Quick and Easy Tips for a Sulit and Sustainable Holiday Season

Ajinomoto shares affordable and eco-friendly ways to do in your upcoming parties.

From the Press Release kit:

Filipinos are known to celebrate the longest and grandest holiday season. More often than not, this comes at an economic and environmental expense, having to spend more on food and gifts - but it doesn’t always have to be like that. Having an affordable and sustainable celebration can be an option and a great way for families to bond together.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC Group) shares a few tips on how Filipinos can have a meaningful holiday season- the budget-friendly and eco-friendly way. APC Group General Manager of Corporate Planning and Public Relations Roann Co said, “We, at Ajinomoto, believe that there is no small contribution when it comes to caring for the environment. Through our tips below, we hope to empower Filipinos in giving the gift of sustainability this holiday season.”

Here are some eco-friendly and meaningful ways to celebrate the holidays:

1. Recycled gift wraps and Do-It-Yourself gifts 

Using old magazines and newspapers as an alternative gift wrapper isn’t a new practice to Filipinos. But, it is definitely something that we should further encourage among our families and friends. Not only does it help the environment, it is also easy on the pocket too!

Moreover, if you’re still wondering what gifts you should give, you can check some of the winning DIY projects during the online contest for Ilabas ang SustainAbilidad campaign such as the apron made from the wrappers of used Ajinomoto products and a DIY toy kitchen set for kids who want to learn to cook. You can also try re-inventing some of the projects to make it more creative and more heart-felt.

2. Solar-powered string lights

Christmas decorations are incomplete without bright lights at home and on streets. Retire your vintage decors by using solar-powered lights which give you the same merry evenings with less electricity consumption and environmental impact. And since these solar-powered decors don’t add to your electricity bill, you may also consider maintaining this type of ambient lights on your garden and terraces.

Beyond homes, Ajinomoto has also introduced solar energy to its Bulacan factory and it is projected to offset around 865 metric tons of carbon dioxide which is equivalent to reducing 2,352,456 miles in vehicle travel per year.

3. Prepare delicious, nutritious, and eco-friendly holiday meals

What makes Filipino holidays special is the variety of food options planned and prepared by home cooks. Bring out the flavor of your favorite handaan dishes like Pinoy spaghetti, lumpiang shanghai, adobo, kaldereta, and more with the new AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning 45g paper pack. The new packaging is made from a natural paper material that can be planted, grown, harvested, and then replanted which means you’re not only preparing delicious food for the family but also helping the environment.

Here are some holiday recipe ideas you may try:

Pasta Chips

Instead of buying salty potato chips as an appetizer for your guests this Christmas, why not try making your own chips at home? These Pasta Chips recipe can turn your typical soft pasta into a crispy delight that’s also less sodium, thanks to AJI-NO-MOTO®!

Just deep-fry sliced and cooked lasagna sheets in a pan with oil. Drain excess oil using a strainer.  While hot, immediately sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese and AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning for that added umami-goodness.

Chicken Cajun Pasta

New pasta dish to impress! Savor the delicious kick  from Cajun and the savory goodness of AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning.

Heat oil and melt butter in a pot. Add the chicken pieces then cook until golden brown. Chicken breast is a great source of lean Protein to help build strong muscles. Add the onions, tomatoes, French beans then cook for 3 minutes. Toss together the cooked penne pasta. To ensure an al dente texture or slightly firm pasta, cook pasta one minute less than the package instructions. Drain then you may opt to drizzle a little bit of olive oil to avoid the pasta from sticking together.

Season with cream cheese and your homemade Cajun spice mix – smoked paprika powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning, and cayenne powder. Mix and cook for 3-5 minutes. Transfer to a plate then garnish with spring onions. This is another pasta dish that is complete with Go, Grow, and Glow Foods! 

APC Group’s campaign for sustainability is part of its Ajinomoto Group creating shared value (ASV) framework which directs the company to realize greater wellness for people around the world through thoughtful business activities focusing on health and the environment.

“This holiday season, may we have more food to share and gifts to give. And more importantly, may the spirit of giving extend towards caring for the environment,” Co said.

Take a more proactive step towards sustainability and learn more about APC Group’s sustainability initiatives at ajinomoto.com.ph

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Swak sa Budget, Swak for Kids Affordable and Nutritious recipe

Dahil back to school na and yung iba naman face to face na, kailangan na naman nating mga Mommas na maghanda ng mga baon para sa ating mga anak. After 2 years of  pandemic, namissed ko talaga magprepare ng school baon for my eldest who will be in first year highschool this school year. By the way, you can also visit momayebaondiary in Instagram. Pafollow na din please, tyvm!

Anyway, share ko na lang itong mga swak sa budget na affordable and nutritious recipes by Ajinomoto na sure na sure na swak din sa panlasa ng mga kids natin.

From the Press Release Kit:

The current increases in food prices contribute to the problem in accessing sufficient nutrition and healthy food choices in Filipino households. With higher prices across different commodities, homemakers now face a greater challenge in budgeting while they strive to prepare nutritious and delicious dishes to help safeguard the health of the family, especially the kids. 

“We, at Ajinomoto, understand the struggles that parents face nowadays. In our own way, we hope to extend help by sharing thoughtful recipes that take into consideration the health and budget of the family,” shares Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC Group) General Manager Corporate Planning and Public Relations Roann Co. “We aim to provide solution and equip homemakers with knowledge on preparing affordable, delicious and well-balanced meals for their kids and loved ones.”

The following delicious and nutritious recipes are not only easy to prepare but also sure to fit the budget, including AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning 11g and Aji-Ginisa® 8g which remain to be the most affordable seasonings in the market at Php 3.00 SRP. 

Tokwa Bites Meal

Tofu is rich in protein and calcium.  Not only it is affordable alternative but also a healthy version of meat balls. Prepare a soft and crunchy Tokwa Bites meal for lunch in 3 easy steps: mix, fry, and serve. You only need half pack (11g) A JI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning to bring out its flavors. Try the recipe here at home!

Potato Egg Sandwich

You can make a healthy Potato Egg sandwich for breakfast or merienda which requires little time and ingredients. Potatoes and bread are rich in carbohydrates for energy while tomatoes are rich in vitamin C which for immunity. Season with half pack (11g) AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning for savory deliciousness. Learn the full recipe here.

Sauteed Corned Beef with Potatoes and Veggies

Sauté, season, and serve – this easy-to-remember recipe. Beef is rich in protein while Baguia beans and sitsaro are rich in fiber beneficial for proper digestion. Season with one pack (8g) AJI-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix and you’re good to go! Serve a nutritious meal today with our cooking guide here.

Chicken Lomi Meal

New way to cook lomi by adding common Malunggay vegetable which is packed with vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B and C, Iron, and Calcium.  Season with one pack (8g) AJI-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix to complete its flavor! See full recipe here.

APC Group’s brand promise of Eat Well, Live Well provides Filipinos with ways to serve nutritious meals.  "We believe that eating well and living well does not have to be expensive. We hope that through our affordable products and health initiatives at Ajinomoto, we get to help parents in bringing about a well-balanced diet at home amid these challenging times," said Co.

For more delicious, nutritious and affordable recipes, visit www.cookmunitybyajinomoto.com.ph.

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Ajinomoto launches Sustansarap, Sustansaya!

 
Hello everyone. Just wanted to share the share with you Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC)'s latest project called Sustansarap, Sustansaya!

Sustansarap, Sustansaya!  is a series of online nutrition classes and cooking demonstrations. It aims to make nutrition information more accessible to Filipinos and prove that easy, affordable, nutritious, and delicious meals are possible, especially with the help of Ajinomoto products.

From the Press Release kit:

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) recently launched Sustansarap, Sustansaya!, a series of online nutrition classes and cooking demonstrations, through a Facebook Live on Cookmunity by Ajinomoto page. The project aims to help Filipinos improve their nutrition knowledge and cooking skills with the help of food experts. It is set to run on a quarterly basis on the brand’s official Facebook page.  

“We, at Ajinomoto, believe that nutrition education is vital in taking care of our families’ health. However, for most, nutrition information can be intimidating and difficult to understand.  With day-to -day busy schedule of homemakers and budget limitation, we understand that nutrition usually takes a step back when preparing meals. Sustansarap, Sustansya! makes nutrition information fun, simple, accessible and proves that easy, affordable, nutritious, and delicious meals are possible, especially with the help of Ajinomoto products,” said Roann Co, Ajinomoto General Manager of Corporate Planning and Public Relations. 

Class #1: BawAsin Natin! (Delicious Salt Reduction)

The livestream launch features the first Sustansarap, Sustansaya! online class titled “BawAsin Natin.” The pilot session focused on delicious salt reduction wherein health and nutrition experts Dr. Dex Macalintal and Bea Menorca, RND shed light on the adverse effect of excessive sodium intake in our health and why it is important to reduce salt intake.  They shared a practical tip that it is not difficult or costly to reduce sodium in daily meal preparation.  One easy way is lessen teaspoon salt and use monosodium glutamate (MSG).  MSG contains only 1/3 amount of sodium compared to table salt.  With MSG, sodium intake can be reduced by up to 40% while maintaining overall deliciousness of food.

“It is important to know that high blood pressure or hypertension can cause complications such as stroke, heart failure, heart attack, and kidney failure. Among the factors is the frequent consumption of foods high in sodium. According to the World Health Organization, the recommended sodium intake per day is below 2000 mg. But for Filipinos, the actual intake is more than twice this recommendation. One way to reduce sodium intake is reducing intake of salty foods.” shared Dr. Macalintal, Lifestyle Medicine Specialist. 

“To help and encourage Filipinos to clear their worries and struggle on practice of salt reduction, the BawAsin® campaign was started by APC. It aims to share how it is important to reduce sodium intake for our health and not sacrificing the taste and deliciousness of our meals,” said Menorca, APC Specialist - Science Communication. 

For more information, checkout BawAsin® section in APC’s official website. The site features 100 less sodium creative recipes that help individuals enjoy meals that contain less sodium yet enjoying same deliciousness.

After the lectures, Sofie Conejos, RND APC Manager – Culinary Nutrition demonstrated two Less Sodium Recipes: Upo Kalabasa and Sotanghon Soup and Chicken Eggplant Omelette, made delicious by  AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning. She reiterated that lessening sodium in diet is not difficult and does not mean sacrificing deliciousness of food.  For other easy-to-follow delicious less sodium recipes checkout ajinomoto.com.ph/whats-new-archive/sodium-recipes/

The Sustansarap, Sustansaya! Online Class is in line with the brand’s “Eat Well, Live Well” promise, that aims to propel meaningful initiatives that will improve the health and wellbeing of Filipino families. This project is also one of the actions made by Ajinomoto to fulfill its ultimate goal of extending the healthy life expectancy of 1 billion people.

“With Sustansarap, Sustansaya! online classes, we hope to educate, empower, and enable families to live a healthy and happy life, one nutritious and delicious meal at a time, ” said Co. “We have more classes and cooking demonstrations in store and we’re eager to encourage more people to learn about nutrition and apply them in their own kitchens.”

To catch the next Sustansarap, Sustansaya! online class, follow and stay tuned at Cookmunity by Ajinomoto facebook page. 

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AJI-GINISA® marks 30 years of gisa goodness in the Philippines

 

As AJI-GINISA® marks 30 years of gisa goodness in the Philippines, the APC Group welcomes Zia Dantes as newest member of the Ajinomoto family.

From the Release Kit:

It’s been 30 years since AJI-GINISA® was first introduced in the Philippines. As the first flavor seasoning in the country that provides complete gisa deliciousness, AJI-GINISA® changed the way Filipinos cook sumptuous homemade meals for their families. 

Three decades ago, AJI-GINISA® brought the gisa taste of garlic, onion, meat, and seasonings in an easy-to-use package. Today, as the well-loved flavor seasoning turns 30, the Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) Group proudly launches a new and improved version—now made ‘more meaty, more gisa” in an 8g pack retailing only P3.00 (SRP).

“We are grateful to be a kitchen staple in Filipino household for the past 30 years.  It’s both humbling and a delight to know that AJI-GINISA® plays an important part of families’ bond over delicious food. With the improved Aji-Ginisa®, we wish that more families, especially the young ones, to eat nutritious meals, which should do wonders in these challenging times,” said Roann Co, Ajinomoto General Manager of Marketing and Public Relations.

As part of the celebration, the APC Group is also excited to welcome the newest member of the Ajinomoto family: Zia Dantes, the adorable daughter of the brand’s long-time brand ambassador and superstar Marian Rivera-Dantes. 

Zia is the perfect endorser for the new and improved AJI-GINISA®, as she embodies the brand’s mission of encouraging fellow kids to eat nutritious, yummy food, made possible through AJI-GINISA®. It’s fitting to have the mother-and-daughter tandem of Marian and Zia as they capture what AJI-GINISA® has been doing for years—making it easier for parents to have their kids eat more vegetables.

Launched in 1991, the AJI-GINISA® has always been the “secret ingredient” that makes any stir-fried vegetable meal taste appealing to kids and adults alike. With just a few sprinkles of AJI-GINISA®, ordinary veggies become extraordinary dishes. The reason behind this is the product’s powdered form that makes it easier to apply to any dish. While AJI-GINISA® is perfect for stir-fried dishes, it is also perfect for fried rice, fried egg, and fried fish. among others. Its recent quality improvement will also give you improved overall deliciousness or ‘umami’, stronger gisa taste and enhanced meaty taste. 

AJI-GINISA®’s 30th year in the country is reflective of the brand’s strong “Eat Well, Live Well” promise, helping Filipinos enjoy nutritious and delicious meals through the years. With the new and improved AJI-GINISA®, the brand also hopes to enjoin more families, especially kids, to live a healthier lifestyle. 

“What an amazing 30 years it has been for AJI-GINISA®. We are humbled to have been embraced by Filipino homes through the delicious meals that AJI-GINISA® helped cook. We look forward to being part of more memorable and happy moments for the family around the dinner table,” Co shared.

For more information about AJI-GINISA® (including gisa goodness recipes), head on to COOKMUNITY by Ajinomoto Philippines Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CookmunitybyAjinomotoPH/.

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Winners of Ajinomoto’s first-ever 'Sustainabilidad Challenge' Announced

 

A year ago, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) launched its Environment Sustainability Education campaign through online platform, Cookmunity® by Ajinomoto Philippines. Recently, they held the #AjinomotoSustainAbilidadChallenge initiative. The promotion enjoined Filipinos to share their do-it-yourself (DIY) sustainability projects at home. The participants with the most creative application of the 3Rs of conservation (reduce, reuse, recycle) were hailed as winners.

From the Press Release Kit:

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) Group recently concluded it’s first-ever #AjinomotoSustainAbilidadChallenge, an initiative that enjoined Filipinos to share their do-it-yourself (DIY) sustainability projects.   The online challenge garnered a total of 243 entries.  Five Facebook and five Tiktok participants with the most creative application of the 3Rs of conservation—reduce, reuse, recycle - were hailed as winners.

“Filipinos are resourceful and innovative.  This campaign proves just how invested we are when it comes to taking better care of our environment. We hope this campaign further inspires individuals to live a more sustainable lifestyle at home,” said Roann Co, Ajinomoto General Manager of Marketing and Public Relations.

Winning DIY Projects to Try at Home

The five winning entries from Facebook include a project that turned used sachets of Ajinomoto products into a beautiful plastic curtain, as well as one that turned what would have been trash into a fully functioning and fashionable apron. Used cartons were also popular among participants, one turned into a doll house and another into a DIY toy kitchen for kids. Meanwhile, tabs collected from soft drink cans were transformed into a soda tabs gown.

Moreover, the entries submitted via Tiktok were equally inventive. One of the winning entries turned an old electronic cartridge into a mini amplifier, while another transformed old throw pillows into new, upcycled ones. On the other hand, those working from home may be inspired by the following DIY office organizers: plastic bottle pencil holders, carton storage box and tissue box turned facemask container.

Each of the 10 winners will receive P2,000 worth of gift certificate and other special items from APC Group.  Special awards will also be given to entries that garnered the most number of “likes.”

“It makes me glad and proud to see that the SustainAbilidad Challenge was a success. Seeing all the creative DIY projects is truly inspiring because it shows us how big of an impact small acts can do. It also shows us that environmental sustainability really does begin at home,” said Guia Cebrero, Ajinomoto Brand Manager, one of the contest judges.

The #AjinomotoSustainAbilildadChallenge is part of APC’s Ilabas ang SustainAbilidad environment education campaign that was launched last year to help consumers incorporate sustainable practices in their daily lives.

Moreover, showing its serious commitment to sustainability, APC Group had earlier pledged to reduce its plastic waste to zero by 2030. The organization has already reduced the size and thickness of its packaging that led to lessening its plastic waste by 70-100 tons per year. The company has also made use of waste water treatment facilities and technologies to convert some of its factory materials to reusable fuel.

“The #AjinomotoSustainabilidadChallenge together with our other green initiatives are all part of our company’s commitment to resolving social issues through the Ajinomoto Group Creating Shared Value (ASV). We aim to contribute greater health and environmental wellness for people around the world.” Co remarked.

Visit COOKMUNITY by Ajinomoto Philippines Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CookmunitybyAjinomotoPH/ for more SustainAbilidad ideas and inspirations in support of Global Sustainability. 

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Recipes for Lactating Moms by Ajinomoto

Breastmilk is still the best for babies! That's my inspiration when I decided to exclusively breastfeed by baby. Luckily, for almost 8 months, our bunsoy is still breastfeeding.

However, I notice I produce less milk since he started eating solid.  Because I am a working mom, I pumped at work and from 3 150ml bottles, I can only pump 2 now. There are lots of factors that can affect milk supply like stress and the food the mother is eating.

Speaking of food, Ajinomoto shares special recipes for lactating  moms to help them stay nourished during their breastfeeding period. When moms are well nourished, it can help boost her milk supply.

From the Press Release Kit:

Mommies with newborns do everything they can to make sure that their babies are the healthiest. Exclusive breastfeeding of infants from birth up to six months is the most effective way to ensure your child’s nutritional needs. Breast milk provides all the energy and essential nutrients, making it the most complete and sustainable food for an infant. While breastfeeding plays a crucial role in the growth and development of babies, it isn’t always easy to do, mothers too may need some support to get started.

To help mothers achieve optimum nutrition for their babies, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) joins in the call to safeguard infant’s health in this year’s nutrition month campaign, “Malnutrisyon patuloy na labanan, First 1,000 Days tutukan.” The theme calls for all sectors to help in spreading awareness about the importance of the First 1,000 Days of life as the strategic intervention to prevent stunting and obesity. The First 1,000 Days of life is the period from conception up to the first two years of a child.

“Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 month of life is also essential in forming the special bond between a mother and child. This is why we, at Ajinomoto, aim to empower more women to continue breastfeeding and support them with healthier methods at this special time in their lives,” Ajinomoto’s Science Communication Executive Deborah S. Fajarda, RND.

With this, APC developed four easy-to-cook recipes to help lactating mothers in their breastfeeding journey. Check them out! 

Umami Mommy Burger

Moms with newborns have a lot on their plate so staying on top of things is difficult to do. To help address this, Ajinomoto prepared this easy-to-prepare Umami Mommy Burger which is filled with energy and carbohydrates perfect for restoring energy loss of a breastfeeding mother.

Laing with Malunggay Leaves

Ensuring moms get enough iron helps prevent the iron deficiency anemia and reduce the feeling of fatigue. Moreover, dark green leafy vegetables like malunggay and gabi leaves are helpful in increasing your milk supply. These veggies are rich in iron that would help fill for the high demands for Iron during lactation. Try this Laing with Malunggay Leaves dish developed by Ajinomoto that provides 33% of the daily Iron needs of a breastfeeding mom.

Squash Spaghetti in Cheesy Malunggay Sauce

A unique and healthy take on spaghetti! Both squash and malunggay are rich in Vitamin A. Do you know that infants have low Vitamin A stores and are reliant on external sources especially on breast milk? Thus, it’s vitally important for lactating mothers to consume foods rich in Vitamin A to produce breast milk that is rich in Vitamin A needed for visual health, immunity, growth, and development of their infants. Eat well and have your baby share in the benefits!

Milk-Boosting Salad

This recipe features Adlai rice, which is rich in fiber and has a low glycemic index. Not only does it help control the blood sugar levels of lactating mothers to help them produce milk, it also transforms the salad to a full meal!

These recipes reflect the Ajinomoto Creating Shared Value (ASV) framework and Eat Well, Live Well commitment, as the company continues to develop ideas and create products to improve the nutrition of Filipino families, especially of the children. 

“Through these recipes, we hope to be a companion to moms in their babies’ crucial First 1000 Days and even beyond, as we strive in helping shape a healthier generation,” shares Fajarda. 

For more information and nutritious recipes, visit cookmunitybyajinomoto.com. 

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Ajinomoto's “Cooked With Love” web series

 
Guys, new webisode alert!

The Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation’s “Cooked With Love” web series will premiere on July 10 via Ajinomoto’s Cookmunity® Facebook page and Youtube channel.

Featuring interwoven stories of three generations of women who show their love for each other by  sharing family recipes, made more special with AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning.  Surely this brings viewers on a food nostalgia.

From the Press Release Kit:

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC)’s latest web series entitled “Cooked with Love,” reveals a heartwarming take on cooking as a shared love language among Filipino families.

Cooked with Love features interwoven stories of three generations of women who show their love for each other through sharing recipes and dining together.  Showcasing heart-warming stories of relationships and how cooking with love was made more memorable with AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning. The series feature Tessie, the grandmother; Jenny, the mother; and Therese, the daughter. Viewers can watch the first episode, “Slurp,” and second episode, “Squeeze,” on Ajinomoto’s Cookmunity® Facebook page and Youtube channel. Meanwhile, the last episode, “Sniff,” will premiere this Saturday, July 10.

“Cooking food and sharing mealtimes are powerful in shaping wonderful memories with our loved ones. With Ajinomoto being a part of the Filipino cooking and dining experiences for more than six decades now, we want to help them relive and celebrate those feel-good moments through Cooked With Love,” says Roann Co, APC General Manager of Marketing and Public Relations.

Passing it on

“Slurp” tells the story of Mommy Jenny who shares their Nilagang Baka family recipe with her teenage daughter, Therese. The parallel scenes of two mother-daughter generations making the family recipe ties the episode together well. The cute and kilig first installment captures how love can be passed down from one generation to the next.

Paying it forward

“Squeeze” features the relationship between Therese and her grandmother Tessie. Viewers will see how cooking Arroz Caldo becomes Lola Tessie’s way of saying “I love you, apo.” It shows that cooking traditions persist because of people who care for and love their family.

Putting the pieces together

The concluding episode “Sniff” showcases food as a source of comfort in tough times and more importantly, in dealing with the constant changes life has to bring. It recalls how Tessie comforts her daughter Jenny since she was a child until now that she's a mother who is about to face a life-changing situation. Through it all, the women share their love while cooking and eating their classic Adobo recipe.

With community quarantine protocols urging Filipinos to remain at home, stories of familial love are sure to encourage Filipinos to express their feelings through food.  Cooked With Love lives up to APC’s Eat Well, Live Well promise in its pursuit to provide good food, better health, and wonderful dining memories to Filipino families with the help of umami, a nature-based ingredient that brings out the meaty, savory deliciousness, and deepens the flavor of food. For more information, visit www.ajinomoto.com.ph. 

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The “I Love Ajinomoto” Virtual Cookbook

Looking for easy, delicious and nutritious family recipes?

Check out this virtual cookbook with over 100 creative Pinoy dishes:

From the Press Release Kit:

Planning a menu daily can be a challenge --- and if you are looking for new recipe ideas that you can enjoy with your family, the “I Love Ajinomoto” virtual cookbook is the perfect kitchen partner you can use! Featuring over 100 creative Filipino dishes, the microsite compiles nutritious, delicious, and easy-to-follow recipes shared by moms and homecooks across the country.

“Mealtimes allow families to bond and create meaningful moments together. Through the I Love Ajinomoto microsite, we want to celebrate the kitchen creations of moms and homecooks across the country and likewise help households make easy, delicious, and nutritious meals that their family can enjoy,” says Roann Co, APC’s General Manager of Marketing and Public Relations.

From fish, meat, to vegetable recipes, the featured dishes in the microsite are an interesting mix of healthy and delicious choices. Made with love using AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning and AJI-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix, all of them are perfect as ulam or as snacks that families will surely enjoy.

Healthy Meals for Immunity

Immunity-boosting meals are a must especially during this time. Recipes such as the Calcium-rich Baked Potato with AJI-GINISA® by Josephine Borromeo, Healthy Chicken Soup with Malunggay and Talbos ng Kamote Leaves by Elizabeth Salazar, and Healthy-nolang Manok by Candice Salarete are some of the nutritious meals you can easily whip up at home.

Vegetable Recipes with a Twist

If you are looking for ways to level-up simple veggie dishes, you can check out the Lumpiang Kalabasa recipe by Marissa Zamora, Oh My Healthy Ginisang Petchay With Tokwa by Maricris Vergara, and Tortang Squash by Hilda Vasquez.

Must-try Unique Dishes

For those who want to experiment and try something new during mealtimes, you can take inspiration from the Kikiam Sardines recipe by Jacqueline Agravante, Cheesy Lumpia with Ilocos Longganisa by Rhea Damo, and Tuna & Veggie Sushi by Prelel Yu. These will surely surprise the palate of your family!

These recipes were part of the I Love Ajinomoto online recipe contest. From January 8 to April 2, 2021, homecooks shared more than 100 recipes on the iloveajinomoto.ph microsite.  For their entries, homecooks submitted their complete recipe, together with a photo of the final product, and a picture of their family doing the heart gesture with the dish.

Thirty of the best dishes were featured on the Ajinomoto Eat Well, Live Well. Stay Well, a weekly cooking show hosted by celebrity mom Iya Villania-Arellano and Chef Jose Sarasola on GMA-7, airing every Friday. They were picked based on the appetite appeal of their dish, and creativity and mood of their family photos.

The featured moms and homecooks also received a gift certificate worth P1,500 and a selection of Ajinomoto products. Some of the winning recipes include the Eggplant fingers by Jacqueline Agravante, AJI Tofu with Mixed Veggies by Roxanne Montierro, Rosie’s Pinangat na Hiwas by Rosie Mendenilla, and the Baguio Beans Ala Bicol Express by Jennylyn Cleofas.

“We were delighted by the delicious recipe submissions of our moms and homecooks. We are overwhelmed by the love and thankful to them for making Ajinomoto a part of their kitchen journey. We hope that this initiative reminds everyone that making delicious and healthy meals for the family can be easy and fun,” says Co. 

The I Love Ajinomoto virtual cookbook and contest are part of APC’s Eat Well, Live Well commitment, which aims to create quality products and services for good food and better health for Filipinos everywhere. 

To learn more about these exciting recipes, check out iloveajinomoto.ph and visit www.ajinomoto.com for more information.

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4 Easy, Affordable, Healthy, and Fun Summer Recipes for Kids

 
Is your kid a picky eater?

Try these 4 easy, affordable, healthy, and fun summer recipes to get your children enjoy veggies

For kids, summer means having adventures outdoors but quarantine restrictions have put a pause to that. Parents have to get extra creative in ensuring their children still have fun and lead healthy lifestyles even if they’re mostly indoors. Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation is helping parents this summer by sharing creative, affordable and delicious, yet easy and nutritious gulay recipes that will add colors and adventure to their kids’ plates at home.

“We understand the challenge parents have in making meals for their kids, especially in encouraging them to eat vegetables,” says Ajinomoto’s Science Communication Executive, Deborah S. Fajarda, RND. “Through these veggie recipes, we want to address this concern and provide creative ways on how parents can make nutritious dishes enjoyable and fun for their kids. We want to show that mealtimes can be both a healthy and adventurous journey for parents and their children.”

Here are 4 easy, affordable, healthy, and fun veggie recipes that Ajinomoto developed for parents to enjoy with their kids at home: 

Crispy Fry® Cauliflower Bites

Add a satisfying crunch to your kid’s meryenda with the easy-to-make Crispy Fry Cauliflower Bites. This could be an alternative to snacks like chicken nuggets. Cauliflower is high in potassium. Potassium, in right amount together with sodium, helps maintain fluid balance in the body which is important during the hot weather. CRISPY FRY® Breading Mix gives the crunch that kids love, while the SARSAYA® Sweet and Sour sauce offers a tangy flavor to make this snack even more special. Read the full recipe here.

Mini Spinach and Cheese Pizza

Make pizza healthier with this variant that uses spinach. Spinach is rich in calcium, iron, and vitamin A, which help in strong bone and muscle development, maintaining good eye sight, healthy red blood cells and strong immune system for growing boys and girls. This recipe uses PORKSAVOR® All-in-One Seasoning Mix, which adds a meaty taste that children will enjoy. They can also join in preparing the pizza by adding the toppings all over the dough. Copy the recipe here.

Mixed Veggie Kiddie Patties

These patties can be enjoyed as an ulam or as a snack between hamburger buns. These are made from chicken breast, which contains more lean protein and less saturated fat and cholesterol. The ingredients also include cucumber, broccoli florets, and bell pepper, which are also filled with important nutrients. Not only is it healthy, but also simple. You can make this in 4 easy steps. Make the patties crunchier with the CRISPY FRY® Seasoned Crumbs. See the recipe here.

Fun Camote and Carrot Fries

Squeeze in that extra beta carotene into your kid’s meals by turning carrot sticks into “fun” fries. This bright and naturally sweet veggie is a great way to entice picky eaters. To make it more appealing, you can also mix it up with sweet potatoes or camote. Here’s a fun fact too! Did you know that camote, or sweet potato, is rich in potassium, vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber to keep bodies healthy. Adding AJI-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix will also bring a meaty stir-fry deliciousness that will elevate this snack. This Fun Camote and Carrot Fries only takes 15 minutes to cook, so kids have something to eat right away when feeling hungry. You may also opt to use an air fryer to lessen fat content. Follow the recipe here.

With these recipes, Fajarda also reminds parents to know the recommended amount of vegetables needed by their children to ensure a balanced diet. For ages 3 to 5, 1/2 cup is ideal, 3/4 cup for ages 6 to 9, and 3/4 to 1 cup for ages 10 to 12. 

“These recipes are clever and fun ways of adding vegetables to kids’ daily menu---and making them can even help parents encourage healthy routines and strengthen their bonds with their young ones. Involving our children into meal planning and cooking, such as reading recipes and learning about veggies can likewise help them know about proper nutrition in a fun and tasty way,” says Fajarda. 

These healthy and creative recipes are part of Ajinomoto’s Eat Well, Live Well commitment. Ajinomoto has dedicated itself to developing ideas and creating products and services that aim to improve the wellness of Filipino households.

For more creative and nutritious recipes, visit ajinomoto.com.ph.

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#CrispyFryPlayDay: Ajinomoto celebrates first Lucky FryDay PlayDay

 
Last Friday, I attended my first ever virtual event, #CrispyFryPlayDay. Since I am on maternity leave naman, I accepted the invitation.

I was so excited to attend because it's been a long while since I attended an event tapos virtual pa. Yun lang my baby boy was not cooperating and he doesn't to sleep so I have no choice but to cuddle him while attending the said event.

Anyway, The virtual event introduces new Crispy Fry® endorser Luis Manzano. Luis “Kuya Lucky” Manzano surprises the media guests during the Crispy Fry® Lucky FryDay PlayDay as the newest endorser of the Crispy Fry® brand. ‘Media frymates’ were treated to a game-show themed virtual event where Kuya Lucky gave them a special task to complete.

Here's the highlight of the event.

From the Press Release Kit:

January 15, 2021 -- Crispy Fry® hosted its third #CrispyFryPlayDay to officially introduce its newest brand endorser TV host Luis “Kuya Lucky” Manzano. The event brought together media and their families for the first #CrispyFryPlayDay done online.

In the game show-themed event held via Zoom, Kuya Lucky invited select media Frymates for a special task: celebrate #CrispyFryPlayDay by partnering with their kids and family members to virtually cook meals perfect for families and friends. The virtual game had three exciting rounds, where participants had to guess the ingredients, and the price of special ulams made better with Crispy Fry products. Special awards and prizes were also given to select Frymates and winning participants. 

“The pandemic may have changed a lot of things, but one that we hope stays the same is the strong bond of families. Our new stay-at-home lifestyle creates opportunities for new bonding moments between loved ones. We encourage everyone to make cooking a shared activity because it’s fun, easy, and rewarding,” says Roann Co, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation’s General Manager of Marketing and Public Relations.

Cooking with Crispy Fry®

Cooking is made better and more special with Crispy Fry®, the #1 breading mix brand in the market. Perfect for Filipino families, Crispy Fry® is made from choice flours and starches perfectly blended with seasonings, concocted to make fried chicken and fish crispy-delicious.

The brand has an extensive list of variants available on the market. This includes Crispy Fry® Chicken Breading Mix, which comes in Original, Garlic, and Spicy so families can enjoy fried chicken in different ways. Crispy Fry® also has a variant with Gravy Mix and another with Japanese bread crumbs, seasonings, and spices. Meanwhile, the new Crispy Fry® Fish Breading Mix reduces oil spills while cooking so families can enjoy fried fish without the hassle.

“Crispy Fry® is now a staple in my kitchen because it makes cooking so much easier. When I don’t have a lot of time, I fry chicken or fish using the easy-to-prepare breading mix. Each meal is made more special because Crispy Fry® guarantees crispanalo and isda-licious fried dishes, every time,” reveals Manzano. 

Crispy Fry® and #CrispyFryPlayDay are part of Ajinomoto’s Eat Well, Live Well promise for Filipino families – to create high-quality products for delicious, healthy, and enjoyable mealtimes.

To know more about Crispy Fry®, visit the Ajinomoto website at ajinomoto.com.ph and the Cookmunity by Ajinomoto Philippines at facebook.com/CookmunitybyAjinomotoPH.

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Make cooking your favorite family bonding with Crispy Fry®

For a mom like me with kids who loves fried food, having an instant breadings is a big help. Not only that, we can create a bonding moment while cooking. 

Check out how to make cooking your favorite family bonding with Crispy Fry®. 

From the Press Release Kit: 

Even if families spend most of their time at home, many find that they have become busier than ever. The line between work and home life has blurred, which made it even more difficult for families to bond. However, there are still things that families can easily do to enjoy each other’s company – and cooking is one of them.

To nourish moments at home, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) encourages Filipino families to make cooking a family bonding habit. As food plays a huge part in our homes, cooking is a fun activity that families can easily plan and incorporate into their schedule with just the use of the right tools and ingredients.

“There is a big learning curve to the new stay-at-home lifestyle and everyone is adapting as we go. This, along with flexible working hours, means that there is less time for families to spend with one another. Cooking is a fun bonding activity as shared tasks help create stronger bonds among family members. It also makes meals more rewarding because everyone including children can contribute in preparing them,” says Roann Co, APC’s General Manager of Marketing and Public Relations.

For instance, Ajinomoto’s Crispy Fry®, the #1 breading mix brand in the market, makes frying family favorites a breeze. It is made from choice flours and starches perfectly blended with seasonings to help even kitchen beginners turn regular fried chicken and fish into crispy-delicious and isda-licious meals.

For chicken lovers, Crispy Fry® Chicken Breading Mix makes kid-approved fried chicken that’s #Crispanalo. It comes in Original, Garlic, and Spicy flavors, and another that comes with Gravy Mix to be paired with fried chicken. Meanwhile, for fish-loving fans, the new Crispy Fry® Fish Breading Mix makes fried fish crispier and more delicious without the hassle and oil-spills.

These kitchen essentials are part of Ajinomoto’s Eat Well, Live Well promise, which aims to provide good food and better health to Filipino families.

“We encourage families to make the most of the new normal by spending more time together. Through Ajinomoto products such as Crispy Fry®, cooking or frying can be made easier so everyone can join in. As long as everyone is at home together, every day is Family Day,” shares Co.

To know more about Crispy Fry®, visit the Ajinomoto website at ajinomoto.com.ph and the Cookmunity by Ajinomoto Philippines at facebook.com/CookmunitybyAjinomotoPH.

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#SustainAbilidad: Quarantine Waste Management

With the current pandemic and quarantine restriction being imposed, residential wastes are increasing. Since limited lang and dine in, we tend to always have take out or delivery orders. Kaya naman ang mga basura natin sa bahay ay mas marami kaysa dati.

It's important for us to learn proper waste management to help our community and government. In line with this, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) launched its Environment Sustainability Education campaign through online platform, Cookmunity® by Ajinomoto Philippines. 

From the Press Release Kit:

There’s no denying that Filipino’s lifestyle, habits and consumption patterns have radically changed after six months into the community quarantine due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As we are compelled to stay at home, we have relied more on deliveries for food, online shopping, and other essentials – posing additional environmental challenges because of our increased municipal solid waste (MSW) and hazardous waste.

Even before the pandemic, the Philippines has been navigating through overwhelming volume of waste. According to a 2015 report by the Ocean Conservancy and McKinsey Center for Business and Environment, the Philippines ranks third among the world’s highest contributors to the global marine plastic pollution problem.

But were you aware that household waste contribute to the biggest chunk of solid wastes in the country? The National Solid Waste Management Status Report 2008 – 2014 of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) showed that residential waste constitutes the bulk of MSW (56.7 percent), followed by commercial sources and public or private markets (27.1 percent). 

Now, the biggest challenge is for us to break old habits and adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. Through its business activities, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) has always been committed in engaging in initiatives that solve social issues which include global sustainability. With environment educational campaign dubbed as #SustainAbilidad, APC aims to aid consumers to incorporate sustainable practices into their daily activities. This campaign includes social media promotions featuring Super Suzy and her kid, the main characters representing ordinary people that champion global sustainability to teach and inspire young and old members of their family and community to bring out their “SustainAbilidad”.

Here are a few reminders from Super Suzy on managing our household waste:

While we may have taken a number of steps backwards because of the pandemic, it’s not too late for every household to start sustainable practices. Segregating at source is a good start for every household as proper waste management is crucial not just for the environment but also for mitigating infectious disease transmission. Visit facebook.com/CookmunitybyAjinomotoPH/ to learn more about #SustainAbilidad.

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