandang shared: “It starts with an idea ─ it could be a flavor combination of a concept of a dessert, that I try to put together.”   Sebastian’s Ice Cream offers fruitsicles, dairy-free and vegan fruit sorbet bars; poppits in flavors like red velvet and bubble gum; and chilly burgers, which are handmade ice cream cookie sandwiches.

Produce, he’s using the Farmers’ Produce to bring his products closer to Taguig residents: “Taguig is a city where we don’t really have a branch, and this is a good to strike in a market where we don’t have any presence yet.” Gourmet farms’ salad dressings, lettuce chips, and drip-on coffee, Vikings RTE or ready-to-eat gourmet adobo and gourmet lechon paksiw in jars, and Maxwell’s well-loved tomato confit are just a few of the food options.

Hence, if you’ve been wondering what to do and where to go this weekends, go to the Farmers’ Produce at SM Aura, in which you’ll feel comfortable and fulfilled by all the deliciousness you’ll find! Bring your friends, family, and dogs, because pets are welcome at the event, and Lala Café has special treats for them as well!

Visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts for more information.

Welcome back to dining in. The Jollibee Group offers 10% discount for its vaccinated customers to make dining in even more rewarding. Participating brands are Jollibee, Chowking, Mang Inasal, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Burger King, Panda Express, and PHO24. Terms and conditions apply.

To promote the country’s vaccination program, the Jollibee Group officially launched Ingat Angat’s Smart Bakuna Benefits program, which offers discounts to all immunized cards at more than 150 locations in NCR Plus from June 1 to August 31, 2021.

The Jollibee Group is offering 10% discount for vaccinated customers of Jollibee, Chowking, Mang Inasal, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Burger King, Panda Express, and PHO24. Through this discount promo, the Jollibee Group hopes to encourage its customers and the publicto get vaccinated and help the country achieve herd immunity as soon as possible.

Vaccinated customers only need to show their vaccine card and valid ID to enjoy the incentive for as many times as they want when they dine infrom June to August 2021.Single dose vaccinees are also eligible to enjoy the discount.

“This discount promo is our way to thank our customers for getting vaccinated. The vaccine is the solution that we have been waiting for to protect ourselves and our loved ones, as well ashelp revive our economy and livelihoods. So let us all get vaccinated,” said Pepot Miñana, Jollibee Group Chief Sustainability and Public Affairs Officer.“We remain optimistic and hopeful that when we work together to achieve herd immunity, we can all have a better Christmas this year.”

Jollibee began its promotion on June 1, while Chowking, Mang Inasal, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Burger King, Panda Express, and PHO24 will begin their promotions on June 15. People can check the particular terms and conditions of each discount promotion on the business’ Facebook sites. Customers can also find a complete list of participating brands at www.ingat-angat.com/benefits.