Crispy Fry® New Campaign and Brand Ambassador Ian Veneracion

“Crispy Fry® is a staple in countless Filipino homes, and we are excited to welcome Mr. Ian Veneracion as our brand ambassador. His credibility and enduring connection with Filipino families make him the perfect partner to represent our message: that Crispy Fry® brings ease, flavor, and joy to everyday meals.” ~Daye Magno, Department Head of Marketing at Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation

Crispy Fry®, the country's #1 breading mix brand, has launched the "Eat Campaign," a new twist on home-cooked meals that extends beyond fried chicken.  Crispy Fry® is a dynamic kitchen staple for all tastes and occasions, as evidenced by new food inspirations such as the Fry Feast Platter, which includes Fried Tofu, Mojos, and Potato Wedges.

This year, the company introduces its newest endorser, Ian Veneracion, a timeless and well-known character in Philippine showbiz.

The official spokesperson for Crispy Fry®'s 2025 campaign is Ian Veneracion, who is well-known for his many roles and approachable personality. Ian has earned the respect and confidence of many generations during his more than 40-year career in show industry, especially mothers and housewives who relate to his honest, compassionate, and approachable manner.

More Than Just Fried Chicken

Everyday fried chicken has long been transformed into a crispysarap experience with Crispy Fry®.  Homemakers can prepare crispy and delectable dishes every time with Crispy Fry®'s Original, Garlic, Spicy, and BatterMix varieties.

By encouraging families to experiment with more inventive recipes with the Fry Feast Platter and discover how Crispy Fry® may enhance meals beyond chicken, the campaign expands its appeal for 2025.  Crispy Fry® is a pantry essential for easy yet tasty cooking, whether it's golden-crisp tofu or expertly seasoned mojos.

“As someone who enjoys preparing meals for my family, I appreciate how Crispy Fry® makes cooking not only easier but more exciting. It’s reliable, delicious, and versatile — just like how I approach the roles I take on.” ~Ian Veneracion, a timeless and well-known character in Philippine showbiz

“Basta Fried, i-Crispy Fry®”

In addition to inviting more personal, emotional encounters with Filipino families and homemakers, the campaign's updated call to action, "Basta Fried, i-Crispy Fry®," embodies the brand's commitment to making every fried dish a guaranteed success.

Through a series of TV commercials and digital material, Ian Veneracion is leading a campaign that is expanding across many platforms in an attempt to inspire more Filipinos to enjoy cooking at home.

About Crispy Fry®

Crispy Fry® is the leading breading mix brand in the Philippines, trusted by generations for its consistent quality and crisp-delicious results. Made from carefully selected flours, starches, and seasonings, Crispy Fry® helps Filipino families create memorable meals with ease. It is part of Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation’s commitment to its “Eat Well, Live Well” promise — offering high-quality food solutions for nutritious and enjoyable mealtimes.

The Ajinomoto Group is a global company with specialties in the business of food and amino acids, guided by our leading-edge bioscience and fine chemical technologies.

 

Based on the corporate message “Eat Well, Live Well.”, we have been scientifically pursuing the possibilities of amino acids in supporting the healthy lives of people all around the world. We aim for future growth and continuous contribution to greater wellness by creating value through sustainable and innovative solutions for communities and society.

 

The Ajinomoto Group has offices in 36 countries and regions, and sells products in more than 130 countries and regions. To learn more, visit www.ajinomoto.com.

Did They Get Hacked? Celebrities Speak Out About This ‘Viral Attack’

Fans were shocked when videos of well-known celebrities, including Kim Atienza, Ian Veneracion, Marc Nelson, Julie Eigenmann, and Jackie Lou Blanco, abruptly stopped working and were replaced by a warning about a "HZ_90 virus." What is the true story behind this viral takeover if hacking was not involved? The actor disclosed that he participated in a campaign to increase public awareness of a serious illness. 

"Akala nila, baka na-hack na yung account ko. Hindi po ako na-hack." ~Ian Veneracion

His admirers frequently see him riding his large motorcycles and going on road trips, which demonstrate his commitment to leading a healthy lifestyle and keeping his good looks and charisma as one of the top men in the business. Ian is bringing attention to this grave illness because of this focus.

Like him, TV Host Kim Atienza, also referred to as "Kuya Kim," understands the value of looking after one's health. Given his health scares, including a stroke and an autoimmune disease diagnosis, which once caused him to withdraw from the spotlight on television, his story is especially inspirational. 

However, with his Instagram feed full of pictures of him winning triathlons, Kuya Kim keeps motivating his fans by advocating for an active lifestyle. He now made use of his position to educate people about the serious illness that the campaign is trying to draw attention to. In his characteristically educational manner.

“Ang shingles ay nagpe-presenta bilang paltos o di kaya’y mga pantal-pantal or painful rashes sa balat.  Nakakabahala, diba? Ang virus na ito ay nananatili sa system mo at hinihintay na lamang na ma-reactivate bilang shingles  ng walang ka-warning-warning kahit feeling mo healthy ka.” ~Kim Atienza, TV Host

The real viral attack

TV Host Marc Nelson shared his perspective on shingles, drawing from a personal experience involving someone close to him.

“I remember one of my best friends got shingles a few years ago, and he was in so much pain and itchy discomfort for weeks. He was one of the lucky ones—some people deal with it for months.” ~Marc Nelson, TV Host

Marc appreciates fitness and outdoor activities like hiking, so he knows how important it is to pay attention to his body. He became acutely aware that shingles can cause incapacitating pain that prevents people from doing the things they enjoy.

What precisely are shingles, then? The varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes chickenpox, is also the cause of shingles, also known as herpes zoster (HZ), a painful viral infection.1 Even after recovering from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and may reactivate later in life. GSK is not liable for the third-party links.

Marc appreciates fitness and outdoor activities like hiking, so he knows how important it is to pay attention to his body. He became acutely aware that shingles can cause incapacitating pain that prevents people from doing the things they enjoy.

What precisely are shingles, then? The varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes chickenpox, is also the cause of shingles, also known as herpes zoster (HZ), a painful viral infection.1 Even after recovering from chickenpox, the virus can reactivate later in life as shingles, especially in adults over 50.1. The hZ_90 campaign cleverly uses digital glitches as a metaphor for how shingles can abruptly disrupt life, much like a digital interruption.

“I had chickenpox as a teen, which means I’m at risk of getting shingles.” ~Julie Eigenmann, the wife of actor Michael De Mesa

Actor Michael De Mesa's wife, Julie Eigenmann, acknowledged this and voiced her worries about her safety. Like her, who offers helpful tips on how to tackle home projects and lifestyle hacks, there are practical ways to avoid contracting this illness.

“A proper diet, good sleeping habits, regular exercise4, and getting vaccinated are effective ways to maintain strong immunity and prevent diseases like shingles.” ~Jackie Lou Blanco, Veteran Actress 

Jackie Lou Blanco, a veteran actress, has previously stated that the secret to aging well and staying healthy is to accept change and make the required changes. She underlined how crucial it is to talk to medical professionals about prevention and available treatments. 

The HZ_90 campaign aims to empower individuals to recognize the signs of shingles and take preventive measures before this unexpected invader strikes. Taking preventive steps now can help you avoid the pain and discomfort of shingles in the future. Consult your doctor for shingles treatment and prevention or visit whatisshingles.ph for more information.

About GSK

GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more at gsk.com/company. 

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements

GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described under Item 3.D 'Principal risks and uncertainties' in the company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2019.