Christmas in our taste buds: ‘Paskong Pinoy’ recipes, flavors to try

MANILA, Philippines — Following more relaxed quarantine measures like increased dine-in capacity and kids now allowed outdoors, the food business is starting to get back on its feet just in time for Christmas.

Whether going out or staying at home, here are some food options to try to fully feel the warmth of the Filipino Christmas spirit: 

Satisfy your holiday cravings 

The most wonderful time of the year is here, and of course, with the season comes gatherings and reunions with our favorite people. To make these occasions sweeter and more joyful, we are always looking for good food to share with our loved ones, as we create lasting memories of these fun celebrations.

This holiday, OPPO has exciting limited-time only food treats exclusive for its users. In partnership with one of the biggest food communities in the Philippines, Let’s Eat Pare, OPPO offers its loyal users exclusive discounts to the best treats around the metro from ten food merchants curated by Let’s Eat Pare. Offers can be redeemed through the MyOPPO App! 

Satisfy your holiday cravings, give a sweet treat to someone special or complete your Christmas spread with any of these exclusive offers: 

• Enjoy a family favorite and save Php20 on a delicious whole spring chicken and two dips from Chicken Stop. 
• In the mood for burgers? Buy any flavor of two chicken sliders from Manok PH for only Php250!
• Stay warm during the ‘Ber months with Ala Eh!’s Special Lomi promo: buy 1 Special Lomi and get the second at 50% off! 
• Nothing says “home for Christmas,” like a Pinoy-style breakfast. Buy two packs of Brunchmate Beef Tapa and get a free 150mL bottle of Casa Lontoc Spiced Vinegar - the perfect combo for a classic meal!
• For an extra kick, top your meals with homemade sarsa, atchara and best-selling taba ng talangka from Puro. Buy P1,000 worth of goods and get a free bottle of Puro Sarsang Kamatis.
• Add color to your celebrations with a selection of juices, teas, cocktails and more from Prism Cafe. Get 10% off on your total bill, and a free order of Croissant Taiyaki with any flavor of your choice. 
• Perfect for online celebrations, spoil your loved ones with snacks galore. Buy 1, get 1 free on frozen or ready to eat Disney Style Mozzarella Corn Dogs from Starr’s.
• Send extra sweetness to your loved ones! Bake On offers 5% off on your total bill, so you can avail of their best-selling revel bars, cookies, banana bread and more.
• Celebrate Christmas in style with Aby’s Homemade and enjoy 5% off on their best-selling Baby Burnt Basque Cheesecakes. 
• For only Php530, you can avail of Lulu’s 6” apple pie and a box of 2-pc mango ensaymada, perfect for breakfast and dessert!

You can enjoy all of these special Let’s Eat Pare offers, discounts and more this festive season with the MyOPPO App, OPPO’s exclusive rewards program community, starting on November 19 to December 31, 2021. Register now to avail of endless perks for Christmas and beyond!

To know more about MyOPPO App, visit the App Market, OPPO’s official website at www.oppo.com/ph or via official Facebook page at OPPO Philippines.

Joyeux Noël 2021: Give love with Bizu 

Let Bizu be your love language this holiday season, as you send out Christmas cards, spend quality time with loved ones and share thoughtful presents. Now is the time to express your love to family and friends and remind everyone how sweet and wonderful life can be during this time of year.  

Bizu specialty cakes will surely liven up your holiday table. Apart from popular classics featuring fresh strawberry, blueberry, mango, orange and dark chocolate, this year Bizu introduces the Noelle— a white chocolate ganache and pistachio mousse cake featuring a creme bruleè and strawberry jelly center with an almond shortbread crust topped with a delicate white chocolate ribbon.

Bizu also offers stunning, intricately assembled Towers of Joy made with glazed cream puffs or French macarons rising to a height of 12 inches. You can opt to send a chocolate surprise with a box of Truffle Pyramids, candy colored and bursting with distinctive flavors in every bite—including guilt-free varieties such as the sugarless Macadamia Honey (Macadamia nuts, dark chocolate ganache, acacia honey) and Dominique (dark chocolate ganache, dark chocolate couverture). 

Treat yourself to Bizu’s latest holiday macaron flavors - Pumpkin Spice, Orange Grand Marnier, and Chocolate Mint Macaron de Paris. Bizu’s Christmas cakesicles, holiday-covered pretzel, French truffles, chocolate bars, bonbons, breads and cakes will surely spark joy.

Christmastime is about savoring the sweet and the succulent. Splurge on popular savory dishes such as the crispy-skinned and tender Cochinillo, Prime Ribeye Roast Beef, Whole Roast Turkey, or 10-hour Roast Beef. Indulge in the rich, smoky, and salty layers of the Smoked Salmon and Black Caviar Pie and Baked Salmon Rockefeller, a tradition in many households. 

Time to kiss your cares away and give love on Christmas Day! To place your orders, contact or visit any Bizu branch, with last orders for December 24 to be made by December 21 and last orders for December 31 to be made by December 28. For roasted items, please allow three (3) days prior to ordering. All items in the 2021 Christmas Catalogue are available in-store or visit www.bizu.ph. You may also order thru text/call/viber at +639176273970.

Merry holidays at F1 Hotel Manila

The most wonderful season of all is just a few moments ahead and we are excited to celebrate it this year! F1 Hotel Manila’s holiday cheers will fill up your merry plans as we lift your spirits wherever you want to celebrate Christmas or New Year’s Eve! Be it here at F1 Hotel Manila or your home, this holiday season will be one to enjoy!

Delight your celebration with friends or family with the Festive Flavors dinner buffet at The Canary! Enjoy your appetite's desire with a live grilling station as you have an option to ask our chefs to cook your cravings on the spot. The buffet is available on December 24, 25, and 31, from 8 to 11 p.m. for only PhP 1,300 net per person.

The Festive Flavors dinner buffet is special on December 31, as an acoustic band will be serenading you while you feast your dinner before the New Year Countdown to 2022.

For those who wish to celebrate at home, F1 Hotel Manila will be offering Holiday Platters exclusively available for purchase on the Hot Deals website (https://hotdeals.f1hotelmanila.com) for only PhP 6,999 net per set. The set comes in four platters where you can choose from Main Course of Tender Osso Buco, Cajun Seafood or Barbeque Pork Ribs; Carving of Smoked Beef Brisket, Crusted Rack of Lamb or Crispy Bagnet; Pasta of Spaghetti Bolognese, Seafood Marinara,  Aglio Olio; and available cakes are Carrot Cake, Chocolate Cake, and Red Velvet. Make your celebrations at home grand and flavorsome with these Party Platters available for pick up until January 5.

Make the holiday season memorable with F1 Hotel Manila. To know more about our promotions, please call 8928-9888 or 0919-9124802 or visit our website at www.f1hotelmanila.com.

Highland Park launches 15-year-old whisky

Orkney-based distillery Highland Park launches a new permanent 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Highland Park Viking Heart will be available in the Philippines by mid-November 2021.

Presented in a heavily embossed ceramic bottle, created in partnership with renowned specialists UK based Wade Ceramics; the inspiration of which came from ancient earthenware vessels which the whisky would have been stored a century or two ago at the distillery.

Created from casks hand-selected by Highland Park Masker Whisky Maker Gordon Motion, the 15 Year Old contains a high percentage of first-fill European oak sherry seasoned casks which delivers a warm, dry spicy note whilst first-fill American oak sherry seasoned casks back this up with notes of vanilla and crème brûlée. A small proportion of refill casks allow the DNA of Highland Park whisky to shine through, namely its gentle heather peat and lightly fruity character.

Gordon Motion, Highland Park, Master Whisky Maker, said: “Our insistence on specially constructed sherry casks delivers a richness of flavour. Vanilla and citrus notes lead and combine with the unique fragrant peat and creamy mouthfeel synonymous with Highland Park. The hand selection of quality first-fill and refill casks for Highland Park 15 Year Old delivers a rich colour which is 100% natural. Bottled at 44% ABV, this retains more of the compounds which deliver a whisky with extra body and enhanced mouthfeel.”

The Highland Park Viking Heart will be available for purchase from whisky retailers, specialty liquor shops and online retailers in Metro Manila as well as Boozy.ph, Clink.ph, Liquor.ph, Thirst.ph and Singlemalt.ph.

Give your kids a happy and healthy Christmas

It’s close to Christmastime once more, which means you are probably thinking of the best Christmas presents to get for the kiddos on Christmas Eve. This gift-giving is a tradition among Filipino families and is one of the highlights of Christmas — one that both children and even the young at heart most look forward to (aside from attending the Christmas Mass and the Noche Buena).

Most of the time, those gifts end up being toys, gadgets, and clothes, plus a serving or three of sweet treats, like chocolates and candies. But for this Christmas, and the next... and the next... and the next, you might want to switch things up and give the young ones healthy snacks instead — aside from the toys and the gadgets and the clothes you had planned, of course. After all, if there is anything this pandemic has taught us, it’s that good health is above all, alongside the love and care of family and friends.

It’s worth keeping in mind that healthy doesn’t necessarily mean bland and boring, because healthy can be amazing and tasty just the same. That is, of course, if you buy the right treats for the kids. A great start in this case would be Dibus Sharkies and Mini Crackers by Gullón, Kokoo Chocolate Drink by ChekHup, and Fruit Me Up by Andros.

Gullón’s Mini Crackers are, as the name suggests, bite-sized biscuits—only tastier and more nutritious than their other brand counterparts. Made with a sprinkling of milk and soya, these Mini Crackers are made with high oleic sunflower oil, making them good for heart health. They also contain healthy servings of fiber for a healthier digestive tract and protein for enhanced cell health and repair.

Dibus Sharkies, also from Gullón, are chocolate-flavored cereals that happen to be gluten- egg-, and lactose-free. Like Gullón’s Mini Crackers, Dibus Sharkies also contain just the right amounts of fiber and protein, along with a nice serving of carbs for that will add more to your kids’ energy reserve.

Fruit Me Up by Andros, meanwhile, is fruit in a pouch, a jelly-like treat made from real, fully ripe fruits to ensure natural sweetness with every serving. It comes in four flavors, each packed with vitamins and minerals: Apple Banana, Mango Banana Passion, Soursop Apple, and Strawberry Pink Guava. Among other things, a pouch of Fruit Me Up contains lots of vitamin C and antioxidants that are sure to enhance your kids’ immune system, thus helping them better fight off illnesses and stay healthier.

Finally, Kokoo Chocolate Drink by ChekHup is the healthy, cholate-y beverage that kids are sure to love. Made from the finest quality cocoa plus a hint of hazelnut, Kokoo is equal parts sweet and creamy, with an unmistakable aroma guaranteed to get the kids all excited for their next cup. It is sweetened by ChekHup’s premium rock sugar, making Kokoo’s sugar content considerably lower than other chocolate drinks. Even so, it is just as yummy, or even yummier, but with the right serving of energy and protein.

At the end of the day, kids are a hard-to-please bunch, especially when it comes to healthy eating. But give them the right kinds of yummy snacks and you will eventually win them over—so much that they will be asking for more. And what better way to start than by giving your kids healthy snacks like Dibus Sharkies and Mini Crackers by Gullón, Kokoo Chocolate Drink by ChekHup, and Fruit Me Up by Andros. 

But again, this is the season of giving, so it wouldn’t hurt to give the kids the other things they deserve. Visit The Goodwill Market (https://goodwill.market/) to get your hands on these healthy and yummy treats and more.

Food gifts that you want to eat and send as gifts

There’s a time and place for heating up leftovers. That time is not Christmas. A holiday or any special occasion calls for indulgence and delights that will make family and friends feel loved. But if you opt to stay safe at home but still celebrate the most wonderful time of the year merry and bright, here are some of the exclusive foodpanda restaurants where you can order your heart desires this Holiday Season:

Fish and chips cooked the right way? Featuring fish and taco meals and Limited Time Only Christmas Menu that is perfect for 3 to 4, golden brown fish sandwiches, fish paired with chicken and fries, Hooked and Cooked packs a serious crunch for your upcoming get-together at home.

Everyone loves a good ‘ol fried chicken that’s freshly cooked, crispy, and juicy. With Jackson’s Fried Chicken, you will also enjoy chicken cooked in a variety of ways from wraps, sandwiches, noodles, or rice. Filling and satisfying, Jackson’s is the ultimate fried chicken experience that you’re waiting for. 

A potluck meal doesn’t have to look last-minute. Pasteria’s menu includes limited-time offer party trays with wholesome options like Aglio Olio, Shrimp Alla Spicy Marinara, Garlic Butter Shitake, and Shitake Ala King! Aside from they’re beyond flavorful, these party trays are currently on discount, which means you can take advantage of sending an effortless yet tasty meal in minutes!

Relish the Holiday Season with Urbanica’s limited-edition drinks, Chocolate Matcha Milk Coffee, and Chocolate Strawberry Milk Coffee. With these luscious seasonal flavors, this unique take on iced coffee is a cozy and comforting surprise gift to all the coffee lovers on your list.  

Give in to your milk tea cravings and treat yourself with the rich and creamy goodness of Wantea’s special blended drinks: Ghirardelli Strawberry Mousse and Ghirardelli Salted Caramel. These luscious pick-me-uppers are also guaranteed to put the receiver into a holiday spirit at first sip. 

Enjoy ice cream in a whole new light with Puro’s artisanal flavors like honeycomb and funky malty. And whether you’re in the team smooth or chunky, there’s a pick in here for you, or your someone special!

With foodpanda, you can also take advantage of ordering healthy, hearty, and thoughtful food gifts from other exclusive brands like Noah’s Kitchen, K-Bite’s, Simot, Faasos, IHOP, and Applebees. Much more, for every order throughout December, you can include a Christmas card for free so you can send food gifts with a personal touch and send the same delicious experience to your loved ones. 

"In this season of giving, foodpanda welcomes all of you to share your joy & blessings with those near and dear, we have a line up of curated brands with offerings that specially cater to the palate of the Philippines. Send a treat, a gift or a feast by way of one of our foodpanda exclusive brands on the foodpanda app," said Karan Bhaskar, Director of New Verticals, foodpanda Philippines. Simply tap the Christmas Card add-on button when you check out and you’ve got something warm and personal to the giftee. Check out as well other restaurant partners as there’s surely something for all appetites and budgets!

"Give love on Christmas Day! But why wait for Christmas day when we can give love everyday this season. Food is like a hug in a box that we can easily and so conveniently share though various options in the foodpanda platform, we have special menu items prepared for gifting! We will attach the gift tag for you too! So send some love away and order now," said Namee J. Sunico, Head of Kitchens and Concepts, foodpanda Philippines.

No need to panic about the Holiday rush as foodpanda riders will take care of all the work from last-minute gifts, your family feast at home, or simply surprising someone who’s far from you, foodpanda has got you covered. Kaya tap mo na yan because we Gotchu, Santa! For more information, check out foodpanda exclusives carousel on foodpanda. 

New premium cake for special holiday celebrations

Max’s Corner Bakery, the bakeshop brand of Filipino restaurant chain, Max’s Restaurant is introducing a new premium cake for the Christmas season. Starting December 1, it will be offering Choco Dulce Delight for a limited time. 

Because special holiday celebrations call for a special dessert, it’s more than just a regular cake. Choco Dulce Delight is a decadent moist chocolate cake with rich dulce filling, frosted with luscious chocolate fudge icing. Every bite gives pure choco bliss that’s hard to resist. With all yuletide festivities lined up, this will make moments with loved ones even sweeter. Better to pre-order now to avoid the holiday rush.

It’s priced at P999 for dine-in and take-out orders. It can also be purchased for delivery at P1149 via delivery.maxschicken.com and 888-79000. Choco Dulce Delight is available in Luzon stores only. 

New holiday bundles, cheesecake flavors

Max’s Restaurant, the iconic restaurant chain famous for its Sarap-to-the-Bones Fried Chicken, is welcoming the Christmas season with its new Pinoy Holiday offers. As the most wonderful time of the year draws near, Max’s is all set to give exciting new deals and treats for any upcoming festivities. May it be a face-to-face or virtual gathering there’s something that friends and families can indulge in. 

The new Max’s All-In-One Tray is a merry mix of dishes in one bountiful spread. It is composed of Max’s Fried Chicken Cut-ups topped on flavored rice. Customers can pick from 3 flavors to complement with the chicken – Tinola, Adobo, and Java. Tinola Rice has bits of garlic, onion, ginger, and diced sayote, giving it the taste of the signature Pinoy dish. Adobo Rice is mixed with adobo flakes, diced potatoes and spring onions. And the classic Java Rice is sautéed with corn kernels, carrots, and Baguio beans. 

Guests can also choose two viands to partner with the chicken and rice combo. Choices are Sweet & Sour Fish Fillet or Tofu Fries and Lumpiang Shanghai or Tinapa Roll. Each order can be served with 1 liter beverage at P1,199.

A holiday meal wouldn’t be complete without sweets. This season, Max’s Corner Bakery is bringing back its well-loved Pinoy Cheesecakes for a limited time. It’s also introducing a new one to add to all the hearty meals. 

• Malagos Champorado Cheesecake – Here’s something new on the menu! The country’s favorite merienda is now in delectable cheesecake form best shared with loved ones. It’s made with chocolate pastry crust, luscious Malagos Champorado and Classic cheesecake filling, topped with white chocolate swirl and candied dilis. 
• Bibingka Cheesecake – The Christmas dessert that many customers have been craving for is making a comeback. It is made with soft and fluffy vanilla chiffon and smooth and silky cheesecake, generously topped with salted egg slices.
• Puto Bumbong Cheesecake – Puto Bumbong always brings out the Christmas cheer to any holiday feast. So this cheesecake version is also back to be enjoyed by many. It is made with glutinous rice flour with ube flavor and smooth and silky cheesecake, generously topped with ube crumbs, desiccated coconut, and muscovado sugar.

It’s really the season to be jolly because Christmas means an abundance of food during celebrations. Max’s Holiday Bundles are just right for parties of three or four. Customers can choose from 2 Holiday Bundles that consist of different Max’s favorites great for any feast: Classic Holiday Bundle (P 2,199 only. Save as much as P 510) - Regular Whole Fried Chicken, Beef Kulma (spicy Mindanaoan curry dish), Lumpiang Shanghai, Chicken Sisig Salad, Buko Pandan tub for 5, Large Plain Rice or 1 Liter Sago’t Gulaman; Deluxe Holiday Bundle (P 2,099 only. Save as much as P 495) - Regular Whole Fried Chicken, Beef Kulma (spicy Mindanaoan curry dish), Regular Pancit (Choice of Canton, Bam-I, Chami, or Seafood), Chicken Lumpiang Shanghai, Chicken Sisig Salad, Buko Pandan tub for 5, Large Plain Rice or 1 Liter Sago’t Gulaman. For more information, visit the official Facebook page at @MaxsRestaurant. 

Holiday traditions made more special with El Real

In the Philippines, the Christmas season starts as early as the ‘ber’ months hit and that means that come September, the countdown begins. Normally, Christmas carols can be heard from just about anywhere. Holiday decorations start to be seen in every city and barangay - from the usual lampposts and center islands, all the way to houses fully-decked with blinking colorful lights. Christmas is one of the seasons that Filipinos always look forward to, year after year.

Even though going outdoors for long periods of time or flying out for vacations are not advisable just yet, enjoying the coming holidays with family and loved ones at home continues. Our Christmas traditions remain and, in fact, can still be made more enjoyable and memorable for everyone. 

Noche Buena is easily everyone’s favorite tradition. Having that “salu-salo” of the family’s favorite dishes has always been an integral part of Filipino Christmas celebration. Bonding over good food and delicious desserts, surrounded by the most important people in one’s life, is what makes for a truly memorable holiday celebration. 

And what better way to celebrate the season than with El Real, the pasta that’s packed with iron, protein, fiber, and vitamin-A. While families have their go-to recipes for Noche Buena, they can make this year’s feast extra special by exploring unique dishes from El Real’s Real Pastabilities website. They can discover recipes like Pork Belly Pasta, Pasta Valenciana, and many other pasta dishes that the family will surely love.

Of course, the highlight of every Christmas celebration are the gifts. The fun starts during the shopping period as people think of the most thoughtful items to give their loved ones. Sometimes they opt to send over home-made food gifts, like a Pizza Pasta or Sushi Bake, to show their appreciation, especially those who can’t celebrate with friends or family in person.

On Christmas day, the joy continues as kids and kids-at-heart excitedly open their gifts. Their smiles and thank-you messages make gift giving all the more worth it.

Just seeing the joy, love, and excitement in everyone’s faces, make the celebration all the more worthwhile, memorable, and priceless. Capping off the Christmas eve surrounded by the comfort and warmth of family and loved ones is truly what everyone could ever ask and hope for.  

Whether one is going to small home gatherings with family and friends or celebrating virtually, the holiday spirit can still be felt in a lot of ways. It’s all about finding fun ways to show love and appreciation to family and friends this season -- from thoughtful gifts to inventive meals made with El Real pasta.

There are still a few days left to finalize Christmas plans. Make it more special by visiting Real Pastabilities by El Real for recipes that everyone at home will love. For more information, visit www.realpastabilities.com.

El Real Pasta is a product of Universal Robina Corporation (URC), makers of popular food and beverage brands such as Jack ‘n Jill Pitattos, Nips, Magic Flakes, C2 Cool and Clean and Great Taste Coffee.

Cool down with this yummy chocolate drink

There’s no better time to whip up your favorite choco treats today. Beat the heat with this easy-peasy chocolate banana smoothie. It’s made more special with the rich chocolate goodness of Swiss Miss.

Ingredients:
1 banana
1 pack Swiss Miss Dark Chocolate
Ice cubes 
¾ cup evaporated milk
Whipped cream/sprinkles (optional)

Instructions:
1.    Using a blender, mix in banana, Swiss Miss Dark Chocolate, ice cubes and evaporated milk.
2.    Blend until all the ingredients are smooth.
3.    Pour into a glass and top it off with whipped cream and/or sprinkle with toppings or drizzles like caramel or chocolate syrup.

You can enjoy the rich chocolate goodness of Swiss Miss as it is, or you can put a twist to it like this smoothie recipe. You’re free to experiment and share your own Swiss Miss creations by posting them online. If you want to discover more recipe ideas like this, follow @SwissMissPH on Facebook.

Discounts on holiday munchies

Welcome good times and good vibes

After almost two years of staying home to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe, we look forward to re-engaging with friends and family we haven’t seen face-to-face in a long time – preferably over good food in a safe and relaxing space outside our home or computer screen.

With this in mind, seasoned restaurateurs Annabella and Martin Wisniewski of the Raintree Hospitality Group – together with corporate chef Kalel Chan- recently launched Jones All Day.
Jones All Day is more than just a restaurant. It’s an all-day dining space serving scrumptious breakfast, brunch, lunch, snacks, and dinner options. It’s the perfect place to reunite with loved ones because Jones All Day has something to offer for every kind of diner – whether you’re looking forward to family get-togethers with a hearty meal, catching up with friends over wine and tapas, having an intimate night out with your special someone, unwinding with colleagues after a long day at work, or celebrating the weekend with amigas over brunch and mimosas. It even has a raw bar with the freshest oysters and seafood this side of BGC available every day, a bakery constantly stocked with mouthwatering items straight out of the oven, and an artisan retail store. 

It features some of Chef Kalel’s best work as its signature dishes, including starters like Jones Burrata (locally made burrata with roasted pumpkin yogurt hummus, kale basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, pickled pimentos, and rocket), Pacific Oysters (Aklan oysters served on ice, Rock-a-fella with spinach and hollandaise, or Katsu Dynamite-style, which means oysters topped with Sriracha mayo, unagi sauce, and ikura), and the Jones Seafood Tower (a seafood behemoth made of shrimp cocktail, pacific oysters, blue mussels, salmon and tuna sashimi, Coctel de Mariscos, spicy tuna dynamite, pickles, horseradish, aguacate, marinated seaweed, fresh lemon and lime, chips, wonton crackers, and nori sheets).

For those who are looking for something light yet satisfying, try the Jones Vegan Bowl (a totally vegan dish made of plant-based kofta, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, basil, cilantro, cabbage, carrots, onions, crispy garbanzos, plant-based Caesar dressing, and passion fruit & herb vinaigrette) or Smoked Pepper Turkey Reuben (with house-made purple kraut, remoulade, and pickles, topped with Emmental cheese, mozzarella all between sesame rye and served with whole-grain mustard on the side).

If you’re in the mood for classics with a Jones twist, make sure to get the Jones Beef Tapa (char-grilled US top blade beef with tapa sauce topped with crispy garlic chili; served with garlic rice, two cage-free eggs the way you want them, and cucumber atchara, grilled tomatoes, and vinegar dip on the side), House-Made Handkerchief Pasta (with guanciale, butter, organic egg yolks, and finished with malagos pecorino), or Chef Kalel’s Truffled Mushroom Roast Chicken(half-chicken stuffed with mushroom tapenade served with light chicken jus and creamy mashed potatoes, haricots verts, and shiitake on the side).

Just like their latest venture in Tagaytay City, The Farmer’s Table, Raintree Hospitality Group’s new all-day bistro and bakery will feature a retail space called the Jonesery to sell locally made and sourced artisanal goods from talented and hardworking small and medium Filipino enterprises. With Jones All Day, the Raintree Hospitality Group is once again poised to redefine dining during the “new normal” and address the need for safe spaces within the metro where responsible diners can have a sense of normalcy, dine with peace of mind, and savor well-prepared food while nourishing their bodies.

Jones All Day Bistro & Bakery is located at the ground floor of Serendra Piazza, Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. It is open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. For updates, like and follow @JonesAllDayPH on Facebook and Instagram.

Chowking now offering Taiwan’s ‘best milk tea’ in the Philippines 

Taiwan’s “best milk tea” brand is coming to the Philippines. Chowking, Chinese restaurant chain, is now offering Milksha milk tea. Also known by the brand name Milkshop in Taiwan, Milksha is one of the world’s best milk tea brands. It was voted as the “No.1 Milk Tea Brand” by university students in Taiwan and recognized as “The Best Reviewed” milk tea brand by Daily View, a known online media platform in Taiwan.
 
Founded by Peter Huang, Milksha is driven by its mission to offer “Fresh, Natural, and Handmade Beverages”. It achieves this by using natural and fresh ingredients, without any preservatives or chemical additives. Milksha prides itself in using fresh, high quality milk as a base for its beverages.  
 
From its founding in Tainan City in Taiwan in 2008, this milk tea brand has continued to grow and establish its presence locally and overseas. Milksha now has over 250 outlets, in Taiwan, Hongkong, Melbourne, Vancouver, and Singapore.

Now, these same fresh, all-natural Milksha beverages will be exclusively available over the counter and for delivery in select Chowking stores around Metro Manila. 

Last November 6, Chowking opened its first Milksha counter in Betterliving in Paranaque and saw strong reception for the brand. Milksha will soon be made available in Chowking stores in SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, Unciano Center and Marcos Highway in Antipolo City, Fairview Regalado and Roces in Quezon City, Annapolis Albany in San Juan, Bonifacio Stop Over and Petron C5 Diego Silang in Taguig City, and Valenzuela City Hall in Valenzuela City. 

“Our goal is to give Filipinos a taste of what gold standard milk tea should be. We want to offer a unique and satisfying milk tea experience to our customers. With the use of premium ingredients, meticulous preparation process, and the delicious and indulgent taste of Milksha flavors, this new Chowking offering is expected to be a hit with foodies and milk tea lovers alike,” said Chowking Milksha Brand Director, Ariane Valinton.
 
Chowking is offering five flavors of Milksha drinks, including Honey Pearl Black Tea Latte, Black Tea Latte with Pudding, Valrhona Cocoa Milk, Signature Taro Milk, and Wintermelon Lemon. The honey pearls are Milksha’s signature toppers. Milksha’s pearls are soaked in honey for that unique and natural burst of honeyed sweetness in every chew. Delivered fresh from Taiwan, these pearls are free from preservatives. They are prepared meticulously daily to ensure each pearl is perfectly translucent and bouncy. 
 
Like the honey pearls, the black tea used in creating Milksha’s Honey Pearl Black Tea Latte are always freshly prepared on-site. This premium black tea blend, which has an invigorating floral aroma, is finished off with the smoothness of fresh milk. Milksha Black Tea Latte can be topped off with its very own pudding, which is also fused with fresh milk for that soft, smooth, and creamy mouth feel.
 
For its indulgent Valrhona Cocoa Milk, Milksha uses Valrhona cocoa from France. Valrhona is a known high-grade luxury chocolate brand established by French pastry chef Albéric Guironnet. Every cup feels like a rich, and addictive chocolate experience. Far from your regular chocolate drink, Valrhona Cocoa Milk delivers a strong cocoa taste, yet perfectly balanced with sweet and creamy milk. 
 
Signature Taro Milk is one of Milksha’s top sellers in Taiwan—for good reason! It uses high quality taro from selected regions in Taiwan. With each sip, customers will taste the earthy all-natural flavor of taro blended with rich and creamy milk. 
 
Milksha’s Wintermelon Lemon boasts of the right blend of sweet and sour.  It is made with sweet, fruity wintermelon syrup brewed from fresh wintermelons and is mixed with the tangy, citrusy flavor of Taiwanese lemon juice. 

On November 4, Jollibee Group disclosed that it will purchase, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Jollibee Worldwide, Pte. Ltd. (JWPL), a majority stake in the firm that owns Milksha.  Jollibee Group will purchase shares equivalent to 51% ownership in Milkshop International Co. Ltd. (Milkshop) for approximately USD12.8 million. One of the co-founders of Milkshop will continue to retain the 49% ownership of Milkshop. Chowking is part of the Jollibee Group, one of the fastest-growing restaurant companies in the world. 

Make holidays sweeter with Oreo collection teas

If you like your milk tea sweet and decadent, a cup of Oreo milk tea will never disappoint. This thick and creamy vanilla drink mixed with tea and topped with crushed cookies is the perfect drink to sweeten up your days.

This holiday season, Frotea invites everyone to ring in this time of celebration with its Oreo Collection Series, showcasing the diversity of this famous cookie in three unique drinks. Check out these three delicious drinks from Frotea’s Oreo Collection Series with something everyone in the family can enjoy.

For all the milk tea lovers who prefer their drink sweet and straightforward, the Oreo Milk Tea is the perfect way to introduce the world-famous cookie into your lineup of go-to drinks. The drink features the classic flavors of Taiwanese milk tea blended with the sweet cream-filled sweetness of Oreo and topped with crushed cookies.

Meanwhile, milk tea lovers who can’t get enough of pastries are in for a treat, as they can experience the best of both worlds this season with Frotea’s Oreo Cheesecake and Oreo Creampuff milk tea.

Satisfy your cravings for the rich and luscious taste of cheesecake accompanied with the unmistakable flavor of Oreo with the Oreo Cheesecake milk tea. This decadent treat offers an irresistible  melt-in your-mouth experience.

But if there’s one drink that will really get you into the holiday spirit, it’s the Oreo Creampuff milk tea. With its decadent and smooth flavor, combining the texture of cream puffs with cookies and cream, this irresistible treat is perfect when paired with your favorite Frotea sinkers.

Make the Frotea Oreo Collection a must-have at every event worth celebrating this holiday season and experience a sweet blend of flavors with each sip!

Get with the holiday festivities and satisfy your milk tea fix this holiday season with Frotea’s Oreo series. Frotea has over 23 branches nationwide in Luzon and Visayas with deliveries available via FoodPanda or through the official Frotea website. Follow Frotea on Instagram and Facebook for more updates.

With milk tea drinks and fruit juices made with authentic ingredients from Taiwan, Frotea offers beverages to fit every unique lifestyle. Founded in 2012 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Frotea is rapidly expanding now with 23 branches in Luzon and Visayas.

Booze with benefits

Let’s admit it. Even if restaurants and bars are gradually reopening their doors to the public, there are still people who are not yet completely comfortable with the idea of socializing in crowded places again.

After almost two years of contenting ourselves with socially distanced events with lean guest lists, celebratory drive-bys, and virtual reunions, people have simply grown accustomed to the “new normal” way of entertaining and celebrating, In the post-pandemic world, you’re more likely to get invited to someone’s house (or backyard) than to an indoor events venue.

There’s no doubt that the pandemic upended our way of life and our way of thinking, but this should not stop us from rediscovering the things that the global health crisis forced us to forget, like celebrating the special occasions and milestones in our life, with a delightful drink in hand, of course.

And what better way to celebrate our “better normal” than to chug an ice-cold Heineken, which undoubtedly has been the star of celebrations everywhere for years!

For the upcoming holiday season, the trusted beer brand has partnered with Drinkies.Ph to help you pull off a super chill, hassle-free drinking party at home.

For the uninitiated, Drinkies.Ph is an e-commerce website that strives to be a hassle-free, reliable, and prompt delivery service for consumers looking to have their favorite alcoholic beverages and distilled spirits delivered right at their doorstep.

Whether you’re a party of two or a party of 10, Drinkies.Ph has something for you: beer, wine, rum, bourbon, scotch, brandy, cognac, vodka, soju too and even mixers.

And here’s a factoid that may seal the deal for you: Drinkies.Ph users can expect their favorite beers to arrive fast and cold. And for your other orders to be delivered quickly too.

Aside from the usual Heineken beers in bottles or in cans, you can also opt for your own Heineken 5-liter Keg, or if you’re feeling a little extra, you can rent The Draught Kit featuring an 8-liter Keg with Blade
Machine, a fancy, shiny toy that will allow you to play bartender for the day (or night).

Here’s a bunch of other deals that Heineken has prepared for its loyal patrons ordering through Drinkies.Ph: If you buy one (1) 5-liter Keg during the 12.12 promo on Dec. 12 (10am-12nn only), you can get your second Keg at 40% off. If you buy two 5-liter Kegs, any day from December 13 to 19, you can get a free Heineken Premium Bag. If you make a minimum purchase of PhP5,000-worth of Heineken products (except Draught Kit) from December 20 to 31, you will get a free bomber jacket from Heineken.

Nutrition and refreshment for the entire family

Breakfast is an important meal for most Filipinos, and it’s for a good reason. A healthy and nutritious breakfast has many benefits on the human body, including improved mental alertness, better brain health, mass muscle maintenance, and improved digestion, among many others. While some choose to skip breakfast, others opt for nutritionally inadequate options due to lack of time and other obstacles. 

The good news is that there’s a simple and refreshing way to ensure that your family gets the essential nutrients they need every day. Simply add a glass of the new Alaska Fresh Milk or Alaska Low Fat Milk to the household’s breakfast staples. 

Drinking milk with breakfast helps prepare you and your family for the day’s challenges. This is supported by a recent study published in the International Dairy Journal. Researchers found that drinking at least one glass of milk with breakfast could boost your family’s intake of crucial nutrients as well as positively impact brain health and mental performance. 

Furthermore, studies show that getting the optimal amount of vitamins and nutrients from food alone is often unattainable², so getting help from sources such as ready-to-drink fresh milk is a great way to fill in the nutritional gaps. The new Alaska Fresh Milk and Alaska Low Fat Milk are both high in calcium, contain 20+ essential nutrients, and are good sources of protein—an essential nutrient that is the building block for the body tissues, such as the muscles and bones. This makes sufficient daily intake of protein a vital part of our diet.   

But where does Alaska’s ready-to-drink fresh milk line get its nutrients? This is where Alaska’s “Grass to Glass” process comes in. Alaska Fresh, which is under Alaska Milk, a FrieslandCampina company, ensures that the quality of the milk begins with the quality of the grass the cows eat. This is crucial because if the grass lacks the proper nutrients, the milk produced by the cows is affected. 

Besides the quality of the grass, the company’s farmer partners also ensure that the cows live in a safe and healthy environment, where the optimal temperature is maintained. Living conditions play an important role in the quality of the fresh milk, so the cows get a lot of exercise, eat a diverse and well-balanced feed ration, and drink only clean water. The milk is then collected from the cows every three days to ensure freshness. 

“The milk in the new Alaska Fresh Milk and its Low-Fat variant is 100% pure cow’s milk from Europe. It has undergone Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) processing, which means the milk has been heated to allow you to keep it fresh for a longer time. And nothing is added to the fresh milk because it already contains everything good about milk,” said Joanne Angeles, Marketing Manager, Alaska Milk Corporation. 

The products are also strictly inspected by a government organization called the Dutch Controlling Authority for Milk and Milk Products. They ensure microbiological quality, hygiene, and composition, so you and your family only get the best quality ready-to-drink fresh milk.  

“High quality 100% pure cow’s milk with essential nutrients from grass to glass—this is our commitment to our customers. Alaska continues to be dedicated to giving Filipino families only high-quality food products that provide much-needed nutrients along with a well-balanced diet. All these production stages work together so you can give your family a glass of nutritious fresh milk. This is important to us at Alaska because milk is one of nature’s contributions to a well-balanced diet,” Angeles said.

 The new Alaska Fresh Milk and Alaska Low Fat Milk contains only high-quality essential nutrients from grass to glass. So, make sure to include it in your family’s breakfast to help keep them 100% strong and get through the day’s challenges. The new Alaska Fresh Milk (Php 82.00 for the 1L pack and Php 28.00 for the 200 ml pack) and Alaska Low Fat Milk (Php 84.00 for the 1L pack and Php 29.00 for the 200ml pack) are available online and in your favorite supermarkets.  

Nutrition has always been a pressing issue, especially now when families are becoming more vulnerable to health and economic problems. During these trying times, the resiliency shown by moms has inspired Alaska Fortified Powdered Milk Drink team in conducting a survey to better understand their nutrition needs and issues encountered by their families during the pandemic. The survey was conducted among members of the MOMs of Alaska (MOMAs) Facebook community, a group for moms who are dedicated in providing their children proper nutrition. And while providing nutrition remains one of their priorities, the survey has found that it has taken a back seat to more urgent concerns like supporting the family’s finances, budgeting limited earnings for food, health and safety necessities, juggling family responsibilities, and the like.

The survey received responses from nearly 300 moms from different walks of life such as housewives, call center agents, online sellers, teachers, vendors and many more. Majority of the respondents shared that budgeting concerns regarding groceries, health essentials and bills have made it harder to provide nutrition for their families. Half of the respondents have struggled with losing their jobs and a fifth of them struggle with balancing their family responsibilities.

In these trying times, Jenevev, a street food vendor and mother of two described her priorities. “Kahit na sa panahon ng pandemya, dapat hindi kaligtaan ang kalusugan ng pamilya. Kaya sinisigurado ko po na palaging wasto ang sustansyang nakukuha ng mga anak ko” (“Even during the pandemic, we shouldn’t neglect our family’s health. That’s why I make sure that my children receive the nutrition they need”), Jenevev shared.

She isn't the only one from the MOMAs community that feels this way. In these exceptional circumstances, Jonalene, a housewife and mother of two struggles to provide sufficient nutrition for her children due to lack of financial capability.

“Kahit mahirap i-budget ang PHP 100 a day, sinusubukan ko pa din bigyan ang mga anak ko ng masusustansyang pagkain tulad ng gulay. Simpleng ginisang gulay ay ayos na.' Even though it’s difficult to budget PHP 100 a day, I still try to find ways to give my children healthy food like vegetables. A simple stir-fried vegetable dish is enough," said Jonalene.

Most of the respondents agree with this sentiment. Out of the 94% of respondents who consider providing proper nutrition for their families a top priority, 66.3% don’t have the means to afford the nutritional meals they aspire for. On top of these problems, the pandemic continues to change the lifestyles and consumer habits of families everywhere. 81.3% of respondents prioritize pandemic essentials like face masks and alcohol in their spending over other products, making it even harderfor moms to allocate time and budget for nutrition.

Regardless of these challenges, moms want their children to be healthy and grow properly, understanding how vital it is to take care of their health in today's world. As moms, they always want what’s best for their kids, giving their all to nurture and nourish them, and providing them with the proper guidance to live a healthy life. As a result, moms are finding ways to put their children's health and development first.

For hassle-free holidays

As Santa gets ready to go on his sleigh, jolly Foodpanda riders will take to the streets, delivering good cheer along with your holiday items such as grocery ingredients for your food preparations, gifts for your loved ones from a wide catalog of shops, and specialty dishes of different cuisines from thousands of restaurants for memorable family meals.

With one of the largest networks of restaurant delivery options, what better way to spread comfort and joy other than your favorite cuisines as the star of the holiday table? Enjoy the convenience of not having to worry about making four different dishes for a meal: simply tap on the app, choose a restaurant or cuisine and confirm your order. New customers can use the code SANTAPANDA until November 30 and take advantage of the P100 discount for a minimum order of P299.

Keep yourself worry-free until the guests arrive, check out Foodpanda’s pick-up option and save big on your favorite restaurant food to get you in the holiday spirit at home. Experience unli-savings from deals of the day, surprise discounts, and a slew of price cuts. Use the code PICKUPEVERYDAY and don’t miss the P50 discount for a minimum order of P250. 

Whether you’re behind on grocery shopping or find yourself missing an ingredient in your pantry, check out Pandamart to make your life a little easier. Order your everyday goods like baby care products, health and beauty brands, over-the-counter pharmacy essentials, and bakery items. Shop now and use STOCKUP100 until November 30 and enjoy a P100 discount for a minimum P1,000 order, valid to both new and existing customers. 

Since the holiday season is synonymous with gifts, Foodpanda shops offer an ingenious way to make sure everyone’s covered on your list. From grocery items, bakery, electronics to beauty and wellness, looking for cool and unique gifts now won’t feel like an impossible assignment. Plus, users both new and existing can enjoy as much as 30% discount with Jingle Deals for every P100 minimum order. 

Life is a triangle of chocolates 

Filipinos are natural givers. Giving presents is your way of showing how much that person means to you. Shopping for presents is a thrill, but the endless choices and time it takes to find that “perfect gift” during the Christmas shopping rush can leave you feeling tired and overwhelmed. It can get so stressful that you end up purchasing common gifts instead to get shopping done.

For any gift that you give, you always want it to be unique, thoughtful, and personalized. It’s always the thought that counts, not the price tag or the size. Since you’re giving a gift to someone special and unique, they deserve a gift that’s as unique as they are.

Personalized gifts make for the best presents, which is why the Limited Edition Golden Toblerone Christmas Pack makes for the most thoughtful gifts. Each Toblerone can be easily personalized with a quick video greeting, a heartfelt message straight from you to that special someone. Each Toblerone has a QR code that you can scan to bring you to a website, where you can film and upload your video greeting for the receiver of your gift. All the receiver needs to do to access your video greeting is scan the QR code, and they can watch you in action.

If you want to make it even extra unique, why not doodle on the Toblerone sleeve? Each Limited Edition Golden Toblerone Christmas Pack comes with a blank space to customize the pack in any way you want. Draw, doodle, or write a heartfelt message — whatever comes to mind, you’re sure the receiver will love it. 

Once you’ve finished creating your video greeting and personalizing the sleeve, it’s finally ready to be given. Since you personalized each pack with a unique video greeting and written message, there will be no one else in the world with that same present. The packs are available in 100g (Php 106), 200g (Php 206), and 360g (Php 400). 

Holiday ham brings Christmas to the table

Because dining out remains a highly restrictive option for Metro Manila families, the search is ramping up for holiday food that emphasizes the specialness of the occasion but can be safely and easily prepared at home.

Seda hotels’ honey-glazed holiday ham tops the list of these festive foods that command attention at any celebration with no added sweat from the host. Carved at the table, the ham generously glazed with pure Palawan honey has a crunchy sweet crust and juicy, meaty interior. Paired with creamy pasta or spinach, mashed or scalloped potatoes, and oven roasted vegetables, Seda ham becomes a complete Christmas meal. But even when served only with Tsokolate Eh, it still commands presence at the holiday table.

Since Christmas 2014 when it was first served at the Seda BGC buffet, the ham has cultivated a loyal following. It is available only in the last quarter of the year to ensure freshness. Seda Hotels Executive Chef Romualdo “Pepe” Castillo revealed that it is made from organic pigs seven months old or younger to ensure an optimum fat-and-lean-meat ratio or tender, juicy hams. This means that even at the first quarter of the year, Castillo is already priming his suppliers so that deliveries can begin in October and for the balance of the year. The ham is ordered as a corporate gift by companies for their clients, but guests also order it for their own consumption or as presents to friends and family.

The ham’s curing process further adds to its enigma. The pork is brined for a week in a special mixture then carefully massaged periodically to ensure the even absorption of flavors. It is then steamed and boiled with more secret ingredients before it is molded. Finally, it is glazed with the subtle flavors of freshly squeezed oranges, pure Palawan honey and a sprinkling of sugar before being blow-torched to seal in all that goodness.

Throughout the entire curing and cooking period, Seda hotel safety standards dictate that processes follow the highest global industry standards. “People are willing to pay a premium not just for flavor, but also for the assurance of safety and consistency,” according to Seda Hotels’ senior group general manager Andrea Mastellone. The ham is available in Seda properties at BGC, Makati, Vertis North in Quezon City, Nuvali in Laguna, and Central Bloc Cebu.

In fact, the chefs and general managers of these Seda properties have put their heads together to share various way the Seda honey-glazed hams can best be enjoyed at home for the holidays. Seda Vertis North executive chef Kerpatrick Boiser recommends enjoying slices of the holiday ham with a grazing box of popular cheeses, crackers, nuts and dried fruits.

A thin slice of ham balanced with creamy Brie cheese and a crisp cracker makes a memorable mouthful. The ham takes on new taste profiles when paired with the more intense Edam cheese or sharp cheddar cheese. These are best finished off with dried apricots and nuts—which are also part of the Seda Vertis North grazing box, available from December 1 to January 5.

Seda Residences Makati Marc Cerqueda further noted that Seda’s holiday ham is also best savored with fine wines such as a dry pinot grigio or a rose. Consumed without its sauce, it goes well too with a pale Pilsen beer. And for other ways to enjoy ham, Seda Nuvali hotel manager Armand Angeles suggests Japanese croquettes, no-bake frittata, and Seda ham humba; while Seda Central Bloc Cebu hotel manager Ron Manalang says in Cebu, deep-fried cuapao is a perfect match to the Seda ham.

Served with an elegant dinner, a more casual grazing box or reincarnated as other dishes, Seda’s holiday honey-glazed ham indeed conveys the spirit of Christmas in any setting or circumstance. Orders for the ham (1.1 kg at Php1,500 in Metro Manila and Nuvali and Php1,100 in Cebu) are already accepted. Check out Sedahotels.com for more details.

Sebastian’s presents Christmas collection

This November marks the return of fan favorites and a newly reopened Podium Mall shop for local ice cream brand Sebastian’s. As such, the brand boasts of its flavors of the month: Malted Milkball, Coffee Jelly, Chocolated Salter Butter Caramel, Green Mango Sorbet with Chili Sugar, Flor Di Latte, Brownie Batter, Strawberry Supreme, and Sebastian’s Ice Pops in Kamias, Mango and Strawberry.

Christmas has become a tradition for the brand to release special flavors to commemorate the holiday season, and this year continues that tradition with the unveiling of the brand’s limited-edition ice cream pints, the return of their Crinkle Cookie Chilly Burgers, and for the very first time, a Christmas Ice Cream Cake.

These new flavors are now available for delivery and pickup at Sebastiansicecream.com:

• Puto Bumbong - their very first kakanin ice cream returns again as our inaugural Xmas flavor. Puto Bumbong Kakanin Ice Cream made with glutinous rice infused with muscovado sugar and margarine, topped with grated niyog.
• Cathedral Window - milk ice cream loaded with cherry, red grape, green grape, pineapple and orange jelly cubes, made with real fruit juice. Our take on the classic festive Filipino dessert. One of our most colorful Ice Creams ever, this flavor is a delight to the eyes and the palate.
• Eggnog - A brand-new flavor, this ice cream is inspired by the western Holiday beverage. Custard-style ice cream made with egg yolks and cream, infused with brandy and nutmeg. The egg yolks and brandy give it a truly sublime mouthfeel and a warm flavor. 
• Crinkle Chilly Burgers - introduced last year to a great response, we made our famous Chilly Burgers with Crinkles baked in-house. These were filled with holiday-themed ice creams to make a handheld holiday treat in three flavors: White Chocolate, Peppermint and Eggnog.
• Bibingka Supreme Ice Cream Cake: Freshly baked warm Bibingka topped with grated coconut is the iconic Pinoy Christmas treat. Composed of five layers, we begin with a bottom layer of bibingka made in-house topped with salted egg chunks and grated cheese, brushed with butter. It is topped with a layer of Queso de Bola Ice Cream, a layer of Salted Egg Yolk Ice Cream, another layer of Queso de Bola Ice Cream, and a final layer of another bibingka, crowned with salted egg slices, grated cheese and brushed with butter out of the oven. The brand also baked it with banana leaves in the oven so the aroma permeates the cake while it bakes. 

Spread the cheer with curated Christmas goodies

Whether you’re craving for international flavors or a traditional Filipino meal, there is a basket ideal for your holiday feast available in all Metro Supermarkets nationwide and in Shop.themetrostores.ph.

The Metro Seasonal Favorites Christmas Basket is packed with international flavors and ingredients, carefully curated to complete a Noche Buena feast, from P149 to P1,499.

The Metro Stores’ “most awaited sale of the year” is back and just in time to make holiday shopping easier and self-gifting guilt-free. Known for its wide range of product assortment and superb deals, Metro knows exactly what customers need and want and gives it to them in the best way possible.  

The Cebu-based retail giant holds its annual four-day Crazy Sale from November 27 to 30 with discounts of up to 70% off and Buy 1, Get 1 deals on great finds in-store at all Metro Supermarket and Department Store branches nationwide. Metro shoppers and members can also enjoy all these exciting offers and more in the comfort of their homes by shopping online at www.shop.themetrostores.ph, while Metro Rewards Card (MRC) members are in for a treat with 3x more points earned for every purchase.

When it comes to crazy sales and big bargains, The Metro Stores is the gift that keeps on giving and this particular sale is dubbed as the “most awaited” for a reason. Think of it as the U.S.’s Black Friday counterpart — the Crazy Sale is Metro’s BIGGEST STOREWIDE SALE, offering the craziest deals and discounts on more items as compared to its previous sale events. 

Shoppers can bring home a recliner chair that costs P13,999 at less than P10,000; P5,000 off on a 55-inch smart TV; or a complete head-to-toe wardrobe for less than P700. It’s also the best time to fill up every family’s pantry for the holidays, with the lowest price markdowns plus freebies on kitchen staples, fresh goods such as meat and vegetables, snacks, laundry and cleaning items, toiletries, and more. These are just a sneak peek of what’s in store for customers during the Crazy Sale, and shoppers can expect nothing less than irresistible budget busters on the best picks from Metro Department Store and Supermarket.

Whether it’s a gift for the self, friends, family, or simply stocking up on personal and home essentials, the Crazy Sale is where Filipinos can buy the best items at the best prices. At The Metro Stores, everyone’s holiday bonus will go a long way. Customers can also avail of The Metro Stores’ Personal Shopper services through call, text, or Viber. Visit https://www.themetrostores.ph/orderonline/ for more information. 

‘Tis the season for good nutrition

Loyal fans and admirers of Prime Superstar Judy Ann “Juday” Santos-Agoncillo (JSA) have a new cause for celebration as she has been named as the newest Mega Sardines ambassador. The award-winning actress, restaurateur, and super mom now represents the country’s number one sardine brand as she remains one of the well-loved Filipino celebrities with her exemplary passion and attributes.

This event is truly a festive one as Juday, who is considered to be one of the country’s household names, forms a collaboration with Mega Sardines, a Filipino household staple loved by the Filipino people nationwide. Juday, after all, reflects the passion and malasakit of Mega Sardines. 

In celebration of this new milestone, JSA, in collaboration with Mega Sardines, hosted a virtual fan meeting with the media and her loyal fans on October 21. Aside from the opportunity to interact, hangout, and get updates from their idol, the fans also enjoyed an event packed with games, activities and raffle prizes exclusive for them. 

Furthermore, the attendees were also treated to new updates about Mega Sardines’ Sarap, Sustansya at Saya campaign which highlighted the nutritious benefits that Filipino families can get from a can of Mega Sardines, and the good taste that it can offer to ensure that everyone in the family enjoys it.

Mega Bigay Sustansya (MBS) is Mega Global’s CSR program that aims to support children from impoverished communities all over the Philippines to improve their health through sardine meals and other nutrition programs.

Nutella on-the-go

Biscuit snackers were found to be contemplative and thoughtful. According to Hirsch's findings, biscuit snackers value their alone time and are most creative when given the time and space to think. Their biggest struggle is that all of their projects compete for their time and attention. If you love snacking on biscuits, you might want to plan your break times so that you can give your 100% to your work or studies. Nutella B-ready is the perfect snack for you as you don't have to worry about Nutella-covered fingers. You can snack and type at the same time.

You can also bring Nutella's goodness everywhere you go. You can simply pop a bar while waiting at the grocery, braving rush hour traffic, or waiting for the rain to stop. Nutella B-ready is an essential that you wouldn't want to be without. 

Shaped like a mini baguette, Nutella B-ready is filled with the creamy, hazelnut-y, and chocolatey taste of Nutella and a sprinkling of puffed wheat crispies. Once you try it, it's easy to see (or taste) how this multi-texture sensory delight has a cult following worldwide, including Europe, Australia, and Singapore. 

The good news is that you don't have to go to Europe or enlist the 'pasabuy' services of an international shopper to get your favorite snack. Nutella B-ready is now widely available in supermarkets and grocery stores in the Philippines.  With Nutella B-ready, snacking while working or chilling at home just got more interesting.

Brighten up your holiday cravings

With so much that has happened this year, there is no doubt that the holiday season will be different. But there are still many things which we should be thankful for – one of which is the chance to celebrate the holidays with loved ones that can symbolize hope for new beginnings, new wishes, and new blessings.

Even in a pandemic, there are still a lot of things to do and accomplish. Why not “invite” Cravings over to help you prepare a hearty feast for the entire family? Cravings guarantees a picture-perfect holiday set menu that will be memorable for years to come.

Cravings aims to make your Christmas luncheons and dinners extra memorable this season with its classics menu and fresh creations from the kitchen. You can order Cravings’ potluck dishes fit for 6 to 8 persons with a lot of selections to choose – from seafood to meat lovers, as well as charcuterie board if you’re feeling fancy.

For starters, if you want something light and healthy, you can have Cravings’ Classic Caesar Salad, or for something creamy with a hint of sweetness, you can opt for the Macaroni Salad.

For the main course, Cravings has prepared a variety of delightful dishes to share over the holidays. First on the list is its famous Roast Beef – slow cooked to perfection with mushroom sauce and truffle mashed potato. Cravings also offers Lengua Con Champignon with mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives laced with spices. For something hearty, Cravings’ Callos A La Madrilena is a treasured family dish.

For the perfect tender pork spareribs baked in sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, order Cravings’ American Baked Spareribs. For giving out, you can never go wrong with Chicken Galantine – a steamed chicken breast roulade with Chinese ham, chorizo, and pork stuffing.

Cravings also offer two kinds of Roast Stuffed Chicken, one is generously stuffed with aromatic paella rice, while the other is with flavorful stuffing of raisins and chorizo. Lastly, try the Roast Pork Belly that is awesomely crispy and juicy in every bite, which can serve 12 to 15 persons.

For pasta lovers, choose from Pasta Amatriciana, Truffle Mac & Cheese, or the crowd favorite Lasagna that is good for 12 to 15 persons.

For your seafood cravings, enjoy the Prawns Ala Thermidor, the Almond Crusted Fish Fillet, the creamy Three Cheese Salmon, or the divine Salmon Wellington.

For something fancy, advance order now Cravings’ specially curated Charcuterie Board that includes cured meats, cheeses, and accompaniments such as fruits, nuts, and chocolates. There’s also an assortment of spreads that goes well with your Charcuterie Board. You can order Chicken Liver Pate, Boursin, or the Truffle Goat’s Cheese Dip.

Cravings also prepared a special Christmas hamper that includes a pasta sauce, pasta, mango tomato salsa, and organic root chips – perfect as a holiday gift to be delivered to the homes of relatives and friends.

To make it convenient for families who wish to have a menu with a specific meal set, Cravings got you covered with its Christmas Set Menu that can serve 4 to 6 persons.

For larger festivities such as company holiday celebrations, online celebrations, or just any jolly occasion, Cravings also assembled a ready-to-eat Christmas Party Box. Chefs from CCA Manila created five set menus suited to various tastes.  There is a minimum order of 10 boxes, while discounts are available for bulk orders of 50 and above.

Cravings would certainly brighten your holiday season with its classic and new creations from the kitchen. For orders and inquiries, visit cravingsbakeshop.com or follow @cravingsphils on IG and @cravings.philippines on FB for more info. You may also join Everyday Cravings Viber Community. Contact 0908-1693422 or 8277-2436 one day ahead to place your orders. You may pick up your orders at Cravings located at 287 Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City.

K bites and other mealtime, snack choices 

If you’re craving to try something new, check out the menus on the Foodpanda app.  Fortunately, there are four new food brand offerings that are available for convenient doorstep delivery through foodpanda this holiday season and beyond. Fill up on juicy burgers, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and flavorful appetizers at foodie favorite Applebee’s that is exclusively available on the foodpanda app. Turn a weekend meal into a family feast with American comfort food favorites from steak, fried chicken, pasta, to chocolate desserts.

For those looking for a hearty all-day breakfast meal, tap on iHop. Make great days happen with pancakes, waffles, and French toast that are ready for convenient delivery through an exclusive partnership between foodpanda and Dine Brands.  

If it’s K-town faves that you crave, choose from the Korean street food offerings of KBites. Your tastebuds will be transported to Myeongdong with their crowd-pleasing Korean Corn Dogs that have delicious fillings encased in a happy crunch.

When snack time calls for fresh, hot flavored French fries as a comforting break from a busy day, check out the offerings at For Fries Sake. Their choices of affordable fries also go well with your next video streaming marathon. With foodpanda, you don’t have to break the bank to take a break from cooking. Celebrate the holidays in high spirits as foodpanda kicks up a notch not just with food offerings but with irresistible deals on the daily. Check out what’s in store today at foodpanda Facebook and foodpanda Instagram pages. Bon Appetit!

Christmas treats from Visayas and beyond

The Commissariat Manila is a purveyor of the finest goods and delicacies under the entrepreneurial skills of siblings Gino Asensio Lopez and Monique Lopez Ong who hail from the Visayas (Iloilo and Bacolod). They believe that "good food must never be kept secret and should be experienced by everyone." 

The Commissariat Manila opened its doors in July 2020 during the early days of the pandemic. As the country went into lock down period, there was a rising need for good food to be delivered to people’s homes.  It was established to fulfill everyone’s need for first-class goods from Visayas, particularly Bacolod City, the place that Gino and Monique both know has unrivaled pastries, cakes, chorizos, and seafood. 

Many of their sought-after delicacies come from Negros Occidental’s Felicia’s Pastry Shop. These pastries come from the kitchen of the three Lacson sisters namely Sony Lacson Cometa, Fely Lacson Montelibano, and Margie Lacson Macasa. Their pastry kitchen was established in the 1970s, and continues to be passed on from one generation to the next. They have been whipping masterpieces such as the famous Felicia’s Ensaimadas, Cheese Rolls, and many other favorites. 

In Bacolod, good life means good food all the time. The Felicia’s experience promises that you will keep coming back for the good life! Most travelers, who fly out from Bacolod, hand-carry Felicia’s products to bring home to their families. These beloved Felicia’s pastries are baked fresh, and air-flown from Bacolod to Manila every week beginning November 13 to December 18.

The Commissariat Manila has prepared a lineup of limited edition Christmas sets featuring their Felicia’s Ensaimadas that come in a box of 6 (P1,215) or a box of 12 (P2,430), Felicia’s Cheese Rolls box of 16 (P1,420), cookies in can variants such as their Almond Crisps (P490), Lemon Thins (P425), Almondettes (P475), and their yummy Pili products such as their Pili Crumble (P675) and Turron de Pili (P585).  

Felicia’s also released their outstanding cake line in Metro Manila and Cebu. These best-loved cakes in cans such as their notable heirloom Potato Cake (P975), Sans Rival (P995), Swiss Chocolate Cake (P980), Classic Chocolate Cake (P995), and Butter Cake (P850) are all available on-hand.    

Other top-rated Bacolod brands are also found at The Commissariat Manila such as Casa Carmela’s “Bacolod in a bottle” line, which are known for their best-selling gourmet bottles such their Crazy Rich Crabs (P500), Sexy Squid (P375), Chorizo Pudpud (P375), and their signature Papa Daniel’s Bangus (P365).

Another crowd favorite that never fails to satisfy everyone’s “breakfast all-day” palate is the Ereñeta-Manaloto Chorizo Recado or Hamonado Bilog, and their newest addition to their Chorizo line, the Chorizo Mozzarella or “Muchorellas” which are a total hit with the kids! (All variants for P395/ pack of one dozen).   

Moreover, The Commissariat Manila offers some of their own products such as The Commissariat Flat Quillos (P185), and seasonally, The Commissariat Bantayan Bay half-shell scallops (P675) which are harvested from the deepest parts of Bantayan Island and flown straight to The Commissariat freezers.

Due to the influx of orders, we advise that you plan and put in your pre-orders ahead of time to make sure that you get on the delivery list early.  For advance placement of orders, please refer to the social media links below for the Felicia’s In Manila delivery schedule. 

For Felicia’s fresh air-flown pastries and limited edition Christmas sets, the pre-order cut-off for each week is on Wednesdays by 7 p.m.  All late pre-orders will carry over to the next available shipment date.  Deliveries for Metro Manila begin every Saturday of each week until December 18, their last shipment for 2021.  

All on-hand products such as Felicia’s Cakes in cans, Casa Carmela bottled goods, Ereñeta-Manaloto Chorizos and The Commissariat Flat Quillos will be available for delivery until December 23 (Thursday) before Christmas Eve, and will continue to be available from December 27 to 31 before the New Year’s countdown. Fresh air-flown Felicia’s Ensaimadas and Cheese Rolls will resume on January 8 (Saturday) when The Commissariat Manila opens their first shipment for 2022. To know more, you can visit and order from www.thecommissariatmanila.com.  

The joy of food: 91 years anchored on tradition, flavor, and celebration

Sharing food has always been an important part of human history. Beyond basic survival, food allows you to make friends, forge connections, and symbolizes shared blessings.

Among all the meals that you’ve probably had and shared, none is more tied to tradition and memories than ham. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without it. Family celebrations, from birthdays to anniversaries, often serve it as the festive meal centerpiece. Ham is a symbol of joy, anticipation, and festivities--and for 91 years, one brand stood the test of time and celebrated every joyous occasion along with us: King Sue Ham.

Whether you need to pack a sandwich for lunch or serve a breathtaking main dish for a special occasion, the distinctive flavors that King Sue Ham is known for have long been the go-to for discerning palates. The brand’s goal was simple and its tagline says it all, ”Taste Fit For A King.” Through the years, its signature products have remained staples across households because the brand maintained the quality and flavor that they were first known for.

The brand’s history starts with its  founder, Mr. Cu Un Kay, who traveled from Fujian province in China to the Philippines, and painstakingly perfected the handcrafted process of the Chinese Ham Bone-in that you know and love today.

For nearly a century, the brand has been welcomed into homes and been part of celebrations because they stayed true to their heritage of quality and flavor. The brand has been a huge part of your family and your family history and they are honored to have the opportunity to build more memories in the years to come.

As the brand continues to establish itself as a staple in modern households, the company consistently innovates to introduce new products to its line. It has sought to offer options that are delicious and flavorful, that’ll surely create such interesting compliments to home-cooked meals and restaurant offerings as it seeks to innovate and expand its portfolio. And like its original, signature product, its entire line is developed one product at a time, following the meticulous methods of its founder to ensure flavor, quality, and consistency.

The company combines traditional processes with the latest technology to create products. From its signature ham to its growing range of meat products, it innovates and explores ways to increase production and ensure that all products stay fresh longer, without sacrificing taste.

It’s no surprise why in addition to its Sweet Ham and Hawaiian Ham, its gourmet sausages, Chorizo Bilbao, Pork and Chicken Tocino, and Corned Beef are all must-haves in every Filipino household today, whether it's for major celebrations, holidays, or everyday pantry essentials. 

Easy fried meals made more nutritious with rolled oats

For the past year and a half, health has been our top priority, leading us to adopt various practices in tune with an active, healthy lifestyle. More than just working out or staying fit, we have also tried to watch what we eat and make sure that every meal provides proper nutrition. This means we’re always on the lookout for ingredients that are good for our bodies, so we can include them in our everyday meals. 

Among the heart-healthiest grains available are oats. Quaker Oats, touted as the world’s number 1 oats brand, has been a staple in many homes. Quaker Oats have up to 7x more fiber* for digestion, 1.7x more protein than white rice for energy, and beta-glucan to help lower cholesterol - all these combined make eating oats regularly a delicious way to keep your body in good health and strong, especially while we’re staying safe at home. 

While overnight oats and more breakfast meals are popular ways to take oats every day, did you know you can also add oats to your favorite home-cooked dishes to make them more nutritious? Quaker Rolled Oats provides many ways you can explore to make more meals beyond breakfast more nutritious. Even Filipino fried classics can get a nutritious upgrade, thanks to Quaker Rolled Oats. 

Quaker introduces a variety of sweet and savory recipes to show how oats can go beyond breakfast. Substituting ingredient for oats, or adding it to the recipe will surely change the way you see your oats at home, so you can get much-needed nutrients during every meal. 

Quaker Rolled Oats are now available in all leading supermarkets and groceries nationwide, as well as through e-commerce platforms like Lazada and Shopee. To learn more of the delicious and nutritious recipes from Quaker Oats, follow Quaker Oats Philippines on Facebook and visit www.quakeroats.ph/recipes. 

Oat Crusted Pork Chops

Ingredients:
6 pork chops, fat trimmed (you can also trim off the bone)
1 tsp salt
1 large egg, beaten
Oats Crust:
1 cup Quaker Rolled Oats, toasted and ground fine
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)
1/8 tsp pepper

Marinade:
6 pork chops, fat trimmed (you can also trim off the bone)
1 tsp salt
Egg wash: 1 large egg, beaten
Canola oil: To fry or grease pan

Procedure:

1. Oats Preparation: Oats - 1 cup (mix of ground oats and whol grain rolled oats)
Divide 1 cup of Quaker Rolled Oats in 2. Grind half of the oats using a blender, food processor, or a coffee grinder. Toast the other half as whole grain oats in a pan. Finally, mix together ground oats and whole grain oats.

2. Seasoning: Season pork chop with  ¼ tsp salt. Create crumb mixture with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried italian seasoning and pepper. Beat the egg and put in a separate bowl, dip the pork into the egg, crumb mixture, then let rest.

3. Frying: Pour ¼ cup oil and heat the frying pan over medium heat. Add the chops & fry 3-4 minutes on each side.

4. Baking: Preheat oven to 218.3?C, heat baking dish (do not use glass) in the oven for 15 mins. Brush oil onto the dish & bake each side for 10 mins.

Oats Coated Fried Chicken 

Ingredients:
1 ¼ kg chicken cuts (drumsticks, breasts, thighs)
Oats Crust:
1 cup Quaker Rolled Oats, toasted and ground fine
1/2 cup flour
½ tsp pepper
1 tsp salt
1 ½ tsp garlic powder
1 ½ tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground ginger
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp turmeric
Marinade:
1 cup Milk
1 tbsp white vinegar
Egg wash:
2 large eggs
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp ground pepper
Canola oil: For frying or to grease pan

Procedure:
1. Oats preparation: Oats -1 cup (mix of ground oats & whole grain rolled oats).
Divide 1 cup of Quaker Rolled Oats in 2.
Grind half of the oats using a blender, food processor, or a coffee grinder.
Toast the other half as whole grain oats in a pan.
Finally, mix together ground oats and whole grain oats.

2. Marinade: Add vinegar to milk, stir & let sit for 10 mins. Place chicken in a plastic bag & pour mix to coat. Squeeze out air and seal. Massage the chicken in milk mix to coat well. Keep in ref for 2-3 hours then remove from marinade.
3. Seasoning: Beat egg, salt, and pepper then coat chicken evenly. Dredge each chicken strip in the oats & seasoning mix & set it on a large tray. Rest for 15 mins.
4. Frying: Heat an inch or two of canola oil in a pan before cooking on medium-low heat. Takes about 12 minutes.
5. Baking: (*Option): Preheat the oven to 218.3?C, heat baking dish (do not use glass) in the oven for 15 mins. Brush oil onto the dish & bake for 12 minutes.

Oats Tuna Hash Brown

Ingredients: 
1 cup Quaker Rolled Oats, toasted and ground fine
1 can Tuna Flakes in Vegetable Oil, drained very well
100 grams potatoes
¼ tsp onion powder
1 egg, beaten
1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley 
2 tsp sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp canola oil

Procedure:
1. Oats preparation: Oats -1 cup (mix of ground oats & whole grain rolled oats).
Divide 1 cup of Quaker Rolled Oats in 2.
Grind half of the oats using a blender, food processor, or a coffee grinder.
Toast the other half as whole grain oats in a pan.
Finally, mix together ground oats and whole grain oats.

2. Patties: Grate potatoes & squeeze out excess liquid before placing in a bowl.
Add remaining ingredients into bowl & mix well. Mold into patties & dip into the oats.

3. Frying: Heat canola oil in a pan. Cook both sides for 5-6 mins until golden brown. 
If using an air fryer, cook for 6-8 mins.

Merry munchies

Are you tired of the daily grind? After almost two years of working and/or studying from home, the days can feel draining and boring, so we sometimes lose motivation to do things. But that hasn’t stopped us from finding exciting ways to reward ourselves to turn our bland days around. One way is with a flavorful bag of Calbee chips.

Japanese snack brand Calbee has a range of authentic and premium flavors—there’s something for anyone looking for comfort snacks to munch on.

Potato Chips and Ripples, which come in familiar flavors like classic salted and sour cream & onion, respectively, are great for those quick snack breaks in between classes and/or meetings. The unique flavor kick of Wasabi and combination of cheddar and sour cream can provide that much-needed motivation to finish that project you’ve been putting off. Lastly, don’t forget to treat yourself to the indulgent sweet-salty flavor of Honey Butter and the authentic Japanese taste of Nori because you deserve it.

You can grab the Calbee totes at select Robinsons Supermarket and The Marketplace branches. 

Mother knows milk is the best

“Mother knows best” is more than just a saying. From your best friends, to your favorite food, to your hobbies and even your favorite celebrities – your mom knows them all. They may not be the most in touch with current trends or technology, but when it comes to their children, mothers have proven time and again that they surely know best.

This is true for nutrition as well. Because of the pandemic, moms had to wear different hats these past few months – educator, cook, and even amateur nutritionist. And while providing proper nutrition remains a top priority for them, it has become more of a struggle for many moms recently, which is why Alaska Fortified Powdered Milk Drink launched its “Super Sulit Pack” to help make nutrition more affordable amidst the pandemic.

During the virtual launch event for Alaska Fortified Powdered Milk Drink “Super Sulit Pack,” celebrity mom Rica Peralejo shared her concerns and personal experiences in providing nourishment to her children.
“The pandemic has made it harder to plan meals for the family. It’s difficult because your movements are limited and you can’t go out freely to buy groceries personally and think of nutritious food pairings that your kids will like,” Rica said.

“It takes a whole lot of creativity to actually make nutritious foods appetizing to kids,” she answered when asked about how she changed her children’s eating habits. “It’s all about variety at the end of the day. Children want to taste and experience different things, which is challenging for moms. Before, we could go out and eat at places that offer a variety of nutritious foods, but now you have to do it yourself at home...You have to consider things like plating, the set-up of your dining area, just so it would be a different kind of experience from day-to-day.”

Rica also shared her experience in encouraging her children to drink milk. “Actually, milk is one of the easiest things to give to our kids…Sometimes it’s overwhelming for moms to think about what nutrients we can add to our children’s diets, so thankfully we already have milk drinks with the additional nutrients that our kids need. Milk is honestly a godsend for me and for moms because of its affordability, nutrition value, and of course, its kid-approved taste,” she said.

Kiddie crew back online

As kids attend school from home, it is important that they are able to continue learning and explore their creativity, even outside the virtual classroom. By exposing them to everything that sparks their interest, we can encourage them to bring their curiosity to life and keep them active.

In a first for McDonald’s Philippines, kids can look forward to having fun-filled afternoons with the return of the Kiddie Crew Workshop – now serving smiles and learnings online. A well-beloved event of McDonald’s spanning over 29 years, kids and parents alike have looked forward to the McDonald’s Kiddie Crew every year, providing them with not only fun activities that impart values such as discipline and teamwork, but also precious bonding time together.

In helping address kids’ needs as they continue to grow and explore the world around them, McDonald’s Philippines is once again bringing back the workshop in an exciting digital set-up.

Spanning the weekends of November 20 to December 29, each McDonald’s Kiddie Crew online Workshop will be a 2-day session, each lasting 90 minutes in the afternoon. Housed through a website, children will be guided as they go through a virtual McDonald’s store.

Various points in the digital area will let children hop from one activity to another – from dancing, to singing, to playing fun games where they can learn more about the different Kiddie Crew values of discipline, hard work, teamwork, sharing and responsibility, and active play. Even better, attendees will also be accompanied by Ronald and the Gang throughout, making their online workshop experience even more exciting
For a registration fee of only P499, customers will not only get access to the 2-day online workshop, but also a 1-day Workshop Meal (Happy Meal 1-pc. Chicken McDo with drink) and their very own Workshop Kit (Chef's Hat, Apron, Bag, and Cap) with a FREE Kiddie Crew T-Shirt and Lanyard. 

Holiday cocktail

Nothing spells the holidays like cheery merry-makings with family and friends amid sumptuous feasts surrounded by Yuletide revelry. And there’s no better way to liven and luxe up the festivities than by topping it off with a perfect drink. 

Whether in cocktails or on-the-rocks, the exquisite and aromatic flavors of the Santa Ana Gin will surely put you in a celebratory mood.

The Santa Ana Gin combines the distinct tastes of delicate floral notes and fresh tropical citrus palate from ylang-ylang, alpinia, calamansi, and dalandan with traditional gin botanicals to create an exotic and matchless homegrown flavor.

The rich and decadent flavors of the Santa Ana Gin and its bespoke bottle design inspired by the glamorous dancehall days of 1920s Manila will surely add to the jovial elegance and flair of any holiday fete.

If you’re looking for that perfect festive drink to indulge in this season, look no further than the potent Santa Ana 75. Tracing its roots in 1915 Paris, the classic French 75 was created by Harry MacElhone of Harry’s New York Bar. It’s been said that the cocktail was named so because the combination delivered such a hit “it felt like being shelled with the powerful French 75mm field gun.”

Yuletide gin

After the endless monotony of hitting ‘pause’ on gatherings, it’s time to raise yuletide spirits and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with your curious companions. From sensational soirees to intimate affairs, make your celebrations at home all the more spectacular with the help of delectable surprises from Hendrick’s Gin.

Whether you’re searching for a gift to delight a cocktail enthusiast or planning an evening of general festive mischief, you can count on the Measurement Maestro Pack, a limited time release for the holidays. Each pack comes with an intricate Hendrick’s Jigger and a 700mL bottle of wondrously refreshing Hendrick’s Gin, oddly infused with rose and cucumber for a delightful floral aroma that’s sure to elevate your favourite festive cocktails. 

Have these up your sleeve, and get easy-to-find mixers and garnishes such as the signature cucumber slices -  you’ll be recreating your favorite Hendrick’s pours with such precision and finesse to dazzle your curious companions at the party.