The holidays are all about gathering around a meal and making memories — and what better way to celebrate the season than with a special feast from the heart? Christmas dinners are a time for families to go all out with flavorful dishes, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be healthy too!

As our gift to you this December, we’re bringing you Holiday Healthy recipes that will help you share the cheer with the whole family! From fresh pastas to nourishing mains that hit the spot, these dishes will help you make memories to look back on for many years to come! Let’s Eat Well and Live Well to make this season healthy, bright, and delicious!

Vegan Meatball One-Pot Pasta

Wanna make sure everyone is happy while also keeping your to-do list short? This one-pot wonder is perfect for the busy holiday cook, while providing a healthy, plant-based pair to the usual hearty mains.

Steps to Make:

Mix cauliflower, kangkong, tofu, garlic, AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning, salt, and flour in a bowl. Scoop a tablespoon of the mixture and mold it into balls. Pan-fry the vegan meatballs in hot oil until golden brown, then drain and set aside.

In the same pot, sauté garlic and onion in additional oil until fragrant. Add tomatoes and tomato paste, then cook until soft. Pour in water and bring to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente.

Once the pasta is cooked, season with AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar. Add the fried vegan meatballs and mix well. Transfer to a serving plate, garnish with parsley and Parmesan if desired, and serve!

Malunggay Pesto Pasta

This bright and healthy dish will bring a pop of greens to your table – something to cut through all those heavy dishes!

Steps to Make:

Blend malunggay leaves, basil, garlic, peanuts, Parmesan, olive oil, AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning, and pepper until smooth.

Toss the cooked pasta with the malunggay pesto until well coated.

Transfer to a serving plate, serve, and enjoy!

Lemongrass Chicken with Garlic Tamarind Sauce

This warm and aromatic main course combines the fresh scent of lemongrass with tender chicken; a perfect centerpiece around to build your meal, made with ingredients with good amounts of Vitamin B6 and protein!

Steps to Make:

Combine lemongrass, garlic, AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning, calamansi, black pepper, coco sugar, and chicken in a bowl. Mix well and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.

In a saucepan, combine tamarind, garlic, coconut milk, water, AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning, and coco sugar. Simmer for about 15 minutes until the sauce thickens, then set aside.

Heat oil in a griddle pan and grill the marinated chicken for 5 minutes on each side or until cooked through.

Serve the grilled chicken with the sauce on the side.

Chicken Cajun Pasta

A spicy surprise to heat up the cooler season, this balanced and bold pasta dish is the perfect way to spice up your holiday menu. It’s a guaranteed hit for any guests who love a little kick.

Steps to Make:

Heat oil and butter in a pot, then add chicken and cook until golden brown. Add onions and sauté until translucent, then stir in tomatoes and French beans. Cook for 3 minutes.

Add penne pasta, cream cheese, Cajun spice mix (smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning, and cayenne powder), and mix well. Cook for 3-5 minutes.

Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with spring onions if desired, and serve.

Creamy Salmon Garlic

Pairing fresh and tender salmon with a creamy garlic sauce, this showstopper is great for any festive gathering. Show some holiday spirit to your family and friends with this blast of flavors!

Steps to Make:

Heat oil and butter in a pot, then add chicken and cook until golden brown. Add onions and sauté until translucent, then stir in tomatoes and French beans. Cook for 3 minutes.

Add penne pasta, cream cheese, Cajun spice mix (smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning, and cayenne powder), and mix well. Cook for 3-5 minutes.

Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with spring onions, and serve.

Holidays are best celebrated with food that brings everyone together, and these recipes are great ways to make your gatherings extra special. Each nutritious dish is crafted to fill your home with warmth, flavor, and joy, creating moments and memories worth savoring.

As you prepare your holiday feast, remember that the best ingredient is always the time spent with family and friends. Let these recipes inspire meals that keep the family healthy, happy, and full.

Happy Holidays, Ka-Cookmunity!

Visit Cookmunity by Ajinomoto Philippines for more festive recipe ideas. You may also connect with us through Facebook and Tiktok for more updates.

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.

t is that time of the year again when kids have finally done all the activities they looked forward to for the summer. They already engaged in different hobbies and even tried new things that might soon be their regular routine during vacation, but now, it’s time they get back to the books and add more learning experiences at school as this new school year begins!

One of the challenges most parents face when classes resume would be having to think about what meals to prepare for their kids. Lunch is also one single meal kids shouldn’t miss, but sometimes, students who’ve had a long morning couldn’t help but look for something different other than their usual packed meals from the house. They may end up exploring different food choices in the canteen. Although flavorful, these meals may not include options that will contribute to the needed energy and nutrients these kids need to get through the day. Good thing, that with the resources we have including the vast information online, the usual questions of “what do I now prepare for my kids?” no longer have to be left unanswered!

It’s time to make your kitchen the happiest and busiest part of your home as you can now recreate these amazing dishes and make them more special with Ajinomoto products. These are sure to turn packed lunches into packed excitement in a box!

COMFORT FOOD AT ITS BEST

Chicken Adobo with Sarsaya® Oyster Sauce https://www.cookmunitybyajinomoto.com/recipes/chicken-adobo/

Stir-fried Tofu with Vegetables using AJI-NO-MOTO Umami Seasoning https://www.cookmunitybyajinomoto.com/recipes/stir-fried-tofu-with-vegtables-recipe/

AJINOMOTO Soup & Go®

Take inspiration from your kids’ adventurous side! These recipes are guides you can either follow to the tea or personalize them with your own twist! With Ajinomoto, making these recipes your own not only enhances the experience of cooking, but it also elevates the mealtime moments!

Share your ideas by commenting on our posts on the Ajinomoto Cookmunity pages on Facebook and TikTok, and find more recipes on www.cookmunitybyajinomoto.com to include in your weekly food preparations for your kids now that school is back!

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
r the
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

(L-R) Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) Senior Vice President Makoto Tanabe, APC Chief Sustainability Officer Ernie Carlos, ACEN Senior Account Manager Elisah Cabato, APC President Koichi Ozaki, APF Bulacan Factory Director Juanito Ramos Jr. and APF Bulacan Factory Manager Kei Tanigawa.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) continues to be one of the industry forerunners when it comes to advocating for mitigating plastic waste and reducing its carbon footprint. Over the years, the Ajinomoto Group has been launching and introducing initiatives dedicated for environmental causes, and APC has been following suit with this movement that hopefully, will prepare the future generations for a greener and more sustainable future.

Just this year, APC launched the SariCycle™ Program with the Quezon City Local Government and Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies (BEST) Incorporated. This program allows for an incentivized model of community initiative that mitigates single-use plastic waste and encourages everyone in the community to take part as custodians of the environment. Since its launch in January 2024, the SariCycle™ Program was able to on-board 359 sari-sari stores in Quezon City and was already able to collect more than 1,000 kilograms of single-use plastics within just 3 months of operation. The program provides incentives to supplement the livelihoods of its store partners, dubbed “SariCyclers”, in the form of Ajinomoto product bundles and Environmental Points (EPs) which can be spent as cash in participating merchants.

Following this was the official signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between APC and ACEN RES. Back in 2022, a 1MW-peak capacity Solar Rooftop installation on the APF Bulacan Factory comprised of more 2,000 solar panels was energized, effectively reducing its annual carbon footprint from electricity consumption by 18%.Today, APF Bulacan is running on 100% renewable energy. Since January of 2024, the APF Bulacan Factory has saved around Php 2,000,000 in electrical expenses and has reduced their monthly carbon footprint by ~95% by transitioning to full renewable energy. To commemorate the turnout of these efforts, APC and ACEN conducted a Badge Turnover Ceremony. APC was one of the first companies to receive the new generation of ACEN Renewable Energy Badge – awarded to partner facilities who are supplied with 100% renewable energy.

The AjiPanda Diner at Ajinomoto Philippines Flavor Food, Inc. or APF Bulacan Factory.

Aside from being a beacon of sustainability, the APF Bulacan Factory also boasts of its newly opened canteen that serves healthy and good food! At the official opening of the “AjiPanda Diner”, a factory tour was also conducted for some of Ajinomoto Philippines’ invited guests from the media. The group were first given a brief history of Ajinomoto, an orientation on the factory dresscode, safety precautions and the proper conduct during the tour before heading to each station at the factory. The tour was concluded with a lunch buffet highlighting Filipino dishes we all grew up loving like Chicken Tinola, Pork Adobo and Chopsuey, all thoughtfully cooked using Ajinomoto products.

Ajinomoto Philippines’ media guests are all suit up at the Production Area during their factory tour at APF Bulacan.

Aside from the cozy and relaxing ambiance at the AjiPanda Diner, all employees at the Bulacan Factory also enjoy free vegetable dishes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday as part of APC Group’s Workplace Nutrition Program. True to its name “AjiPanda Diner” the canteen shares the wholesome Ajinomoto experience through culinary service, not just for its employees, but also for factory visitors. Within the complex, employees and visitors can feast their eyes on an array of sumptuous dishes cooked with Ajinomoto products to ensure that every meal is served with quality and the best flavors!

ONE TEAM. All smiles under the scorching heat at the façade of APF Bulacan’s newly opened AjiPanda Diner.

Looking back at these milestones, APC is honored to share that their commitment to achieving their goals for sustainability based on their 2030 Roadmap remains as resolute as they have always been. Projects launched over the years by APC continue to adapt and evolve according to the needs of the Filipino community but remain to serve its ultimate purpose of taking care of the environment where everyone can truly Eat Well, and Live Well, through the Ajinomoto way of life.