Ajinomoto Philippines supports 1st NDAP Food & Nutripreneurship Summit

“The reality we’re seeing from DOST-FNRI data is that there is a gap between nutrition and sustainability in the country now. While millions of Filipinos are not meeting their daily energy needs, household plate waste continues to rise, and vegetables are among the most wasted. Vegetables should be at the center of this conversation because increasing consumption supports nutritional goals such as providing essential vitamins and minerals, and fiber. At the same time, it contributes to sustainability as plant-based foods have lower environmental footprint.” ~Bea Menorca-de Jesus, APC’s Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian

In photo from left: Lawrence Kyle Dela Cruz, RND Program Chair, NDAP National Board Director for Food Service; APC RND Bea Menorca-De Jesus; APC Director for Marketing, Sales and Public Relations, Mika Makino, APC Food Service Division Corporate Chef Manager, Chef Glenn Dino; Shaylendra Andres, RND - NDAP National Vice President; Maria Eloisa Villaraza, RND, MSCN – NDAP Immediate Past President

Recently, on July 3–4, 2026, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) participated in the first Food & Nutripreneurship (FUN) Summit of the Nutritionist-Dietitians' Association of the Philippines (NDAP). Industry leaders, innovators, aspiring entrepreneurs, and nutritionists from across the country came together for this historic event. 

With “Fueling Innovation in Food Service by Uniting Nutrition Advocates and Entrepreneurs and Nurturing Sustainable Ventures for Health and Wellness,” as its theme, the summit offered a platform for talking about emerging problems and trends, sharing ideas, and strengthening bonds with other advocates dedicated to shaping the future of food service and nutrition in the Philippines.

Glen Dino, Corporate Chef Manager of the Food Service Division, and Bea Menorca-de Jesus, APC's registered nutritionist-dietitian, led a lunch symposium emphasizing the significance of boosting vegetable consumption as one of the best strategies to enhance human and environmental health. 

Chef Dino gave a quick and entertaining cooking demonstration of basic vegetable recipes like Chopsuey Salad with CaterServe® Sesame Dressing and Mango Shrimp Salad with AJI-MAYO® Professional Style Mayonnaise. Both had a savory or umami flavor that enhanced the vegetable dishes' "linamnam" quality and made them more enticing.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) continues to strengthen its partnership with the Nutritionist-Dietitians' Association of the Philippines (NDAP) in advancing nutrition, health, and sustainability initiatives. Shown are NDAP Adviser Zenaida Velasco (center), flanked by Mika Makino, APC Director for Marketing, Sales and Public Relations (left), and Bea Menorca-de Jesus, RND, APC Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian (right)

This theme is also central to APC's flagship nutrition campaign, I Love Veggie-Licious®. Through cooking demonstrations and hands-on nutrition education, APC has been encouraging Filipinos to eat more vegetables since 2023 in a number of schools and communities throughout the nation. In keeping with APC's corporate motto, "Eat Well, Live Well," the program aims to give families, particularly mothers, the skills and information they need to include vegetables in their everyday meals and develop a healthier eating habit.

“NDAP recognizes the value of multisectoral participation in promoting safe, sustainable, and evidence-based public health nutrition education for Filipinos. This event provides a platform for the exchange of knowledge and practices among nutrition professionals, businesses, food service organizations, and other stakeholders in support of shared public health and nutrition goals.” ~Lawrence Kyle Dela Cruz, RND Program Chair, NDAP National Board Director for Food Service

I Love Veggie-Licious® is one of the major ways APC continues to contribute to the Ajinomoto Group’s 2030 outcomes — help extend the healthy life expectancy of one billion people and to reduce its environmental impact by 50%. 

Likewise, APC continues to support organizations like NDAP, that share the company’s commitment to promoting nutrition, health and sustainability. 

Tanduay's Two Gold Wins in the U.S. Raises the Bar for Philippine Rums Anew

“The awards Tanduay has received throughout the years show that Philippine rums can truly compete with the world’s best. And what makes our latest wins at the Bar-tender Spirits Awards even more special is that it was judged by a panel composed ex-clusively of bartenders and hospitality professionals. These are the people who know what spirits truly shine from shelf to glass. These international awards reflect Tanduay’s commitment to Filipino craftsmanship and innovation, and they inspire us to continue showcasing the best of the Philippines on the global stage.” ~Roy Kristoffer Sumang, Tanduay Interna-tional Business Development Manager

Two year Bartender Spirits Awards in Chicago, USA. This strengthens Tanduay's standing as one of the world's leading producers of premium rums.

Tanduay Reserve Rum 10 Years and Tanduay Double Rum both earned 95 points to win the coveted awards in a competition that evaluates spirits based on how well they perform in real hospitality settings.

Two of Tanduay’s Finest Premium Rums

A mixture aged in former Bourbon barrels for a further two years. This aging process results in the award-winning rum's harmony of flavors throughout, making it a great sipping rum.

According to the 2026 Bartender Spirits Awards’ tasting notes, Tanduay Double Rum’s “aromas of honeysuckle, marzipan, and nutmeg lead to a palate of toasted toffee and cacao, culminating in a soft, long, and very pleasant finish.”

Another well-known product around the world is Tanduay Reserve Rum 10 Years, a powerful blend of rums aged in oak barrels for ten years. It is an overproof rum with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 50.5%.

In the 2026 Bartender Spirits Awards, its tasting notes were “aromas of honey, dried fruit, and spice” that “lead to a smooth, approachable palate with evolving candied fruit notes and a balanced, lingering finish.”

How Products Are Scored

Spirits well or combine in cocktails; and balance and versatility, or their flavor and aroma. Their packaging, inventive design, la-bel quality, label details, back-bar appeal, functionality (like shape, size, weight, and ease of pouring), and value—that is, their price and value—are also assessed.

Bronze medals are awarded to spirits who score between 80 and 84, silver to those who score between 85 and 89, gold to those who score between 90 and 95, and double gold to those who score 96 or higher.

More About the Bartender Spirits Awards

The goal for bars, restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality establishments by identifying products that perform well in the U.S. on-premise market. 

The competition is judged solely by professionals currently working in the hospitality sector, and winning spirits are recognized for their quality and practicality in real beverage programs.

Learn more about Tanduay’s products and latest events and promotions by following its  official social media accounts. Tanduay products are available via its official e-commerce site, www.shots.ph, and from leading liquor stores and supermarkets nation-wide.

About Tanduay

Tanduay is one of the most-awarded rum brands in the Philippines, receiving various local and international citations. In 2017, it was declared the World’s No. 1 Rum by Drinks International magazine. Tanduay will hold this title for nine consecutive years.

Tanduay started out as a distillery in Hagonoy, Bulacan, a province in the island of Luzon known for its heroes and craftsmen. It changed ownership throughout the decades and has been under the Lucio Tan Group of Companies, Inc., one of the biggest conglomerates in the Philippines, since 1988.

Even as the years passed, Tanduay has maintained the traditional way of distilling its rums, a practice that started in its now decommissioned Manila distillery. It has likewise consistently maintained its product quality, ensuring that Filipinos and foreigners alike will enjoy the same taste and aroma of a Tanduay product wherever they are in the world

More Miles Than Milestones? Agrupis' Foreign Trips Face Scrutiny

Concerns have been raised about whether Shirley Agrupis, the chair of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), has become the most travelled chairperson in the organization's history and what advantages her travels have brought to Philippine higher education.

Agrupis' increasing attendance at international events has drawn the attention of critics and observers in the education sector, who are now calling for greater transparency about the number, cost, and outcomes of her international travels.

Her latest trip to Paris has brought the issue back into focus.

In a social media post, Agrupis described the extreme heat in the French capital, saying temperatures had reached 43 degrees Celsius and were “too hard to tolerate/survive.”

She also made broad observations about Paris' preparedness for climate change, claiming the “world's famous City apparently is not ready or have not anticipated that climate change was coming.”

Agrupis went on to say that because homes, apartments, some hotels, and public areas lacked air conditioning, there was "practically NO place to hang on" in the heat.

While attending an international engagement, a senior Philippine government official publicly discussed conditions in a host country in a tone that provoked criticism.

Agrupis ended her post with a call to action on climate change: “LET US save our planet EARTH.”

The post drew reactions online, including one social media user who remarked: “Let's save our planet earth tapos nag travel sa Paris. Hahaha.”

Beyond the social media exchange, however, questions over Agrupis' foreign travel remain.

Some have questioned whether her overseas schedule is more extensive than that of previous CHED chairpersons. Examining and disclosing CHED's official travel records would reveal the number of trips Agrupis has taken, their funding sources, and the measurable outcomes of each engagement.

The head of CHED frequently travels overseas, particularly as Philippine universities participate in regional and global education initiatives and expand their international partnerships.

On the other hand, observers argue that the frequency of these interactions should be accompanied by clear and noticeable benefits for the country's higher education system.

How many international trips has Agrupis taken since taking office? What particular initiatives, partnerships, or chances for Filipino institutions and students have resulted from these interactions, and how much money has been invested in them?

At a time when CHED is still addressing pressing domestic issues, the growing attention to Agrupis' foreign travel is unlikely to end without greater transparency.

Whether Agrupis is, in fact, CHED's most traveled chairperson will be determined by the records. The more important question is what Philippine higher education has learned from the journey.

Parañaque City preserves Heirloom Recipe with Kingsford Hotel Manila

“Our heritage gives us our identity, but it is through the hospitality of our people and the commitment of our partners that we bring that identity to life for every visitor. This is why we deeply value the partnership of Kingsford Hotel Manila in helping the City Government of Parañaque preserve and promote the rich cultural identity of our beloved city.” ~Edwin L. Olivarez, Parañaque City Mayor

Every city has a story to tell, and the most fascinating details are often found at the dinner table rather than in museums or monuments. Parañaque offers visitors more than just excellent lodging, shopping, and recreational opportunities. It is currently considered one of Metro Manila's top entertainment and lifestyle destinations. Beneath the city's contemporary landscape lies the rich history of Palanyag, the city's historical name, and its culinary traditions continue to bring generations of Parañaqueños together. One of the city's most popular regional specialties is Lauya de Palanyag, a hearty stew that captures the city's cultural identity and enduring sense of community.

As culinary tourism continues to gain importance in encouraging travelers to experience destinations through authentic local flavors, Parañaque is strengthening its identity through the preservation and celebration of dishes that reflect its heritage. One of the city's newest partners in this advocacy is the Kingsford Hotel Manila, which was the first hotel to formally offer Lauya de Palanyag on its menu. Situated in the vibrant Entertainment City, the hotel offers guests a genuine taste of Parañaque along with modern hospitality.

"This is only the beginning. We plan to introduce even more traditional Parañaqueño dishes to our menu as part of our commitment to promoting the city as a premier culinary destination. We are deeply honored to partner with the City Tourism Office on this journey." ~Jorold Montelibano, General Manager of Kingsford Hotel Manila

Destination Stewardship

To celebrate this important partnership, the Kingsford Hotel Manila organized a special preview where community leaders and media partners could try the traditional dish. The event was graced by Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez and his wife Janet Olivarez, as well as OIC City Tourism of Paranaque Cisette Ricardo.

This collaboration closely aligns with Megaworld Hotels & Resorts' core values of sustainability through heritage preservation and mindful travel through its Sampaguita Brand of Service. This partnership also exemplifies a shared objective of boosting domestic travel by offering authentic culinary experiences that support local farmers and uphold cherished home-cooked traditions.

By using regional cooking techniques and sourcing local ingredients, Kingsford Hotel Manila actively works to prevent cultural erasure brought on by urban development. Instead, the hotel uses its platform to preserve the stories of ancient Palanyag for visitors from all over the world, Balikbayans, and modern tourists.

More Than Just a Dish

Lauya de Palanyag is associated with the early Palanyag settlement, when farming and fishing provided the means of subsistence. The narrative states that inland farmers contributed fresh vegetables like cabbage and sweet kamote (sweet potato), while coastal fishing communities supplied patis (fish sauce). The result was a substantial stew that symbolized the abundance of both land and sea. Slowly cooked for hours while families labored in the fields and at sea, the dish evolved into a comforting meal shared at the end of a long day. Now celebrated as a representation of Parañaque's rich culinary legacy, Lauya de Palanyag preserves the tastes and traditions that have been passed down through the generations.

Locals altered the recipe to fit their personal preferences, resulting in distinctive variations across different barangays. Some communities favor slow-simmering tender beef or pork, but there are differing views on whether to add squash or sweet potatoes. But the key ingredients—a dependence on cabbage, sweet saba bananas, the distinctive aroma of kutchay (Chinese chives), and a characteristic reddish broth that is naturally colored with atsuete (annatto) and balanced with panutsa (palm sugar) for a savory-sweet flavor profile—remain remarkably consistent across heritage communities like La Huerta, Tambo, and Don Galo.

Ensaladang talong, or eggplant salad, is a traditional side dish that completes a true Lauya de Palanyag. In keeping with the dish's varied origins, some barangays boil the eggplant, while others smokegill it before mashing it with vinegar and garlic. In the end, Lauya de Palanyag is more than just comfort food—it's a bowl of Parañaque's living history.

“Lauya de Palanyag is more than just a dish, it is a celebration of Parañaque's rich culinary heritage and the warmth of Filipino hospitality. Our goal was to honor this traditional recipe by preserving its authentic flavors while presenting it with the refinement expected in a hotel setting. Every ingredient reflects our commitment to supporting local producers, promoting sustainability, and creating a meaningful dining experience that connects our guests with the culture and history of Palanyag.” ~Angelo “Chubby” Timban, Executive Chef of Kingsford Hotel Manila

A Flavorful Invitation for Families to Reconnect and Reminisce

Food has always been the ultimate anchor for Filipino families, serving as the centerpiece for storytelling, celebration, and passing down traditions from one generation to the next. As a heartfelt thank you to the community, Kingsford Hotel Manila is extending an exclusive dining privilege to the people who give the city its life. Residents and professionals working within Parañaque City can enjoy a special 20% discount on their total bill at Kingsford Café with every order of Lauya de Palanyag. Priced at Php 700, this comforting, heritage dish is perfect for sharing with families and friends.

To avail of this exclusive offer, guests simply need to present a valid ID verifying their Parañaque residence or workplace. For full promotional details and mechanics, please visit Kingsford Hotel Manila’s official Facebook page at facebook.com/kingsfordmanila. To explore more of our heritage-driven culinary offerings or to secure your table, please contact dine@kingsfordmanila.com or call +63 917 805 3585.

Justice Zones to Strengthen Coordination within the Nationwide Justice System

“Today’s launch reflects more than commitment. It reflects vision and the conscious decision of the City of San Fernando to embrace a system where communication, cooperation, and collaboration become the foundation of every action and every decision. The launch marks a shift in perspective. From functioning as separate offices, the justice sector agencies and actors of the City of San Fernando now move forward together as one collective unit; a Justice Zone.” ~Secretary Fredderick A. Vida, Representing the DOJ 

(L-R) Department of Justice undersecretary Atty. Ian Norman Dato, assistant secretary Robert Nomar V. Leyretana, and associate justices John Z. Lee and Rex Bernardo L. Pascual

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has welcomed the City of San Fernando, La Union, into the expanding network of Justice Zones under the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) as part of continuous efforts to enhance national coordination of the justice system.

The initiative, which was unveiled during the grand ceremony at Hotel Aureo, is part of the JSCC's ongoing expansion, which aims to improve the efficacy and coherence of justice delivery across local jurisdictions by fostering closer collaboration between the five pillars of justice: law enforcement, prosecution, courts, corrections, and the community.

On behalf of DOJ secretary Fredderick A. Vida, DOJ Law Enforcement Cluster Undersecretary Ian Norman E. Dato stated the DOJ's steadfast support for the City of San Fernando's integration into the growing Justice Zone network nationwide.

At Justice Zones, cooperation between law enforcement, prosecution, courts, prisons, and community stakeholders is expected.

"Justice Zones thrive  because they develop a stronger culture of interdependence, coordination, and shared responsibility in the service of justice. With an established Justice Zone, law enforcement agencies gain the assurance of prosecutorial involvement during the case build-up stage. At the same time, prosecutors gain confidence that the cases filed before them meet the required quantum of evidence, ensuring that only quality cases are brought before our courts." ~Ian Norman E. Dato, DOJ Law Enforcement Cluster Undersecretary

Department of Justice undersecretary Atty. Ian Norman Dato

Additionally, according to the DOJ, the framework guarantees early prosecutorial involvement, boosts prosecutors' confidence that filed cases contain the necessary amount of evidence, and improves coordination during case build-up.

The launch in San Fernando follows JSCC-led initiatives in other parts of the country, including specialty zones in Calbayog, Tacloban, Ormoc, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Ozamiz that deal with child exploitation and online sexual abuse (OSAEC-CSAEM).

The DOJ also highlighted ongoing reforms within the National Prosecution Service, including updated policies on inquest and preliminary investigation proceedings, to enhance case efficiency and support broader efforts to decongestion the justice system.

During the event, judges, prosecutors, public attorneys, law enforcement officials, and representatives from the local justice sector were also recognized for their participation and continued support of the Justice Zone framework.

Ballet Manila brings back global ballet superstars Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim in La Bayadère

“We are very excited to welcome Renata and Kimin back to Ballet Manila. Their performances in Don Quixote were truly unforgettable, and the response from Filipino audiences was overwhelming. It was a delight to see our audiences embrace them so warmly, and I know many have been looking forward to seeing them perform here again. Renata and Kim’s extensive experience with La Bayadère promises Filipinos audiences a moving and authentic interpretation of Marius Petipa’s enduring masterpiece. We hope that by the end of the show, the audience will have a renewed love for ballet.” ~Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s Founder and Artistic Director

Mariinsky Ballet principal dancers Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim return for Ballet Manila's La Bayadere

Filipino audiences will witness the remarkable and well-known artistry, passion, and technical mastery of two of the world's most famous ballet performers when they return to the Philippine stage.

The Mariinsky Ballet's principal dancers, Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim, will return to Ballet Manila in August to revive the timeless classic La Bayadère. The performance will take place at the Aliw Theater on August 14 at 8 PM and August 15 and 16 at 5 PM.  

Significantly, their return advances Ballet Manila's long-standing objective of bringing excellent ballet closer to Filipino audiences by giving local theatergoers a rare chance to see internationally recognized performers in the country.

Kim and Shakirova's exceptional qualifications are advantageous to the production. One of the Mariinsky's best prima ballerinas, Shakirova is a native of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and is renowned for her musicality, dramatic depth, and commanding presence. Early on, her exceptional talent was identified, and she has already won the coveted 2025 Benois de la Danse award, also known as the "Ballet Oscar."

However, despite beginning ballet at a relatively late age—roughly ten years old—Kim became the first foreign male principal dancer in the history of the Mariinsky Ballet.  He is well known for his remarkable athleticism and accurate technique. As a duo, they are equally impressive, having won Russia-Kultura TV's Grand Ballet competition in 2016.

For the couple, La Bayadère, a well-known ballet masterpiece, is nothing new. The tragic romance between the warrior Solor and the temple dancer Nikiya (bayadère) is the main focus of the story, which is set in ancient India. The High Brahmin (high priest), who is also in love with Nikiya, asks the Rajah to kill Solor after discovering their relationship. But his plan is foiled when the Rajah chooses to murder Nikiya instead. Both this world and the afterlife are included in the classic melodramatic love triangle.

At the Mariinsky Theatre, Kim regularly portrays the noble warrior Solor, and Shakirova has portrayed both the Nikya and the regal Gamzatti, showcasing her versatility and garnering international acclaim.

Stay up-to-date with Ballet Manila’s schedule of performances and celebration events by visiting Ballet Manila’s website www.balletmanila.com.ph or Ticketworld page www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Agrupis undercuts Secretary Angara to lead Delegation in the ASEAN Education Ministers Conference Fuels Questions Over Power and Influence

According to government sources, Agrupis' leadership style has once again come under scrutiny due to an apparent power struggle over who should head the Philippine delegation to the 14th ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting and related meetings planned in Singapore this July.

At the core of the dispute is a basic question of protocol: Who serves as the Philippines' lead education minister and represents the country in ASEAN meetings?

In a letter dated July 6, 2026, the Department of Foreign Affairs informed Education Secretary Sonny Angara that it is customary for the invited Minister to hold the position of Head of the Philippine Delegation.

According to the same communication, records of prior ASEAN Education Ministers Meetings demonstrate that ministers of education represent their respective nations and that pertinent education organizations, like CHED and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, may attend the delegation as members of the ASEAN Matters Technical Board and contribute significantly.

The 14th ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting is set to take place in Singapore in July 2026, according to the official ASEAN calendar. The meeting and associated activities will be hosted by Singapore's Ministry of Education, as previously announced by ASEAN.

However, sources with knowledge of the situation claim that Agrupis has been attempting to take the helm of the Philippine delegation and play a key role in establishing the nation's stance on topics to be discussed.

The reported insistence has reportedly caused friction and added headaches for officials at the DFA and DepEd at a time when the Philippine government is already heavily involved in regional coordination and ASEAN-related preparations.

Opponents now wonder if this is still about representing higher education or if it's just about one official trying to take center stage at the table.

The controversy has also reignited accusations that Agrupis has portrayed herself as "untouchable" and politically stable. Agrupis has reportedly mentioned her alleged intimacy with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos on multiple occasions.

There is no evidence that Agrupis has received this level of political protection from the First Lady. Insiders, however, assert that Agrupis has allegedly strengthened her authority by using the claim of intimacy and power.

That distinction is very important. Malacañang hasn't made Agrupis untouchable, so that's not the question. Whether a government official is pretending to be close to the First Lady in order to sway subordinates and other officials is the question.

Because of this, there is also more scrutiny surrounding Agrupis' frequent attendance at international education events.

Her own recent social media post from Paris included images of the French capital and a remark about the city's heat wave. The post was later ridiculed in public by a social media user who wrote, "Let's save our planet earth tapos nag travel sa Paris."

One of the duties of a CHED chairperson is to engage internationally. However, critics argue that given the persistent worries about Agrupis' leadership and governance at home, the frequency and prominence of her overseas activities warrant further investigation.

Agrupis has actually recently assumed significant roles in regional higher education engagements, such as ASEAN-related projects in which CHED has promoted the ACHIEVE Agenda and Philippine higher education priorities.

But the Singapore dispute raises a different question.

When official protocol names the Education Secretary as the head of the Philippine delegation, why is the CHED chair purportedly insisting on taking the initiative?

A leadership style that is more directly related to influence projection, control, and visibility may be the answer for critics.

If allegations that Agrupis invokes her purported closeness to the First Lady are true, Malacañang may eventually have to deal with an awkward question: Is the First Lady's name being used to make a government official appear above accountability?