Christmas is a season of thanksgiving, of indescribable joy and of giving and receiving.   It is a happy season to remember loved ones and thank them for bringing meaning and sparkles to our lives.  These special people, our husband, kids, parents, friends, and families also deserve to be shared back the sparkle and celebrate the Yuletide with a feast they will love.

Make your Christmas celebration more extra special with Welch's Sparkling Juices.  No need to worry because your merriment drinks may be fizzy but guilt-free!  These alcohol-free beverages may be enjoyed by both kids and adults.  And YES, they are even safe for moms-to-be!

Heart-healthy and delicious, Welch’s Sparkling Juices are pressed from the freshest Concord and Niagara grapes across America by farmer-families. This 150-year tradition of Real Grape Goodness has made Welch’s one of the most loved beverages in the world, especially by Filipinos who enjoy organizing great moments with friends and families.

Available in both Red and White Grape flavors, Welch’s Sparkling Juices are easy to mix with other beverages to concoct a variety of unique bubbly mocktails. Add a splash of your favorite juices and discover the goodness in each sip.

Each bottle of Sparkling Juice is tastefully prepared and packaged, making for an excellent and convenient Christmas gift.

Truly, it’s an unforgettable holiday feast when you share the sparkle to those who make life sparkling.

A Product of USA, Welch’s products are widely available in retail stores across the Philippines. To learn more about Welch’s Sparkling Juices and recipes this holiday, visit www.welchs.com or follow Welch's PH in FB and IG.

You may have heard this a number of times already but no one worries more in the household when it comes to kids’ overall health and well-being but the mother.  That worrier but warrior is ME. 

I fight my worries by making sure my kids eat healthy and are protected. But I can only do so much because there are things beyond my control. For example, I can’t always monitor if my kids touch or rolled on the floor during play then accidentally put their fingers inside their mouth. Another thing, kids in school sometimes share their baon with each other but being the protective mom that I am, I can’t help think what if the food or water or any liquid he takes from others are contaminated? Naku, lalo na my very active toddler who likes exploring and eating (at the same time!)  I worry that his stomach’s immune system may not be strong enough that he’ll get tummy aches due to various bacteria and viruses on surfaces he touches.

I’ve rounded up three simple and easy ways to protect our children’s digestive health and boost their immune systems.

• WASH. Proper washing of hands — teach your kids by being a good example.  It’s not enough to just say, as parents, we should also do — walk the talk.  Washing of hands is important before and after eating, after using the restroom, and especially when our hands get soiled from touching dirty surfaces. Bacteria and viruses breed in surfaces everywhere that when our children come into contact with, easily multiply and make our children sick. Putting their unwashed fingers in their mouth when eating could lead to serious tummy aches.  Next, the restroom is one of the most unsanitary rooms one could find, especially in public areas. It’s best to always wash hands as often as possible.

• WASH AND COOK FOOD THOROUGHLY. Fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed and meat should be cooked all the way through. Washing our fruits and vegetables helps remove bacteria, especially E.coli. Peeling and cooking them will also help get rid of some bacteria which may cause stomach illnesses.  When it comes to meat, cook it all the way through. Rare meat may not suit the sensitive tummies of our kids. Cooking kills the bacteria in raw meats which sometimes cause food poisoning. Let’s always do best practices when it comes to preparing and cooking food for our family, especially our kids.

• GIVE ERCEFLORA PROBIBEARS.  I read that to protect our kids’ digestive health, we have to give our kids some good bacteria. That’s why I give them Erceflora ProbiBears every day.  

What is it?  It is a probiotic food supplement that contains 2 bacteria strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis — in an enjoyable and sugar-free bear.  Both my two younger kids love it because it’s vanilla-flavored and it looks cute! They take this without knowing it’s a food supplement. 

When my grade-schooler first tried it a few years ago, he thought it was one of his yummy rewards for being a good boy.  We used to have health challenges with him especially when he was younger.  He used to complain about his tummy.  We asked a pediatrician friend about it and she recommended Erceflora ProbiBears to us. Then I also learned about it from my mom friends online, so I said, we should give it a try.  Since then, he hasn’t complained of any tummy concerns.

Now the little one also enjoys it as much as his Kuya does.  It’s safe to use from age 3 up to 12.  Taking Erceflora ProbiBears every day protects our children’s tummies.

But remember that even if this is such a powerful supplement, it’s still best to practice basic measures of preventing stomach illness mentioned above.

Try Erceflora ProbiBears too for happy tummies of our kids.  It’s available in leading pharmacies nationwide.  For more information, visit www.ercefloraprobibears.com.

Superb Cath Inc., the company behind trusted seafood brand Seaking celebrated its 20th anniversary at Makati Shangri-la Hotel last November 8, 2019.  I'm honored to be invited and witness the Uy siblings, Jennifer, Jeffrey, Nancy, and Shirley, tell their brand story which started two decades ago.  It was definitely a touching story of love for family and helping each other no matter what the circumstance could be.
Seaking had a humble beginning when the siblings sold bangus (milkfish) from their father's fishpond.  They would debone the fish themselves and sell them to supermarkets on their own.  With a small capital, they built Seaking from ground up.  Now, Seaking has become an industry leader and a household name.

Seaking is the first wild salmon retailer in the Philippines.  Seaking products can be found in more than 1,500 supermarkets, restaurants, and hotel chains in the Philippines. Their products are also exported to countries like Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and USA among others. From a home-based operation back in 1999, Seaking has grown to encompass a 20,000sqm processing plant which will be fully operational in January 2020.  “As the great Walt Disney said, all our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them. We intend to continue delivering quality products and through our passion we have not only captured the hearts of the Filipinos but their trust and confidence in the Seaking brand,” Jennifer Uy Ampon shares.


The first Seaking poduct I've ever tried was, of course, the milkfish, and then our favorite Cream Dory.  Now, they have a number of other products such as Squid, Bottled Bangus, and their newest offering which I've also tried a few months ago, their Wild Alaskan Keta Salmon line.  What started as a frozen milkfish business has developed into a full-blown seafood line.

The Seaking Wild Alaskan Keta Salmon Line
The healthiest type of salmon came all the way from Alaska, they are wild and not farmed.  The difference is wild salmon is healthier because it's born in rivers and then the ocean as adults.  They feed with the healthiest seafood as well, making it rich in Omega 3 which helps imporve heart health, enhance the immune system, and even reduce the rist of diabetes.  Currently, it offers four (4 cuts of Wild Alaskan Keta Salmon: Chunks, Belly, Steak, and Slab.

During the event, we were served different dishes using Seaking's Wild Alaskan Keta Salmon.  Here they were:

In order to ensure the highest product standards, Seaking has continuously adhered to the
following principles:

1. Fresh frozen seafood
2. Strict production process
3. International food standard approved operation
4. Fish is carefully selected, deboned, marinated/smoked, packed/labeled, and vacuum sealed. They follow a first in, first out policy so the fish is always fresh.

All the attendees had both fun and touching moments during the celebration of Seaking's company anniversary.  Who wouldn't get excited with all the prizes that were given away!  Imagine, cash, new top of the line mobile phones, and many more were taken home by very lucky attendees.  Sadly, I wasn't one of the luckier ones.  But to be there is already a huge blessing!  Why?  I took home Seaking products which my family and I love so much!  Thank you so much Seaking for inviting me and congratulations on your 20th anniversary.  A good company with a good heart like yours will surely last!

For more information about Seaking, check their website: https://www.seaking.com.ph/ and follow them also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seaking.ph/ .

Our family loves cooking.  To be honest, my husband is a better cook than I am and for that I am grateful.  I do the regular menu cooking on weekdays and he does the weekend special menu for the family.
A few weekends ago, I shared on my social media accounts some photos of the Turbo Buttered Garlic Salmon using Seaking Wild Alaskan Keta Salmon Slab packs my husband specially cooked one beautiful lunch day.

Seaking sent us Salmon packs to try which are Keta Salmon Chunks, Pink Salmon Steak, and Keta Salmon Slab.  These packs cost around Php200 - Php 300 in the market so it's really practically affordable.
 What you'll need:

• 2 packs of 200gram Seaking Keta Salmon Slab
• 1 whole garlic head
• 1 whole lemon
• 1/4 cup melted butter (margarine could be an alternative)
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Vegetables (your choice, for this recipe we used broccoli and Baguio beans)

7.  Put the chopped vegetables under the fish.
8.  Set the turbo oven to 250 degrees and cook for 30 - 45 mins.  It's easy to cook there's no need to turn the fish.  The vegetables are also cooked nicely underneath.
9.  Serve with steamed rice or thick soup or devour it as it is.

It's so easy to prepare and cook!  You may place the beautifully cooked Seaking Salmon Slabs on a large plate with the veggies on the side.  You may enjoy it as it is or dip it soy sauce or Japanese mayo.  This meal serves 5 - 7 persons.

Welch's 100% Grape Juice Celebrates 150 Years!

I was also surprised that Welch's has been around for 150 years and to celebrate it and remind moms about making healthier choices for the family, they organized an event where Ms. Paz Sales, a certified nutritionist showed the current bad eating habits of Filipinos and how to overcome them, the importance of healthy eating is while including Welch's in a family's diet. 
I am blessed to have been invited to learn and also discover ways how to prepare healthy food using Welch's Grape Juice as demonstrated by Chefs Peachy Mathay and Trisha Ocampo.
Attendees also got to learn from social media celebrity moms Frances Sales and Aliza Apostol as they shared some of their healthy family traditions, challenges, and advice.
I was in attendance with some of my mom friends with whom I share the same belief when it comes to choosing healthier nutrition for our family.
“Welch’s is an advocate of better nutritional choices for families all over the world. To celebrate its 150 years, we continue the tradition of encouraging more people to lead a healthy lifestyle, and it starts with the food and beverage that we consume,” says Erika Rodriguez, VP for Marketing of Gemco, the Philippine marketing agent of Welch’s International.  “Even amidst our busy lifestyle, moms must make sure that our family – especially the growing kids – only get the best when it comes to nutrition.”

On the part of its Philippine distributor, Fly Ace Corporation, President Lucio ‘Jun’ Cochanco Jr. said that they are proud to carry Welch’s as it is not only a heritage brand but also one that is popular among Filipino families.  “We celebrate with Welch’s as it marks 150 years. It is a product that we are proud of since it is well loved because of its nutritional values and the natural goodness that it gives to consumers. Moving forward, we want more Filipinos to share in the joy of drinking Welch's together especially during special occasions and family moments.”

Why Choose Welch's 100% Grape Juice?
- Opening a bottle of Welch’s 100% Grape Juice is like unleashing the power of ‘purple’ in every sip.  - Welch’s is vitamin-packed and 100% natural with no artificial coloring and sugar.
- Made from Concord grapes known for containing natural sugars that is unlikely to raise one’s blood sugar significantly.
- A glass of Welch's 100% Grape Juice supports a healthy heart because of its polyphenols an antioxidant.
- It tastes delicious especially when chilled.

This is why, I also prepare my son's #WesBaonToday with a bottle of healthy Welch's grape juice or cranberry juice and also their yummy Fruit Snacks!

To illustrate, Welch’s juice uses the entire Concord grape – skin, seeds and all – to release the plant’s true polyphenol power. In fact, at least 20 grapes are squeezed into each 4-ounce glass.  Imagine the vitamins and minerals in each glass of Welch’s that has nurtured generations of families not only in the Philippines but all over the world.

For more information about the 150 years of Welch’s and how to know the different ways to enjoy 100% natural grape juice, visit www.welchs.com or follow Welch’s PH in Facebook and IG. Welch’s fruit drinks and snacks are distributed by Fly Ace Corporation and available in leading retail stores nationwide.

Wes finally got back to school last week and he survived the rainy week of meeting his new classmates, getting around his newly renovated campus, and getting back to the old routine.  That routine involves waking up earlier, dressing up, eating a nutritious breakfast, going to school, finishing his #WesBaonToday, going home, and doing homework.

I believe every student needs all the energy they could get to get things done at home and in school.  For that to happen, they should pack a good snack and lunch to school so that even when they are away, we know they are still cared for through the food we prepare for them.

Kaya for the going three years in a row (I still have a full school year ahead!) ineeffortan ko talaga ang #WesBaonToday preparation niya.  Recently, I discovered so many new snacks for his recess from Snackeroo.  If you're my Facebook or Instagram follower, you've noticed that I've been posting his baon and snacking already.

The whole family is raving about Snackeroo's Bits 'n Chips!  They are packs of BAKED and not FRIED flavorful biscuits that kids will love and even everyone in the family!  It comes it two most favorite chips flavors: Cheese and Barbeque.


WHAT I LOVE ABOUT BITS 'N CHIPS:
1.  The taste of chips, just healthier - Instead of eating junk foods, which happily my kids are not so fond of, these biscuits give the same flavor and yummy treat only in biscuit form!  I've never looked at biscuits the same again after tasking these.

2.  Two flavors to choose from - Whether you're team cheese or team barbecue, you're covered! I love the tanginess of its barbecue flavor making this my new healthy snack for times when I crave for chips.  The cheese flavor is my kids' favorite variant.
3.  It's BAKED! - I love that it really says on its packaging that it's baked and not fried, making it a healthier snack option not just for the kids but for the whole family.

4.  It comes in a perfect size - The packs of biscuits are just right for kids and even adults to consume.  Only 95 calories per pack.  It's a pack that your kids could finish feeling full so you're assured there will be no wastage.  Wes came home with his empty baon after school and any baon-prepping-mom's happiness is just that!

5.  It's versatile - It can be prepared as baon of the kids or served to guests during gatherings with dips. You could also use it for cooking loves!  Just crush the chips, roll your marinated chicken fingers on the crushed Bits 'n Chips, and fry them!  So versatile and any practical mom would love it!

For baon preparations, I recommend this new discovery, Bits 'n Chips from Snackeroo!  Snackeroo is the makers of Iced Gems, our childhood favorite snack.  They have so many other variants which you could also add to your children's baon too!

Check out the other cookies and biscuits from Snackeroo that are part of my baon prepartion for Wes:
Snackeroo Bits 'n Chips and all other variants, our current favorites too (Big Boss, Itsy Bitsy, and Heartsies) are available in selected Robinsons Supermarket and Puregold Supermarket branches.  For updates and other details, you may follow them on Facebook and Instagram.  Try them too loves so you'll also find a lot of #HappinessInASnack!

I'm sure this is sometimes your story too mommy. 

You get so caught up with work at home or house chores, ticking off one task at a time in your list or making sure every nook of the house has been cleaned that you didn't notice it's already lunch time or dinner time!

That's me on some days when I have too much stuff to do, or when I get home from errands too late to prepare lunch or dinner - thawing meat, cutting veggies, marinating, and the cooking process, but I still need to feed my family.
And on those days, I'm happy to be saved by Auntie Arnie's Ready To Heat Packs which I newly discovered last week during a gathering organized by friends Mish and Sab of Mothers Who Brunch.
It was a fun morning reconnecting with mommies who have the same challenges when it comes to cooking, meal planning, and preparing what to serve the family.  We were all surprised during the demo at how easy it was to quickly serve a meal to the hungry hubby and kids who want a savory meal in a flash.
There are nine ready to heat packs available to choose from which are all good for 2 - 4 persons.  These are:

• Meaty Laing (Php 195)
• Yang Chow Fried Rice (Php 195)
• 50 Cloves Roasted Chicken (Php 395)
• Callos (Php 420)
• Orange Peel Chicken (Php 195)
• Chicken Curry (Php 395)
• Chicken and Pork Adobo (Php 375)
• Chicken Barbecue (Php 350)
• Paella Negra (Php 395)

During the event, we had a mini table setting activity according to different themes where we chose which Auntie Arnie's heirloom recipe to serve.  Our group got the Kids Attack theme and we won the activity.  After the fun competition, we all had lunch and tried each of the nine dishes.
What I like about these ready to heat packs are the following:

• They don't taste like instant at all!  They all tasted as if right straight from your Aunt's kitchen to the table.
• The dishes can be reheated in a microwave oven or stove top.
• Generous serving for each dish - good for 2 - 4 people.
• Practical compared to dining out when you don't have much time to cook.
• You taste special dishes which you don't normally cook on a regular day (Callos take time to cook or how often do you cook Paella Negra?)
• Hurray for no preservatives.
• Each dish could last up to six months in the freezer.
• You're ensured of the best quality ingredients so you know what you're serving your family is safe and delicious.

Even before I became a stay-at-home-mom, I already love cooking.  I started cooking  when I was still single and starting a career in the marketing and communications field.  Being able to earn a living independently and purchase grocery items that time was my entry to real adulting.  As a single career woman finding her place in the jungle called the corporate world, I felt so accomplished when I did my grocery shopping, decided what to use in the pantry, brought food on the table figuratively and literally.  So it's not accurate when one equates cooking to just being a mom.  Anyone can cook whether you're a mom or not yet one.  Even dads and single men do.
Cooking is like therapy to me.  Cooking is also a love language for me - service.  I love cooking.  That's why I always get excited to be invited in food-related events or discover new cooking partner such as the newest Knorr SavorRich Liquid Meaty Seasoning.
Yesterday, the first ever meaty seasoning in liquid form in the country was launched by Knorr at the Greenbelt 3 Open Park.

What made the experience more fun was discovering the new and special cooking ingredient with mom friends I love and to get to meet new ones too!
Turn your ordinary dishes into an extraordinary one.  Elevate your fried chicken to the best tasting one.  Make every dish you prepare for yourself and your family, mom or not, rich and intense in flavor with every bite.  Take home a Knorr SavorRich Liquid Meaty Seasoning and try it at home.  Recipes will soon be uploaded onto Knorr's official website www.knorr.com/ph.

The new Knorr SavorRich Liquid Meaty Seasoning is available in Chicken and Pork flavors in leading supermarkets and groceries nationwide, at a suggested retail price of Php6/16g, Php85/240g, and Php150/480g.