Category: Food & Beverages

  • Megan Young and Mikael Daez on the joys of me-time moments

    Megan Young and Mikael Daez on the joys of me-time moments

    Maintaining a healthy work-life balance has been a challenge for a lot of people. Keeping up with responsibilities can be stressful and draining so, it’s important to reward oneself with valuable “me-time” moments from time to time. 

    Celebrity couple Megan Young and Mikael Daez can attest to this. Since the lockdown started, they’ve been creating content for their YouTube channel and podcast #BehindRelationshipGoals. Balancing work and their personal lives was not an easy task, but they make sure they find time to enjoy things they love.

    “We look forward to any chance we get to enjoy the company of one another and [our dog] Soba, even if we only get a couple of hours or minutes of free time to do so. We’re even more appreciative of these moments.” Mikael said.

    “Before, we really pushed ourselves to work until madaling araw. But we realized that we need to put a limit and that we have to find time to reward ourselves also,” Megan added. 

    Though they’re limited to staying at home, Mikael and Megan still find ways to reward themselves through simple yet satisfying activities.

    Take a breather 

    Enjoy a cup of Mikael Daez’s holiday spice drink with Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate.

    Being able to take a few moments to appreciate free time after accomplishing so much can feel rewarding. Find a comfortable spot and try to sit back for a few minutes to help clear the mind before jumping into the next task. Performing a simple self-care routine afterwards can be invigorating.

    Play video games 

    One of the things Megan and Mikael enjoy is their shared love for playing video games. Immersing oneself in a virtual world is easily rewarding after spending long hours of work.   

    TV and movie marathon 

    Spice up your favorite oatmeal snack with Swiss Miss Hazelnut.

    One of the best ways to chill after a busy day – a marathon of TV shows and movies while in pajamas and with a cozy cup of hot chocolate. Swiss Miss is one of the celebrity couple’s must-haves when they go on a binge-watching spree. “For the anime lovers out there, we’ve been watching Hunter x Hunter and Demon Slayer. And then, for video game lovers, we watched Witcher. From time to time, there’s the occasional K-Drama or Korean movie that’s nice to watch,” Mikael shared.  

    Experiment in the kitchen 

    Rewarding oneself can be as simple as satisfying cravings, preparing a tasty treat or cooking a favorite dish. For Megan and Mikael, experimenting with Swiss Miss’ various flavors to create delicious snacks and drinks turned out to be a memorable experience. Megan’s favorite was adding Swiss Miss Chocolate Hazelnut to oatmeal. “Swiss Miss really oomph’d up the flavor and the oatmeal experience,” she said. 

    Meanwhile, Mikael added cinnamon, cream, and rock salt to his Swiss Miss drink. “It did add a lot of nuance to the Swiss Miss experience and I was happily surprised,” he said. “We’re not cooks or chefs, so any wins in the kitchen is something we’ll take.”  

    Check out the recipes they made with Swiss Miss here and enjoy a rewarding treat.  

    Spend time with loved ones 

    Celebrity couple Megan Young and Mikael Daez enjoy celebrating their accomplishments with Swiss Miss.

    Celebrating wins and accomplishments is more rewarding when shared with the family and loved ones. There’s a blissful satisfaction in spending free time and catching up with family and friends whether in person or virtually.  

    The new year is an ideal time to grow in one’s personal and professional lives. Megan and Mikael – as individuals and as a couple – plan on taking their content creation to another level. “Definitely 2022 is another year for learning and taking it to a different scale,” Megan said. Mikael also added, “I mean we already started the content production arm of Bonez and Fofo so we might as well go with it 100% and try everything out.” 

    Of course, they won’t forget about taking a break rewarding themselves for their small and big wins.

    Just like the celebrity couple, one can celebrate wins with a sweet reward like Swiss Miss. This chocolate drink comes in Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Marshmallow and Hazelnut flavors. 

    Enjoy Swiss Miss by itself or with the delicious recipes from Swiss Miss Philippine’s Facebook page. Get Swiss Miss from the nearest supermarkets or by shopping online.  

    REFERENCE:

    Apollo Noel Santos

    Public Relations Supervisor

    M: +63 927 317 3737

    E: apollo.santos@stratworks.ph | aasantos.swi@gmail.com | www.stratworks.ph

  • Laudicos share their recipe for success in their food business

    Laudicos share their recipe for success in their food business

    Starting a food business is an ultimate dream for many, and running one is surely not an easy feat. While many entrepreneurs continue to face struggles, Chefs Rolando “Lau” and Jacqueline “Jackie” Laudico remain grateful as they overcame obstacles in running their food business.

    The culinary power couple have maintained their restaurant’s success amidst the pandemic, and here’s how they did it:

    Adapting to changing times

    Finding success in the food industry is undeniably more challenging, but Chef Lau and Chef Jackie’s responded with constant adaptation and practical reinvention.

    Robina Farms ambassadors Chef Jackie and Chef Rolando Laudico

    With restrictions on dine-in, they leveled up their takeout services, which meant taking a step back and learning more about meal deliveries. They utilized the best packaging materials to ensure each dish gets delivered with optimum quality. They also went ahead and reinvented their menu offerings to adjust to the current needs of the customers. The Chefs have embraced the fact that in order for them to successfully manage their food business, they have to consistently learn new things and adapt to the times.

    Attitude for gratitude

    According to Chef Jackie, having ‘Attitude for Gratitude’ is the way to go. Based on their personal experiences, finding things to be grateful for regardless of challenges has helped them be where they are now.

    Culinary power couple Chef Jackie and Rolando Laudico remain grateful despite challenges in their food business

    Amidst the hurdles, they remained grateful that being in the food industry means their services are still essential to people. They see each and every day as a fighting chance to improve and keep their business afloat.

    Choosing the right partners

    Chef Lau says he’s very lucky to have Chef Jackie as a partner not only in life but also in their business. “You’ll need that partner who complements your weaknesses,” he shared.

    And while the two Chefs are already a force to be reckoned with in the food industry, they still recognize the need to have a reliable partner that provides stable, reliable, and quality service at all times. That’s why they have been partners with Robina Farms for four years now.

    Meat and poultry provider Robina Farms has been a constant in the daily operations of the Chefs’ businesses. With Robina Farms’ superior meat and egg products, Chefs Lau and Jackie are confident that they’ve got a partner who can keep up with their needs and meet their quality expectations.

    A PARTNERSHIP FOR KEEPS. Robina Farms seals its continued partnership with renowned restaurateurs and culinary power couple Chef Rolando “Lau” Laudico and Chef Jacqueline “Jac” Laudico (center) through a contract signing ceremony held at Chef Laudico’s Guevarra’s restaurant last November 19, 2021. The chefs have been the face of Universal Robina Corporation Agro-Industrial Group’s (URC-AIG) meat and egg brand for four years now. Also present during the contract signing ceremony are (from right) URC-AIG’s Marketing Manager, Gamby Diño, and Group Product Manager, Aissa Reyes.

    The challenges they faced were blessings in disguise because of all the learnings they gained. So, to entrepreneurs and aspiring ones, keep cooking, keep baking, and keep learning. Take it from the culinary power couple and successful restaurateurs, Chef Lau and Chef Jackie.

    REFERENCE:

    Apollo Noel Santos

    Public Relations Supervisor

    M: +63 927 317 3737

    E: apollo.santos@stratworks.ph | aasantos.swi@gmail.com | www.stratworks.ph

  • New Year, New Food Discoveries

    New Year, New Food Discoveries

    Meal preparation may seemingly be a daunting task year on year, but have no fear. There’s always room for new food discoveries and hacks. Foodies and homemakers alike are always on the lookout for something different yet easy to prepare and definitely, palate and tummy pleasers. A great break from having delivered meals! Make part of your New Year’s resolution to try out these new, life-easing products in the market by San Miguel Foods.

    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 an enjoyable food adventure, even allowing enough me time in-between with these new discoveries.

    Also, check out www.homefoodie.com for recipe ideas with these products!

    REFERENCE:

    LARIZA GARCIA

  • Ginebra San Miguel launches 2022 Calendar Girl

    Ginebra San Miguel launches 2022 Calendar Girl

    December 01, 2021 – Ginebra San Miguel launches Kapamilya actress and social media vixen Chie Filomeno as its 2022 Calendar Girl. Filomeno, a celebrity housemate in the TV reality show Pinoy Big Brother Season 10, was visibly ecstatic when she was officially introduced Wednesday (December 1) via an online launch event as the newest member of the Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) family. 

    “To be a part of the Ginebra San Miguel family is such a big fulfillment for me. This is a dream come true. I am really happy and grateful to be a part of the brand’s legacy,” says Filomeno, adding that being chosen by the maker of the world’s largest-selling gin as its calendar girl marks an important milestone in her budding showbiz career. 

    GSMI National Sales and Marketing Manager Allan Mercado describes Filomeno as a modern Filipina who certainly personifies the Ginebra San Miguel attributes. “Chie Filomeno is a modern woman who is passionate in her work as a model, vlogger, youth influencer, and actress. Ginebra San Miguel chose Chie Filomeno because she embodies the attributes that our products stand for – a modern Filipina who personifies our brand attributes of being ‘matapang,’ ‘ganado,’ and having that ‘never-say-die’ attitude.” 

    The 2022 Ginebra San Miguel calendar captures the 24-year-old actress’ many interests and hobbies in six (6) layouts – as a health and fitness enthusiast, a race car driver, a roller skater, a fashion trendsetter, a surfer, and a beach lover. 

    This edition of the Ginebra San Miguel calendar also features a QR code that consumers can scan using their smartphones to see Chie Filomeno’s calendars come to life, showing behind-the-scenes videos of her calendar girl photoshoots and a special message to her fans and followers. 

    MORE THAN A PRETTY FACE 

    Filomeno believes that being a Ginebra San Miguel calendar girl is more than just being sexy and having a pretty face. “It is definitely beyond that. It is about being strong. It is about feeling and looking good, not just on the outside, but also on the inside. I know I am more than just a pretty face. I am more than my mistakes. I know I still have a lot to prove, not to other people, but to myself. My competition is myself and not anyone else,” she says. 

    Filomeno, who reveals that she is a big fan of Barangay Ginebra’s LA Tenorio, has likewise taken the basketball team’s famous mantra to heart. “My instinct has always been never-say-die. That’s my top-of-mind. Never-say-die in everything. What if you are an inch closer to success and then you give up? Sayang lahat ng pinagtrabahuhan mo. All the blood, sweat, and tears. Hanggang sa huling patak, dapat may bagong tapang. ‘Yun din ang reminder sa akin lagi ng parents ko,” she shares. 

    With a combined following of over 6 million on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, Filomeno knows that it is important especially in this time of the pandemic, to put such influence to good use. 

    “I use it in a positive way, to inspire people, because that is what we all need right now. We should use our influence to inspire and give hope. That has been my goal,” relates Filomeno, who hopes to take this chance as Ginebra San Miguel’s newest brand ambassador to spread hope and positivity. Filomeno earned the admiration of netizens recently when she helped out a group of jeepney drivers who were begging for alms along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City, and urged the public through her social media accounts to give back in any way they can.

    Filomeno joins actress Sue Ramirez for GSM Blue, social media sensation Albert Nicolas, and actor/singer Matteo Guidicelli for Primera Light Brandy in GSMI’s growing roster of brand ambassadors. 

    The Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl is a long-held tradition in GSMI and an important part of the brand’s history. Since its inception in 1988, beauty queens, actresses, and models who have made their mark in their respective fields have graced the Ginebra San Miguel calendar. Among them were Marian Rivera (2009 and 2014), Anne Curtis (2011), Solenn Heusaff (2012), Kim Domingo (2017), former Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach (2019), and Sanya Lopez (2020). 

    GSMI is the producer of the world’s largest-selling gin Ginebra San Miguel. Other quality GSMI products include GSM Blue Light Gin, GSM Blue Flavors Mojito, Gin Pomelo and Margarita, GSM Premium Gin, Antonov Vodka, Añejo Gold Rum, Vino Kulafu, and Primera Light Brandy. 

    For more details, like the Ginebra San Miguel official Facebook page www.facebook.com/BarangayGinebra or log on to www.ginebra.com.ph.

    REFERENCE:

    ED UY
    Publicist,
    SMART +63.998.550.3389
    +63.917.518.3389

  • Mang Inasal locks in juicy ihaw-sarap for takeout or delivery

    Mang Inasal locks in juicy ihaw-sarap for takeout or delivery

    We’ve all felt it – that familiar craving for our favorite juicy ihaw-sarap meals. Nowadays, though, when our taste buds seek out the familiar savory and smoky flavors, we stop ourselves short. What’s the point of ordering ihaw-sarap meals if we’re not getting them fresh off the grill?

    The pandemic ushered in a host of food-ordering and delivery applications. Even as the IATF and LGUs relax some dine-in restrictions, takeout and delivery continue to be major channels 

    To continually adapt to the expectations of customers on ‘new normal’ dining, Mang Inasal has improved its food preparation and cooking process to achieve consistent off-the-grill goodness for its ihaw-sarap meals. One innovation is the juicy-lock grilling process which seeks to ensure the freshness and juiciness of its best-selling Chicken Inasal.  

    Promoting this exciting development is Mang Inasal’s newest brand ambassador Kuya Kim Atienza who headlines Mang Inasal’s latest video. Check out what he has to say in this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLDd_qd4wfI 

    Satisfy your cravings for Chicken Inasal meals so juicy that they taste like they come straight from the grill — even at home! Order via manginasaldelivery.com.ph, Mang Inasal App, GrabFood, and foodpanda. 

    REFERENCE:

    John Paulo Ondra Caparros

    Public Relations Department – SBU BLAZE

    Strategic works, Inc.

    +639173068591

    john.caparros@stratworks.ph

    2nd Floor Zaragoza Building, 102 Gamboa Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City PH

  • Hidilyn Diaz and Jollibee support Filipino athletes to reach their dreams

    Hidilyn Diaz and Jollibee support Filipino athletes to reach their dreams

    Many know Hidilyn Diaz as the first Filipino Olympic gold medal winner, but few know how hard the road was for this champion weightlifter before she reached her dream.

    Having started weightlifting at age eleven, Hidilyn took years of practice, hard work, and grit to overcome the challenges that came her way. She even had to create makeshift weights using concrete and mag wheels when she was just starting out. After four Olympic stints in a span of 12 years, including a DNF (Did Not Finish) in the London edition of the Games, she finally had her golden moment at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. But even then, the road wasn’t easy—due to the pandemic, she had to train in Malaysia away from her family and she once again had to use makeshift weights in an outdoor gym.

    Elreen Ando (Weightlifting)

    Just like Hidilyn, many Filipino athletes also dream of their moment atop the podium. It is indeed a daunting task, with only a few given a chance to even qualify in the Olympic games. This is why Hidilyn, with the help of Jollibee, aims to pay it forward and help shape the next generation of Filipino champions. 

    “Bawat panalo, nagsisimula sa pangarap. At ang pangarap ko, maiangat ang mga kabataang atletang Pinoy,” Hidilyn said. “At natutuwa ako na sa tulong ng Jollibee, kahit papaano ay mabibigyan ko sila ng kahit konting pag-asa na makamit nila ang pangarap nila,” she added.

    Jollibee, as a proudly Pinoy brand, will be donating a part of the proceeds from every purchase of the Champ & Joy Super Meal to the Philippine Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission.

     “Jollibee has always believed in the heart and strength of Filipinos and that we can shine even at a global stage. Together with Hidilyn, we want to help nurture and support more Filipino athletes so they too can reach their dreams and continue bringing pride and inspiration to the country,” said Arline Adeva, Assistant Vice President and Head of Brand PR, Engagement, and Digital Marketing.

    Rogen Landon (Boxing)

    Hidilyn also plans to donate weightlifting equipment for the grassroots program of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas.

    “Para mas ma-increase yung awareness about weightlifting at sana, ma-realize ng mga bata na posible na ma-achieve nila ang dream nila sa Philippines by starting out sa weightlifting,” she said before adding that she also plans to train athletes herself. 

    “Hindi naman ako forever na atleta. So kailangan na may kasunod na may ma-train ako na maging championnext to me. Kasi it’s not all about me, ang gusto ko, hindi lang ako ang champ, kundi lahat tayo,” Hidilyn said.

    Julian Macaraeg (Short Track Speed Skating)

    Rogen Landon (Boxing), Julian Macaraeg (Short Track Speed Skating), and Elreen Ando (Weightlifting) are just some of the Filipino athletes who hope to bring pride to the country in their respective sports, with the support of the Philippine Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission.

    You can also do your part in supporting aspiring Filipino athletes with the Champ & Joy Super Meal. This delicious and filling combo includes a Champ burger, 1-pc. Chickenjoy with rice, and a free Go Large Coke drink. As an added treat, customers will also get a special paper packaging featuring Hidilyn herself and a limited edition Hidilyn Diaz collectible card with every order of the Champ & Joy Super Meal. The meal is available for only PHP 240.00 in select Jollibee stores nationwide until November 30, 2021.

    Have it safely delivered to you via the Jollibee App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and foodpanda! You may also enjoy it via Dine-in, Drive-Thru, and Take Out.

    Hidilyn Diaz aims to nurture the next generation of Filipino champions through Jollibee’s Champ & Joy Super Meal where a portion of the proceeds from every purchase will be given to the Philippine Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission.

    For more info and updates on Jollibee products, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on Twitter and Instagram. 

    RERENCE:

    John Paulo Ondra Caparros

    Public Relations Department – SBU BLAZE

    Strategic works, Inc.

    +639173068591

    john.caparros@stratworks.ph

    2nd Floor Zaragoza Building, 102 Gamboa Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City PH

  • PH’s 1st Stevia grower-manufacturer launches No Sugar iced tea mixes

    PH’s 1st Stevia grower-manufacturer launches No Sugar iced tea mixes

    GIDC, The Stevia Company, and maker of Glorious products, is bringing no sugar iced tea mixes in major supermarkets and groceries! Consumers who cuts on sugar in their diet can now enjoy low calorie, no sugar iced tea mixes that are sweetened by natural alternatives.

    Glorious Blend Lemon Iced Tea, Red Tea and Cucumber Lemonade that are sweetened iced tea mixes without sugar are especially produced for people who are cutting and avoiding food and drinks with too much sugar.

    Glorious Blend iced tea mixes are naturally sweetened with stevia. The mixes are made from premium ingredients that include mixed berries, real black tea leaves, lemon, and real cucumber. It is low in calorie and loaded with vitamin C.

    “Stevia has been regarded as a safe and healthy sugar substitute. It can sweeten foods, and it has several health benefits, including decreased calorie intake, lower blood sugar levels, and less risk of cavities,” said Maura De Leon, the woman behind GIDC, the country’s first FDA registered stevia grower and manufacturer.

    Before, stevia was restricted to the health food market without any FDA approval. However, it is now widely used as a natural substitute for artificial sweeteners in many products.

    While it has zero calories, stevia is 200 times sweeter than refined sugar and does not affect blood sugar. It is a popular option for people looking to lose weight but who want to reduce their sugar intake.

    Stevia is an herb that has been grown in tropical climates for centuries. It is a small bushy plant that belongs to the sunflower family and grows in Paraguay and Brazil, but it can be quickly grown elsewhere. For centuries, the people of Paraguay add them to their foods as sweeteners, and countries like Korea, Brazil, China, Japan, and South America, have long used stevia.

    Stevia is now being widely used as a natural sweetener in various food preparations.

    People who have diabetes can benefit from stevia. Choosing pure stevia extract can help maintain normal blood sugar levels and should be used in moderation. Stevia can also help cut down added sugar consumption, which can be beneficial for children. High sugar intake in children could lead to heart disease due to reconstructing triglyceride and cholesterol levels, contributing to children’s weight gain. Substituting added sugar for stevia can minimize these risks. At the same time, moderate consumption of foods with stevia and other sweeteners can prevent adverse side effects and promote overall health.

    Stevia products such as iced tea mixes, healthy coffees and chocolate beverages manufactured by Glorious, are approved safe by the Food and Drug Association (FDA) for pregnant women or people who have diabetes.

    Incidentally, all Glorious Blend beverages — from the 3in1 coffee, 4in1 Malunggay mix, 5in1 Brown Rice Coffee, 7-in-1 Mangosteen-Malunggay Coffee, 7in1Native Cacao Choco and Maxitrim with L-Carnitine, use Stevia which has no calories, no carbohydrates, and zero glycemic index. All of their instant drinks will keep you alert and energized throughout the day.

    For more information about Glorious products, log on to www.gidc.com.

    REFERENCE:

    Ms. Lariza Garcia

  • Mang Inasal offers latest merienda hit: Crunchy, Chunky Chicken Empanada

    Mang Inasal offers latest merienda hit: Crunchy, Chunky Chicken Empanada

    Take a break from your usual snacking fares and enjoy the satisfying flavors of the new merienda favorite from Mang Inasal — the Crunchy, Chunky Chicken Empanada.  

    Inside the crisp, buttery pastry shell of the Mang Inasal Chicken Empanada is a delicious mix of chicken chunks, potatoes and raisins. It is big enough to satisfy your merienda cravings and convenient enough to bring anywhere you please.  

    Enjoy it solo (starts at P49), in packs of three (starts at P145) and in boxes of six (starts at P289) ideal as take-home treat or for sharing with your loved ones.  

    You may also pair Mang Inasal Chicken Empanada with either the Palabok or with the Extra Creamy Halo-Halo. Both Merienda Savers come with Lipton Iced Tea (starts at P95).    

    Empanada na muna! Grab a bite of this merienda favorite
    — the Mang Inasal Crunchy, Chunky, Chicken Empanada

    The Mang Inasal Chicken Empanada is now available in all Mang Inasal stores nationwide (https://bit.ly/3hBwAax). It can also be ordered through takeout or delivery via manginasaldelivery.com.ph, GrabFood or foodpanda.    

    To learn more about the latest Mang Inasal offerings and promos, follow its official Facebook and Instagram page and join its Viber community.   

    REFERENCE:

    John Paulo Ondra Caparros

    Public Relations Department – SBU BLAZE

    Strategic works, Inc.

    +639173068591

    john.caparros@stratworks.ph

    2nd Floor Zaragoza Building, 102 Gamboa Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City PH