In this episode, Kitchen 143 host Michelle Aventajado of Momma ‘N Manila visits the Yurari Kissa by LAB Manila coffee shop at Serendra, where she chats with owner Ros Juan about all things coffee.

Kitchen 143 airs on Tuesday, June 13, at 8 pm. – Rappler.com

We don’t need many reasons to eat a burger. It’s a complete and delicious meal with protein, carbs, and vegetables all on its own. It’s the ultimate comfort food! But what if someone tells you that the best way to eat a burger is upside down? You might raise an eyebrow and ask for reasons why. 

Well, Heinz can help you with that. 

Reason #1: You’ll get a more flavorful top bun

Since the thicker top bun will now be at the bottom, it’ll be able to soak up the meaty juices of the burger patty, making it more flavorful. Imagine the soaked cake of tres leches but in burger form. Yum!

Reason #2: You’ll keep the burger components from falling off

No one likes to deal with slip and sliding tomatoes, pickles, and onions while eating a burger. It’s just plain messy. But eating your burger upside down might just do the trick. Since they get better support by being at the bottom part of the burger with the thicker bun, there’s a lower chance they would fall off.

Reason #3: Your taste buds will get immediate access to the condiments

When you eat your burger the right side up, it usually takes a while before the condiments hit your taste buds. It might even drip to the sides of the burger instead of going into your mouth. But if a burger is made with Heinz Tomato Ketchup made with real red ripe tomatoes and Heinz Seriously Good Mayonnaise made with the fresh free-range eggs, you would want to have a taste of these condiments right at the very first bite. Eating your burger upside down will make that happen for you.

Celebrating Upside Down Burger Day

Heinz is making such a strong case for eating your burger upside down that they turned the celebration of International Burger Day to Upside Down Burger Day.

Last May 31, Heinz partnered with Pound x Flatterie in Greenbelt 3 to conduct a social experiment. They served burgers made with Heinz Tomato Ketchup and Heinz Seriously Good Mayonnaise upside down to the surprise of their customers. It may have looked weird at first, but after the customers tried this strange way of eating a burger, they were convinced that they could no longer go back to how it was before.

If you’re curious about the upside down burger experience, you can try Heinz’s limited-edition upside down burger in collaboration with Pound x Flatterie. It’s available from June 10 to July 10, 2023. Who knows? You might also discover your new favorite way of enjoying this crowd-favorite comfort food. – Rappler.com

In the past week, posts showing several merchandisers who re-created the PH flag using packs of Lucky Me! instant noodles quickly gained virality – gaining the attention of more netizens and notable personalities such as Cebuano rapper Karencitta, who virtually applauded the post of merchandiser Bhen-J Agudera from Valencia City, Bukidnon.

As of June 9, the effort from Bhen-J Agudera has already gained a lot of attention, just a day after the posts were published online – amplified by growing coverage from regional outlets, plus other social pages and sites.

Similar expressions of commemoration are being spotted in other supermarkets such as LCC Supermarket, Metro Gaisano, Gaisano Grand Mall, Gaisano Capital, RCS, Red Camia, Citimart, Legends, Emilus, and in select Puregold and Waltermart stores! This trend should come as no surprise as Filipinos are recognized globally for their ingenuity and penchant for showing their support and love for their country in unique ways.

What’s more, Pinoys are also known to love Lucky Me! With the instant noodle brand being a part of many Filipinos’ lives for many years – it’s likely that more outlets will have related expressions of solidarity in the coming days.

Those who spot similar displays of Pinoy pride can share their finds and tag Lucky Me! on Facebook. Happy Independence Day, everyone! – Rappler.com

Editor’s note: This press release is sponsored by Lucky Me! and was handled by BrandRap, the sales and marketing arm of Rappler. No member of the news and editorial team participated in the publishing of this piece.

Since we live in a country where it’s either just rainy or sunny, most of us dream of experiencing the colors of the seasons like they do in other countries. Maybe autumn in Bergen, spring in Copenhagen, or winter in Zürich. It all sounds so dreamy, but honestly, also so daunting to prepare for, especially if you want to travel to countries in the US or Europe.

I remember arriving in Athens International Airport in Greece after a long-haul flight from Manila, exhausted and badly in need of a bath, only to find ourselves not knowing how to get to our hotel. With our broken Greek, we asked some of the airport staff and was led to a bus that took more than an hour of travel. We later found out that taking the train would have taken us a much shorter time.

Meanwhile, during a trip to Paris years ago, we wanted to go up the Notre Dame. But when we got there, we were welcomed by a line that snaked around the historic church. We ended up queuing for more than an hour to buy our tickets, and only over 30 minutes to explore before it was time to close. 

Hiccups like these are part of the price we pay for DIY-ing our trips. We wanted to save as much money as we could. But it makes me wonder, were we really able to save even after all that wasted time spent in traffic and long queues?

Benefits of guided tours

I told myself that the next time we go on a European trip, we definitely have to book guided tours. Here are some of the pros that I’ve listed down:

• We don’t need to spend so much time researching how to navigate a new country, which spots to visit, and how to secure tickets for these spots.
• We don’t need to create our own itinerary and rack our brains for how we can fit every activity in a day and how we can go from one place to another without being late.
• If we want to experience the different colors of the season like autumn, spring, and winter, we will know when and where exactly we need to go.
• All we need is to be present and be guided as to what we should do, which meeting place to go to, and more importantly, enjoy the sights and sounds of wherever we are at the moment.

I could go on and on. The bottomline is, if you’re a traveler who likes to have a more organized and stress-free trip, booking a guided tour is really the way to go.

Choosing guided tours

The first thing you need to consider when choosing a guided tour is if it’s organized by a reputable company. Remember, you will be flying to countries that are thousands of miles away from home. You need to make sure that you’re putting yourself and your family in the hands of a travel company that would keep you happy and safe.

One of the known brands for tried and tested guided tours is the award-winning Trafalgar. It’s part of the family-owned and run company, The Travel Corporation (TTC) which has been around for over a hundred years. 

Trafalgar doesn’t provide just your ordinary tour, it’s all about connecting with the locals. They offer carefully-curated tours that are crafted and led by local experts around the world. So you’re sure to visit must-see spots and discover local secrets. Trafalgar also offers an extraordinary “Be My Guest” experience where travelers are welcomed to a local’s home. They get to eat, chat, and learn more about a country’s culture straight from the locals themselves.   

Some of their tours include “Highlights of Spain and Portugal,” a 13-day tour of Madrid, Granada, Seville, and Lisbon. In this tour, guests will be able to spend time in the pilgrimage center of Fátima, join a family on their stud farm in the Alentejo, explore the icons left behind by Catholic kings and Moorish sultans, and more. 

Another guided tour called “Scenic Scandinavia and its Fjords” is a 14-day tour of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. During this Scandinavian trip, guests will discover the truth behind the beloved fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen, hop aboard one of Europe’s most exciting train journeys, and learn about farm life near Bergen, to name a few.

The tours include a professional Travel Director and driver, accommodations, several meals, day-by-day itineraries, charges, and local taxes, luxury transportation, and so much more. 

Right now, they have an ongoing Autumn, Winter, and Spring promo. You can save up to 10% when you book guided tours before August 29, 2023. Check out this page to book now or to find out more. 

If you want to start with more budget-friendly guided tours, you can check out Trafalgar’s sister brand, Costsaver. Costsaver offers unpacked tours, giving guests the freedom to tour how they choose. Travel essentials like hotels, several meals, transportation, must-see sights, and 24/7 support team will be taken care of so guests can tailor their trips to their liking and budget. Guests have the flexibility to choose from over 600 optional experiences and 70 carefully-planned budget tours that Costsaver has to offer. 

See how you can get up to 10% off when you unpack the seasons with Costsaver’s unpackaged tours here.

This year is truly the year to fulfill our travel goals and see the colors of the seasons whether that’s in Europe or in the US. It’s time to experience the excitement and joys of traveling again – but without all the hassle and stress that come with it. – Rappler.com

After the success of its first Tour de McDo, McDonald’s Philippines hosts its second community bike ride in celebration of World Bicycle Day. The latest ride brought together several cycling communities and personalities simultaneously in three key areas across the country – Pampanga, Intramuros, and Tagaytay. 

Tour de McDo is a multiple-stage bike challenge introduced under McDonald’s Green and Good campaign – the QSR giant’s initiative to do better for the environment by implementing sustainable and alternative solutions in their restaurants and operations. Through Tour de McDo, McDonald’s encourages its customers to explore a healthier lifestyle for themselves and for the environment, while also highlighting various scenic cycling routes that pass through McDonald’s stores equipped with bike-friendly features.

Earlier this year, Tour de McDo’s first round highlighted McDonald’s fifth flagship Green and Good store–the McDonald’s Nuvali, Sta. Rosa branch. McDonald’s Nuvali, the QSR giant’s 700th store nationwide, boasts its bike-friendly features, utility-efficient solutions, and green building solutions. Aside from its sustainable restaurant innovations, the strategic location of the store makes it an ideal stop for the strong cycling community in Nuvali. 

Celebrating World Bicycle Day with its second Tour de McDo

Following its success and strong demand from cycling communities, the sophomore ride now features three new scenic routes to cater to the different levels of cycling: Manila, Intramuros for the beginner route (20KM), Clark, Pampanga for the intermediate route (34KM), and Tagaytay for the advanced route (48KM). 

Almost 100 participants joined the event and received Tour de McDo kits, which include an exclusive Tour de McDo Dri Fit shirt, Tour de McDo limited-edition stickers, and a McDonald’s breakfast meal, all for free. 

“For a long time, our McDonald’s stores have played an integral role in many bike rides as a stopover or pit stop. This gave us an opportunity to find more ways to bring together the interests of our customers and care for the planet, under our Green and Good campaign. By promoting sustainable active mobility through Tour de McDo, we hope to encourage more people to get on a bike, so we can collectively do our part in lessening CO2 emissions,” shared McDonald’s Philippines President and CEO Kenneth S. Yang. 

McDonald’s stores featured in the various routes were: McDonald’s Quirino Mabini, McDonald’s Clark CM Recto Pampanga, McDonald’s Porac Pampanga, McDonald’s Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, and McDonald’s Delos Reyes, Tagaytay all offer bike-friendly features such as a Bike & Dine facility, so that cyclists can dine in with the safety of their bikes. The stores also opened dedicated Bike Repair Stations that offer free use of tools for any basic repairs. 

Introducing the Cyclists Meal for weekend bike rides this June

Extending the celebration of World Bicycle Day all throughout the month, McDonald’s Philippines introduces its Cyclists Meal, a special McDonald’s App offer available for all weekends of June 2023. Cyclists who go on weekend rides can pass by any McDonald’s store and present the Cyclists Meal voucher on the McDonald’s app to get a Cheesy Eggdesal with Sausage and a Medium McCafe Iced Coffee Original for only P99. 

The McDonald’s Promo App is available to download for free on the Google Play store for Android users and the Apple App store for iOS users. To stay updated for the next Tour de McDo and other cycling-related initiatives, follow McDonald’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. – Rappler.com

In this episode, Kitchen 143 host Michelle Aventajado of Momma ‘N Manila visits the newly opened The Westin Manila at Ortigas Center, where she chats with general manager Alexander Dietzsch and executive chef Rej Casanova.

Kitchen 143 airs on Tuesday, June 6, at 8 pm. – Rappler.com

In this K143 Kitchen Invasion, Michelle Aventajado of Momma n’ Manila visits Juana Yupangco, nutrition and food security advocate and author of Mesa Ni Misis, a cookbook that seeks to put the spotlight on recipes for the family that use native Filipino vegetables.

Join us for this episode of Kitchen 143 and experience the thrill of a kitchen invasion with Michelle and Juana. Tune in to see how they put their creative culinary skills to the test and learn some valuable cooking tips along the way.

Kitchen 143 airs at 8 pm on Tuesday, May 30. – Rappler.com

Standing firm against hunger, Globe launches the Longest Hapag – a five-month nationwide food festival series. The campaign kicks off in time for the commemoration of World Hunger Day this May 28, amplifying the global call to eradicate chronic hunger. 

This initiative is part of the Globe-led Hapag Movement, which aims to help address the staggering problem of involuntary hunger among 13.5 million Filipinos. The advocacy raises funds and spreads awareness about the problem while empowering communities to create sustainable livelihood.

“Involuntary hunger is one of the critical societal challenges of our time. With the Longest Hapag, we are leveraging strategic partnerships and collective effort to confront the hunger problem that continues to affect our nation,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Group chief sustainability and corporate communications officer. 

The campaign calls on restaurants, food chains, chefs, commercial centers, brands and civic organizations to mount fundraising efforts through their food offerings to support the Hapag Movement. This united front will create a ripple effect of change, reflecting the campaign’s core message: Be part of the Longest Hapag and help make a difference.

The Longest Hapag will also align with local food festivals across the country, ultimately culminating on World Food Day on October 16, 2023.

Chef Jessie Sincioco is the first culinary expert turned advocate who supported the Hapag Movement.  She  launched a special Hapag menu where half of proceeds go to the implementing partners and their family beneficiaries. The Longest Hapag campaign was inspired by Sincioco’s project Chefs Unite, which seeks to encourage chefs from around the world to support the Hapag Movement. Chefs Sau del Rosario and Kay Carreon have signed up to support the movement.

With successful fundraising activities such as the recent Hapag ni LuzViMinda fund-raising dinner, and Chef Kay’s generous contribution of her book proceeds, Chefs Unite exemplifies the profound impact that the culinary industry can have on the cause.

Despite a slight decrease in food insecurity to 9.8%, hunger remains higher than pre-pandemic levels in the Philippines. It ranks 67th out of 113 countries in the 2022 Global Food Security Index, falling below the global average. As such, Globe’s efforts aim not just to alleviate immediate hunger but also to address these long-term challenges.

“We invite everyone to be a part of the Longest Hapag and make a tangible difference. By working together, we can help families conquer the problem of involuntary hunger and help uplift the lives of our fellow Filipinos,” Crisanto added.

The Hapag Movement brings life-enabling support through supplemental feeding and livelihood opportunities to hunger-afflicted communities through its mobilization partners Ayala Foundation Inc., Caritas Philippines, Scholar of Sustenance, Tzu Chi Foundation and World Vision. 

For more information about the Longest Hapag movement and how to get involved, email us at globeofgood@globe.com.ph or visit the Hapag Movement website. #UniteForHapag. – Rappler.com

There’s nothing quite like cooking new dishes for the family.

Moms know the excitement that comes with finding a new recipe and executing it perfectly. From finding the right ingredients, and catering to each family member’s food preferences, to seeing their faces light up when they take that first bite –  whipping up something new is one of the best ways to show your love.

But what if we told you that you can still get that novel feeling with dishes your family already loves? Mommies, it’s time to level up your familiar faves with Nestlé All Purpose Cream, the extraordinarily rich, thick, and all-purpose cream that can be used in desserts, cakes, beverages, and even in your favorite savory dishes!

With just a touch of Nestlé All Purpose Cream, you can make your family’s favorite savory dishes more memorable. For your next new dinner idea, here are five classic dishes you can make with Nestlé All Purpose Cream to make them extra creamy – and memorable, too.

Creamy Adobo

Who doesn’t love a classic adobo? Next time you’re whipping up this easy and delicious meal that gets better with each serving, turn it up a notch by adding Nestlé All Purpose Cream.

This will give the dish that extra rich texture that your family will surely crave!

Click here for the full recipe.

Creamy Pork Steak

If you’re looking for something warm and hearty to serve to the family on a rainy night, look no further than some pork steak enriched with the creaminess of Nestlé All Purpose Cream.

For that extra oomph, pour in some Nestlé All Purpose Cream with your cooking liquid and sauteed pork to give it that savory yet buttery yumminess.

Click here for the full recipe.

Creamy Chicken Curry

There’s something about the aromatic zest of curry that becomes all the more mouthwatering when you take it to the next creamy level.

Since curry is best cooked slowly, Nestlé All Purpose Cream will thicken the sauce and make sure the savory ingredients blend together. Take note of this the next time you’re preparing this dish with its array of vibrant vegetables and succulent spices.

Click here for the full recipe.

Creamy Carbonara

Bring out the pasta, it’s time for a party! Preparing carbonara with Nestlé All Purpose Cream is one of the easiest meals to cook for the family – and you may even already have the ingredients at home!

No need for some fancy sauce or intricate ingredients, just grab some pasta, bacon, cheese, garlic, and Nestlé All Purpose Cream and you’ve got yourself a hearty dinner!

Click here for the full recipe.

Creamy Filipino Spaghetti

Yup, all-purpose cream isn’t just made for white sauces. With spaghetti already holding a special place in every Filipino’s heart, make sure that each family member gets more servings of that rich sauce with Nestlé All Purpose Cream.

The cream adds richness to the sauce, taking the flavor to new heights with a smooth consistency that merges well with the other staple ingredients.

Click here for the full recipe.

Every meal with the family is bound to be a memorable time – and Nestlé All Purpose Cream is here to prove that crowd favorites still deserve that extra applause.

After all, dinner time isn’t just a time to eat, it’s the time for families to make memories that last a lifetime. For your next family meal, #GawingMemorable with Nestlé All Purpose Cream, available in leading supermarkets and grocery stores nationwide.  – Rappler.com

In this episode, Kitchen 143 host Michelle Aventajado of Momma ‘N Manila visits the newly opened Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Grill at City of Dreams Manila in Parañaque City, where she chats with owner Peter Zwiener.

Kitchen 143 airs on Tuesday, May 23, at 8 pm. – Rappler.com