L-R: Sarah Coe, Redscope CEO, Morexette Erram, CBN Sr. Multi-media Reporter, Cheryl de la Victoria, DA Chief of Regional Agricultural and Fisheries Information Section, Dr. Paulyn Jean Ubial, Redscope TWG Chairperson, Koichi Ozaki, President of Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC), Ma. Victoria Abrera, DENR Regional Director for Central Visayas, Atty. Salustiano Jimenez, DepEd 7 Regional Director, Mika Makino, APC Director of Sales, Marketing and Public Relations, Ernie Carlos, APC Chief Sustainability Officer, and Madelin Dofiles, PFT, APC General Manager for Corporate Planning and Public Relations

It was a day of Empowerment, Learning, and Commitment to Health and Sustainability for Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) when they successfully held its Eat Well, Live Well: 2024 Youth Summit at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel in Cebu City. Building on the success of last year’s event, this year’s summit gathered over 150 enthusiastic young Filipinos, educators, and advocates in a day focused on wellness, nutrition, and sustainable living.

The 2024 Youth Summit is part of APC’s ongoing commitment to empowering the next generation with the knowledge and tools to make a positive impact on their communities and the environment. The event was filled with interactive sessions, engaging talks, and collaborative activities aimed at fostering a culture of health and sustainability among Gen Z participants.

Empowering Cebu’s Youth for a Healthier Future

APC Group President Koichi Ozaki delivered a remarkable message to the youth and shared Ajinomoto’s vision for a healthier, more sustainable Philippines. “The mission of APC is to contribute to food and wellness to better lives of the future and we take it upon us to inspire the younger generations to become champions of a healthy and sustainable future,” said Mr. Ozaki. “Ajinomoto is here to make your eating experience happy, healthy and satisfying.”

Throughout the day, participants engaged in panel discussions with experts from the Department of Agriculture (DA), represented by Ms. Cheryl de la Victoria, Chief of Regional Agricultural and Fisheries Information Section and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), represented by Ms. Maria Victoria V. Abrera, Regional Director for Central Visayas, exploring key topics such as sustainable nutrition, waste reduction, and wellness practices. Through these dialogues, APC aimed to deepen the youth’s understanding of how small daily actions can lead to significant positive changes for both health and the environment.

Interactive Activities and Youth-Led Solutions

The summit featured hands-on activities, allowing attendees to actively participate in brainstorming solutions for real-world sustainability challenges. In one of the day’s highlights, a Youth-Led Output Activity encouraged participants to develop actionable ideas for living healthier and more eco-conscious lives. Groups collaborated to present innovative approaches, from reducing food waste to promoting planet-based diets, which encourage the increase in consumption of vegetables as reflected in Ajinomoto’s “Eat Well, Live Well” philosophy.

Another successful run of Eat Well, Live Well 2024 Youth Summit by Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation!

The breakout room sessions also gave opportunities for all student attendees to gain first-hand learning experience about the science behind MSG plus witness how vegetables can be turned into a delicious dish using almost all its parts with nearly zero-waste. The best part, they all got to taste it.

A ceremonial pledge concluded the event, with all participants vowing to implement the lessons learned and advocate for healthier, more sustainable lifestyles within their communities.

A Continued Commitment to Health and Sustainability

Ajinomoto’s Eat Well, Live Well: 2024 Youth Summit aligns with the company’s global vision of extending healthy life expectancy and reducing environmental impact by 50% by 2030. Through impactful events like this, APC Group continues to inspire young Filipinos to become proactive leaders in health and environmental stewardship.

To show force on Ajinomoto’s advocacy for a better and healthier future for all Filipino children, APC Group is also bringing the Aji-Ginisa® I Love Veggie-licious School Caravan in Cebu, at the Lahug Elementary School, to continue encouraging and educating the younger generations about the importance of nutritious eating.

L-R: Johnkarl Manimbo – APC Sustainability Specialist, Japhet Bulingit - Corporate Sustainability Associate (BEST), Jonalyn Peñas - Business Development Officer (BEST), Andrea Villaroman - Head of QC CCESD, Ernie Carlos – APC Chief Sustainability Officer, Engr. Ceidge Razon - Corporate Sustainability Manager (BEST), Claire Vinarao - Chief, Adaptation Division (CCESD), Maribel Marquez - Acting Chief, Resource Efficiency Section (CCESD) and Kirstoff Buyoc – APC Sustainability Executive.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC), together with Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies (BEST) and the Quezon City Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department (QC CCESD), is proud to celebrate the six-month progress of the SariCycle® Program. This groundbreaking initiative has garnered over 600 active participants and has successfully collected more than 4,000 kilograms of single-use plastics (SUPs) since its launch in January 2024.

SariCycle® is a joint effort in the field of waste management and sustainability. The program was established to mitigate the increasing problem of plastic waste, focusing on collecting and recycling single-use plastic in smaller communities. This began in selected locations within Quezon City where there are large numbers of sari-sari stores. The participants, known as "SariCyclers," are incentivized with special product bundles from Ajinomoto Philippines. They are also given Environmental Points (EPs) that can be used as cash at participating vendors.

Among the participants are key members of Quezon City’s livelihood programs, including beneficiaries of the “Tindahan ni Mayor Joy” initiative and persons with disabilities (PWD) beneficiaries. The collective effort of these SariCyclers has resulted in significant strides in promoting environmental responsibility and awareness.

During the six-month evaluation meeting held at the QC CCESD office, representatives from APC, BEST, and QC CCESD, headed by Ms. Andrea Villaroman, were all in attendance to share and update the program’s current achievements and the challenges ahead. APC’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Ernie Carlos, shared how grateful APC is to the community for their unwavering support and emphasized the importance of the collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“The SariCycle® Program is testament to the positive and impactful effects we can achieve for the good of our environment when we all work towards a more sustainable future. Indeed, we take inspiration from the communities in Quezon City and our partners at BEST, when it comes to being stewards of the environment,” Carlos said.

To acknowledge the company’s role in this environmental effort, Ajinomoto Philippines was honored at BEST’s 25th Anniversary celebration on September 16, 2024, at Crowne Plaza Manila. BEST, a key player in solid waste management in the Philippines, shared how proud they are to have worked with APC, and its dedication to environmental sustainability and awarded the company a plaque of appreciation for its active role in the SariCycle® Program. APC’s Sustainability Executive, Kirstoff Buyoc, accepted the award for Ajinomoto Philippines. He also served as co-presenter for the recognition given to the top-performing SariCyclers during the event.

Also in attendance at the anniversary celebration were key leaders in the Circular Economy movement, including Senator Cynthia Villar, the principal author of the Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) Law. This event highlighted the importance of the collaboration of the public and private sectors in winning sustainability initiatives and making things happen for the sake of the environment.

Ajinomoto Philippines remains committed to promoting responsible consumption and environmental stewardship through its ongoing initiatives. APC will continue to lead their projects with a positive outlook, looking forward to expanding the SariCycle® Program. To work closely with their partners to build a more sustainable future for all, true to their commitment in advocating the “Eat Well, Live Well” lifestyle.

Breakfast is undoubtedly the most important meal of the day. It sets the mood for how you start your mornings and essentially becomes your fuel to kickstart your tasks, may it be in school, at the office, at home, or anywhere you’re meant to be for the day. Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC), considers this as a vital part of one’s twenty-four hour period, especially here in the Philippines, as it launches its first easy-to-make breakfast that takes less than a minute to prepare! This is the perfect companion for those on-the-go, and also for those who want a hassle free quick breakfast that doesn’t compromise nutritional value and that savory flavor.

 

Fo
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first time ever, a live demonstration on how to prepare the Ajinomoto Soup & Go® was celebrated at the Konbini. (A Japanese term for convenience store) Located in Market Market Taguig, the pop-up store is a site to see in the middle of the mall’s open space near the terminals, that mimics a real life convenience store which sells Ajinomoto products. This will surely catch everyone’s attention and excite you to explore what is in its glass walls. Graced by APC President Mr. Koichi Ozaki, Mr. Koichi himself demonstrates how easy it is to prepare the tasty breakfast soup. All that is needed is to have your own cup, pour in the contents of the Soup & Go® sachet, add hot water and stir. After following these easy steps, all that’s left is to wait for 1 minute to finally have that first serving of the delicious soup.

“We are very excited for the Philippines because we know how the Filipino people love breakfast. With Soup & Go®, our aim is to make their mornings brighter through a convenient dish that’s flavorful and nutritious made with carefully selected ingredients from Japan like corn from the Hokkaido farms (just for corn flavor), and authentic milk from Japan (for all flavors),” says Mr. Koichi Ozaki when asked about what the company aims to achieve with Soup & Go®.

Soup & Go® comes in three flavors, including Corn, Potato, and Pumpkin, packaged with three single-serve sachets in each box and is available at only Php85. Currently available exclusively in 7-11 branches for the first three months. Soon, Soup & Go® will be available nationwide.

 

(From left:) Kazuki Kyoya, Category Manager, MarketingKoichi Ozaki, APC PresidentMika Makino, APC Director for Sales, Marketing and Public Relations

“We in Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation are committed to championing a lifestyle that indeed echoes our slogan, Eat Well, Live Well. Through our newest product, Soup & Go®, we are optimistic that it will not only make the mornings of our Filipino customers more convenient, but will also equip them with the necessary nutrients and boost their mood by starting their day with a healthier and flavorful breakfast.” ends Mr. Koichi Ozaki.

Soup & Go® is Ajinomoto’s first instant soup product introduced to the Philippine market. APC believes that through these easy-to-prepare meals, their customers are given wider options when it comes to choosing a healthy and flavorful meal that is sure to sustain their nutritional needs for the morning without compromising their daily budget and quality of food. For APC, quality and taste has always been paramount when it comes to their products, and the Soup & Go® is testament to the continued innovation and commitment of the company to improving the quality of life of the Filipino people through nutrition and everyday ingredients that elevates every meal.

The Soup & Go® official brand video was also shown during the event held at the Konbini & Go, you may enjoy the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7NIgqOQVEo

Building our kids' health through nutrition is crucial.

Preparing vegetable meals at home is a great way to keep children strong and healthy. Vegetables are good sources of potassium, dietary fiber, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin C, and many others.

Aside from its health benefits, compared to high prices of meat, vegetables are also budget friendly. However, homemakers are faced with the challenge of kid’s aversion to eating vegetables.

True to the “Eat Well, Live Well” promise, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) aims to propel meaningful initiatives that will improve the health and wellbeing of Filipino families.

APC recently launched its new “I Love Veggie-licious” campaign under Ajinomoto Ginisa Flavor Seasoning brand featuring the well-loved mother-daughter tandem of Marian Rivera-Dantes and Zia.

"We believe that we can change how kids see vegetables in simple and delicious ways. With Aji-Ginisa® making vegetable dishes ginisarap, we aim to help homemakers gain confidence to get their children to eat more vegetables to eat well and live well." said Daryl Magno Marketing Department Head.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) shared their vision for the Philippines’ at Eat Well, Live Well Towards a Better Tomorrow, a media forum held last September 20, 2023 at Shangri-La The Fort.

The event, hosted by multi-hyphenate power mom Iya Villania Arellano, was held as part of the company’s 65th anniversary celebration and brought to light how APC aims to be a significant ally of Filipinos for many more decades to come in terms of advancing proper nutrition and sustainability.

From the discovery of umami – the fifth basic taste which paved the launched on AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning in 1909, the Ajinomoto Group has grown to be the word’s leading maker of amino acids with operation based 36 countries and regions worldwide.

Its first landing in the Philippines was in 1958 and since then, the company has become a staple in Filipino household kitchen making delicious meals with products such as such as Ajinomoto Ginisa Flavor Seasoning Mix, Crispy Fry® breading mix, and Sarsaya® oyster sauce to name a few. Leveraging its amino science expertise, Ajinomoto has helped hundreds of thousands of Filipinos cook more flavorful—and more nutritious—meals.

“Since the discovery of umami, the journey of Ajinomoto Group to contribute to the well-being of society has begun.The original aspiration captured with our corporate slogan “Eat Well, Live Well” remains true to present times.”, shared by APC President Koichi Ozaki.

Mr. Koichi Ozaki, APC President

One highlight of the event was the “The Umami Experience” where media guests were treated to a sensorial sampling of umami-rich foods to appreciate its difference from the other basic tastes like sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.

In line with Philippines nutrition challenges, which was the focal message of keynote speaker Miss Eloisa Villaraza, Nutritionist-Dieticians Association of the Philippines (NDAP) president, a fireside talk on power of nutrition followed suit. This was participated by Dr. Jansen Calalan – lifestyle medical doctor, Debbie Fajarda RND – registered nutritionist-dietician and APC Nutrition Advancement Manager, Roann Co – APC General Manager for Corporate Planning and Public Relations and Chef Sau del Rosario – renown chef.

Opening the segment on sustainability was a special message from Mr. Crispian Lao, President of the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS). This was followed by presentation from APC Chief Sustainability Officer Ernie Carlos detailing APC’s roadmap towards more environmentally responsible practices.

“As the global movement towards sustainable and equitable development accelerates, companies are faced with the challenge of adopting their own sustainable initiatives. At APC, guided by the Ajinomoto Group Creating Shared Values ASV) Principles, we see this as an opportunity to foster environmental stewardship among Filipinos in order to build sustainable communities.” – shared by E. Carlos.

Closing out the forum was a presentation by APC Research and Development Department Head Madelin Dofiles on the unique value of Ajinomoto’s technology in terms of food ingredients contributing to the advancement of food industry’s health and wellness and sustainable procurement.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation has cemented its place in Filipino lives by being a trusted partner in our kitchens for 65 years. With new plans coming up to help Filipinos not only achieve better health through nutrition, but also live in a healthier environment, APC is setting the stage for even stronger years to follow.

As commitment testament to its vision of leading in co-creation of better wellness by resolving food and health issues with sustainable initiatives, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) launched Nutrition Advice web app – an online nutrition consultation in March 2023.

This Nutrition Advice is a two-way digital communication tool where users can easily connect with nutrition experts wherever they are. It is designed to provide nutritional advice related to weight management, diabetes, and hypertension from licensed dietitians and a lifestyle doctor. From the go-live last March up until end of June, majority of consultation of the Nutrition Advice app is related to hypertension.

Hypertension is a condition associated with an increased risk for heart disease, heart failure, and stroke, among other things. In 2021, the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) noted the “progressive rise” equivalent to 37% prevalence rate of high blood pressure among the Filipinos. High sodium intake has been associated with higher risk of developing hypertension. 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.

Understanding the consumers’ difficulties on reducing their salt intake, APC launched BawAsin® (Bawasan ang pag-gamit ng asin at panatilihing masarap ang lutuin) campaign in 2022 that aims to help consumers live healthier lives by ensuring intake of delicious and balanced food while reducing salt intake. The campaign includes 100 less sodium recipes available in Cookmunity by Ajinomoto Philippines.

Taking it to another level, APC reached another milestone with the launch of new Ajinomoto Ginisa Flavor Seasoning Less Sodium. This is the first ever seasoning in Philippine market that has 30% less sodium (compared to regular) providing same meaty gisa deliciousness without worries on sodium intake.

One of the many challenges of consumers is that they do not have the means to reduce sodium. And if salt will completely be taken out, this makes food bland and will not be eaten. With the new Aji-Ginisa® Flavor Seasoning Less Sodium, consumers now have an option to easily reduce sodium in their cooking maintain the deliciousness of dishes.

“We at Ajinomoto are doing our best to be a solution-providing company for food and health issues. “One of our key thrusts is to promote a healthy lifestyle. The new Aji-Ginisa® Flavor Seasoning Less Sodium is part of our Eat Well, Live Well promise, which aims to create quality products and services for good food and better health among Filipinos,” shared Roann Co General Manager for Corporate Planning and Public Relations.

Sustainability is everybody’s business. Mother Earth is our home and we need to pull together to take care of it.

One concrete step we can take is to reduce our plastic waste. Plastic is a major pollutant and cutting down on it makes a difference. Iya Villania Arellano understands this problem and advocates responsible earth-friendly consumption, “We cannot go through a single day without having an impact on the environment.  Let’s be part of the solution by being responsible consumers.  One small step at a time can make a big difference.”

Iya is very strict about bringing reusable bags and containers to minimize her dependence on disposable plastic. She has even opted to put purchases or groceries in her purse or backpack if it means one less bag gets used!

Another important thing that Iya does to integrate sustainability into her daily life is to teach her children about it. She says that with her kids it’s, “Monkey see, monkey do!” So she is mindful of how they view waste.

Every day she is providing a good example of how her children should care for the planet. Instead of buying water when they’re out, Iya and her family do their best to bring reusable water bottles they can refill. At home, they take the time to separate their trash for proper recycling. These might seem like small steps, but more people building good habits like these can make a big impact on our landfills.

Not only does she make sure her kids grow up with sustainable habits, but she also supports companies like Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) that are doing their part reducing its environment impact.

Iya shared, “I am glad that other than making delicious and healthy food for my family, I am also contributing to the reduction of plastic waste with AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning in paper packaging.”  

  AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning 45g paper packaging is made from a natural and renewable paper material that can be planted, grown, harvested, and replanted. The paper packaging is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), a leader in sustainable forestry. As a company, Ajinomoto is taking responsibility for its product and is innovating with the planet in mind. This shift to paper packaging provides consumers with an alternative to plastic.

Moms and homecooks faced day-to-day meal preparation ordeal from thinking of recipe ideas and juggling it with food budget while worrying about proper nutrition for the family.

July is National Nutrition Month. For this year’s theme Healthy Diet, Gawing Affordable for All Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) Group shares four well-balanced recipes that Moms and homecooks can try. These are easy to prepare, affordable, delicious, and nutritious recipes that are part of APC’s Mag-Pinggang Pinoy® Tayo! (MPPT) program that promotes the practice of preparing and serving delicious balanced meals with the right amount of Go, Grow, and Glow food.

Cheesy Folded Omelette

This is the perfect breakfast or baon with meaty ginisarap delicious by AJI-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning. Cheese is rich in Calcium that is important for proper growth of children. A slice of fruit and a glass of milk are best to complete this meal. For full recipe, click Cheesy Folded Omelette

Mixed Pork and Veggies

A balanced, varied, and moderate amount of Go, Grow, and Glow food in every meal is key to achieving optimal nutrition. Cabbage is rich in Vitamin C that helps in the fast healing of wounds. This easy to prepare yet nutritious stir-fry dish made tastier with SARSAYA® Oyster Sauce. For full recipe, click Mixed Pork and Veggies

Healthy Patty

Kids need to have Grow foods in their meals for them to have a healthier body. However, it is a challenge to make them eat their veggies. This is the perfect dish to make picky-eater eat vegetables made delicious with AJI-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning. Malunggay leaves are rich in many important nutrients, inlcuding protein, Vitamin B6, Riboflavin and Iron. For full recipe, click Healthy Patty

Chicken Pochero

Enjoy this one pot dish that is complete with meat and vegetables made savory with AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning. Chicken is a rich source of protein that functions to help form and repair muscles in the body. It also has Vitamin B12 that is important for red blood cell formation and anemia prevention. For full recipe, click Chicken Pochero

“Serving delicious and nutritious food to our families doesn’t need to be heavy on the pocket. We, at Ajinomoto, understand the struggles that homemakers face nowadays. As nutrition ally, we develop and share thoughtful recipes that take into consideration the health and budget of the family,” shares APC Manager for Nutrition Advancement of Public Relations Deborah Fajarda. “We aim to provide solution and equip homemakers with knowledge on preparing affordable, delicious and well-balanced meals for their family.”

For more delicious and healthy recipes, visit Ajinomoto’s Cookmunity website at cookmunitybyajinomoto.com.

To get information about the MPPT program please check ajinomoto.com.ph.

Did you know: aside from being known as the month of love, February is also Philippine Heart Month. The yearly celebration aims to promote cardiovascular health and wellness.

As part of its continuing mission to help Filipinos live well, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC Group) has teamed up with lifestyle doctor Dr. Dex Macalintal in promoting healthy heart education by providing easy and simple ways to keep the heart in tip top shape.

Dr. Dex Macalintal, a registered nutritionist dietitian in practice for about 10 years and a licensed physician for 4 years, shared that Filipinos should practice, “heart above all.”

He noted that when our hearts malfunction, our actions will be limited and so will our productivity. Dr. Dex also highlighted that our hearts help us orchestrate how blood flows in the body which helps our other organs function properly.

In the Philippines, heart disease is the leading cause of death. In 2022, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that over 9,000 Filipinos succumbed to ischaemic heart diseases and over 4,000 died due to cerebrovascular diseases.

“Together with Dr. Dex, we want to share how Filipinos can take better care of their hearts by encouraging healthy eating habits and improving our physical health,” APC Group General Manager Corporate Planning and Public Relations Roann Co said.

Tip #1: Do not smoke, never smoke, or If you smoke, QUIT. NOW. Studies have proven that chemicals in cigarettes put the heart at risk of heart diseases. Blockage from a clot can lead to a heart attack and to some extent sudden death.

Tips #2 & #3: Exercise regularly and maintain your weight. Dr. Dex recommends having at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise daily to help achieve our ideal body weight to minimize the risk of hypertension and stroke.

Tip #4: Keep a balanced diet. A diet rich in vegetables, less fat, and less in sodium has already been proven to reduce blood pressure and blood cholesterol which are known culprits for putting your hearts at risk of diseases. Dr. Dex shares “Kaya naman, having a balanced diet is very essential in taking care of our health. Mainam na malaman kung gaano karami lamang ang pwedeng kainin so that our weight will be in the ideal range, putting us at the safe zone from lifestyle related diseases.”

To help Filipinos take better care of their heart health, APC Group launched its BawAsin® campaign which aims to help homecooks serve less sodium dishes. One practical way is to lessen the usage of salt and use AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning. AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning contains only 1/3 amount of sodium compared to table salt, sodium intake can be reduced by up to 40% while maintaining overall deliciousness of food.

“The goal of the BawAsin® Campaign is to reduce salt intake which is a preventive move to reduce risks of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Creating less sodium and balanced meals through this campaign can help our community decrease the cases of heart disease and other non-communicable diseases,” Dr. Dex said, “Our continuous exposure to processed foods that are very rich in sodium and salt can put one at risk of these lifestyle-related diseases. Reducing salt and sodium intake just by ½ can be very helpful in the long run,” he added.

The BawAsin® or Bawasan ang Asin campaign is a reflection of the brand’s “Eat Well, Live Well” promise, which aims to help families improve their health by providing ways on how to prepare healthy and delicious meals. These initiatives are in line with the company's ultimate goal of extending the life expectancy of 1 billion people.

“With one simple step such as reducing sodium intake can help us take better care of our heart and overall health. With the tips shared by Dr. Dex and the recipes from our BawAsin campaign, we can live a healthier lifestyle while making sure we have delicious meals every single time,” said Co.

For more information about the BawAsin® campaign, visit https://www.ajinomoto.com.ph/

For easy-to-follow delicious less sodium recipes checkout ajinomoto.com.ph/whats-new-archive/sodium-recipes/

With the continued soaring prices of onions and garlic, Filipinos are having a hard time adding these essential ingredients in their dishes. With that, home cooks are now looking for alternatives to continue serving their families delicious and nutritious dishes while still staying within their budget.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) offers an affordable and delicious alternative with Aji-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix. With its powdered form, the flavor seasoning mix can easily bring out the gisa deliciousness in every dish, even without garlic and onion. For only Php 3.00 for every 8 gram pack, veggie dishes can become more enjoyable for both kids and adults alike.

“With Aji-GINISA®, even without real onion and garlic in dishes, home cooks will still be able to achieve gisa deliciousness affordably and still prepare nutritious meals that their family can enjoy,” says Roann Co, APC’s General Manager of Corporate Planning and Public Relations.

Here are gisa delicious vegetable recipes made with Aji-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix that homecooks can try at home:

Meatless chop suey

Meatless chop suey is a classic all-in-one meal that Filipinos love. It is a medley of vegetables filled with vitamins and minerals that helps maintain a healthy immune system. Not only is it delicious but it is also easy to make, just add Aji-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix to bring that gisa flavor. See the full recipe here.

Dinengdeng

Dinengdeng is another Filipino dish filled with vegetables that are good for the body. The fiber in the vegetables help lower the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease while maintaining healthy hair and complexion. Add two packs of Aji-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix to add more flavor to this healthy dish. Try the recipe here.

Ginataang sigarilyas at tinapa

This soup-based dish will warm up mealtimes with its delicious flavor. It is also highly nutritious: sigarilyas has fairly good amount of iron and B vitamins that helps maintain alertness and vitality. Level up this recipe with gisa flavor with Aji-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix. See full recipe here.

Lumpiang kalabasa

This popular dish is given a twist with a kalabasa filling. This vegetable is high in antioxidants like beta-carotene and polyphenols that help prevent illnesses like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. You can pair it with rice or enjoy it on its own! Full recipe here.

“One of our key thrusts at APC is to promote a healthy lifestyle. These recipes are part of our Eat Well, Live Well promise, which aims to create quality products and services for good food and better health among Filipinos,” ends Co.

For more delicious and healthy recipes, visit Ajinomoto’s Cookmunity website at cookmunitybyajinomoto.com. Aji-GINISA is available in the nearest stores and official online shops of APC Group.

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

True to the “Eat Well, Live Well” promise, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) aims to propel meaningful initiatives that will improve the health and wellbeing of Filipino families. In line with this, APC teams up with Mega Prime to encourage vegetable intake through easy to prepare yummy recipes which will help in strengthening immunity.

AJI-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix and Mega Prime formed win-win alliance to aid homemakers in making nutritious and delicious meals for the family as well as offering value to consumers with bundling promotions amidst rising prices of commodities.

Eggs are always an easy go-to dish, being easily accessible and quick to cook. Instead of usual scrambled egg, why not level up and cook Button Mushrooms Omelet with AJI-GINISA® and Mega Prime Pieces and Stems Mushrooms? Egg is good source of protein, but by adding mushrooms, you also add dietary fiber into your meals. Full recipe here.

*Based on 1/3 Philippine Dietary Reference Intake (PDRI) for Adult Male and Females

“With day-to -day busy schedule of homemakers and budget limitation, we understand that nutrition usually takes a step back when preparing meals. Through the partnership with Mega Prime, we aim to help homemakers in preparing affordable, nutritious and delicious meals for the family.” shares Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation Marketing Department Head Daryl Magno.

Veggie Fried Rice

Starting, or getting through a long day requires having a meal that’s rich in energy sources. For those days, what better way to fill up your stomach than by preparing some fried rice. Veggie Fried Rice is an all-in-one meal, with rice and corn as main sources of carbohydrates to produce energy, alongside egg which is rich in protein and repairs the body's cells and creates new ones. Stir-fry your favorite Mega Prime green peas with leftover rice and season with a pack of AJI-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix to add more flavor. Green peas are good source of Vitamins A, K and C and rich in antioxidants. Check the recipe here.

Visit Ajinomoto’s LazMall and Shopee Mall pages and get 1 free can of Mega Prime Green Peas (155g) for every purchase of 2 polybags Aji-Ginisa® 8g until October 30, 2022. Homemakers may also shop in select local grocery stores to avail for one free pack of Aji-Ginisa® 8g for every purchase of Mega Prime canned mushroom 425g.

“Nutrition need not be expensive and difficult. Nutritious food does not have to come at the expense of convenience and ease,” says Magno. “We at Ajinomoto, aim to provide solution and equip homemakers on preparing affordable, delicious and well-balanced meals so that every Filipino family can eat well and live well.”

For more delicious and healthy recipes, visit Ajinomoto’s Cookmunity website: https://www.cookmunitybyajinomoto.com/