A book or a toy? McDonald’s welcomes books as a new option to every Happy Meal with The Agoncillo Family!

What betterway to end the night before takign your child to sleep is to read books and make them fall asleep. Not only that you get to have a moments together but it will at the same time enhance their imagination of the story you read for them. McDonald's believes that family bonding moments are important in every household, and despite the parents' busy schedule, there's always the trusty pasalubong to bring families together at the end of the day!

Book or toy? Starting February 21, McDonald’s will be kickstarting the all-new Happy Meal Readers program that lets people choose between a book or a toy to enjoy with every Happy Meal!

The Agoncillos officially join the McDonald’s family!

Celebrity couple Ryan and Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, together with their daughter Luna Agoncillo, are happy to join the McDonald’s family alongside the official launch of the Happy Meal Readers books in the Philippines.

“We are excited to join McDonald’s through the Happy Meal Readers program - a project that’s focused on encouraging close family bonding through book-reading and storytelling. This is something that we do as a family, and we’re happy to share this experience with more Filipino families.” ~Ryan and Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo

Making way for families to have more fun bonding moments together, McDonald’s is launching the Happy Meal Readers program that offers a book or toy option for every Happy Meal purchase. The program’s goal is to create more opportunities for memorable experiences shared over storytelling, and this year, families can journey through space and time and dive right in the Treetop Twins Wilderness Adventures through a series of McDonald’s-exclusive Happy Meal Readers books written by world-renowned author Cressida Cowell.

“McDonald’s Happy Meal Readers’ book option is a great take-home treat – a perfect surprise for kids to cap off the night with a family bonding bedtime storytelling session. The Happy Meal Readers program is part of McDonald’s commitment in bringing to life feel-good family moments, by encouraging book-reading as both a fun and educational family activity.” ~Margot B. Torres, the Managing Director of McDonald’s Philippines

 

Meet incredible animals year-round with the Treetop Twins Families can look forward to an exciting wilderness adventures with the Treetop Twins, a book series written exclusively for McDonald’s by Criselda Cromwell, world-renowned author, and illustrator of the much-loved series “How to Train Your Dragon”, whose books have captured the imagination of children all over the world.

Reading books for a cause

Parents and kids alike would be happy to find out that for every Happy Meal purchase, they are also sharing the love of reading among those who benefit from the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philippines, Inc. (RMHC), whose flagship programs support the needs for shelter, education, and happiness of Filipino children.

For every Happy Meal bought, McDonald’s Philippines donates a portion to RMHC and its Ronald McDonald Read to Learn program which teaches beginning reading to grade 1 and grade 2 public school learners. As of now, the Ronald McDonald Read To Learn program has reached over 12 million students, trained over 28 thousand educators, and distributed more than 367 thousand books.

McDonald’s goal through RMHC is to contribute to the vision of improving the literacy skills of Filipino learners early on, and with the Happy Meal Readers’ all-new book option, the brand is thrilled to be able to create more opportunities for children to discover a love for reading.

Each book tells of the adventures of the Treetop Twins and their parents as they travel in their time machine to meet fascinating creatures, including endangered and extinct animals from the past, such as Polar Bears, Quaggas, Pink Dolphins, and Woolly Mammoths! The series is full of adventures, amazing creatures, and fun facts that kids and their parents would discover together.

Visit your nearest McDonald’s store for a Happy meal, alongside its book or toy option, and share more heartwarming and memorable moments together with your family. Grab a copy of a Happy Meal Readers book to join the Treetop Twins adventures, and collect all 12 books for this year! To learn more about RMHC and how to help, you may visit www.rmhc.org.ph.

Why Sports Nutrition Is Good for You

Dr. Ryan is the director of Sports Performance and Education of Herbalife Nutrition. She recently visited the Philippines and shared her take on how sports nutrition can be beneficial to non-athletes.

Staying fit takes more than just visiting the gym on a regular basis. You also have to make sure that what you feed your body is healthy, and this is where sports nutrition can help you.

“Some people think that sports nutrition is some over-complicated thing. The reality is sports nutrition is grounded in the same principles as general good healthy nutrition. Sports nutrition is really about putting the right nutriments in your body at the right time. Whether you’re winning a race or coming in last place, you’re moving your body and your heart rate goes up. You’re using carbohydrates for fuel. When you’re breaking down muscles, you need protein to recover. The principles of sports nutrition becomes important for anyone who’s active.” ~Dr. Dana Ryan, Leading Sports Nutritionist

So, how does one incorporate sports nutrition into one’s daily activities? Dr. Ryan shares the following tips.

1. Make sure that you have adequate carbohydrates before you exercise because that’s going to be your body’s fuel source.

“We don’t store a lot of carbohydrates but it’s our first source of energy when we’re exercising. You can get that energy quickly from fruits.”

She added that you need to have some simple carbohydrates prior to working out.

2. Have some electrolytes when you’re exercising for over half an hour or doing an intense workout.

“When you sweat when you’re exercising, you lose electrolytes in addition to fluids. Drinking water is sometimes not enough. You need electrolytes to stay hydrated.”

3. Get some good quality protein after you exercise.

“Have at least 20 grams of protein in combination with some carbohydrates. When you exercise, you break down your muscle fibers. Consuming good protein can help rebuild them and make them stronger.”

She emphasized that protein is essential after a workout.

For more information, please visit IAmHerbalifeNutrition.com.

Dr. Ryan has a Ph.D. in physical activity, nutrition and wellness from Arizona State and holds a Master’s degree in Kinesiology with a specialization in Sport and Exercise Psychology and a certificate in nutrition for optimal health, wellness and performance.

About Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.

Herbalife Nutrition is a global company that has been changing people's lives with great nutrition products and a proven business opportunity for its independent members since 1980. The Company offers high-quality, science-backed products, sold in over 90 countries by entrepreneurial members who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires their customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle. Through the Company’s global campaign to eradicate hunger, Herbalife Nutrition is also committed to bringing nutrition and education to communities around the world.

Herbalife Nutrition also encourages investors to visit its investor relations website at ir.herbalife.com as financial and other information is updated and new information is posted.

How can you remain healthy in the Age of Social Media

Director for Sports Performance and Education of Herbalife Nutrition Dr. Dana Ryan talked about the importance of balanced nutrition as a way to remain healthy in the age of social media at a recent media conference held at Shangri-La Makati.

Unlike other millennials and mommy like me, I am not always into social media addiction because as a mother my most concern is apps about my two kids. But, during my spare time after all the home errands comes common social media apps such as Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and Messenger wherein I get to interact via my Facebook page and blog. 

Herbalife Nutrition Philippines Senior Director and Sub-region Head to the Philippines Sridhar Rajagopalan giving the opening remarks at the Herbalife Nutrition media conference that talked about How to Remain Healthy in the Age of Social Media.

According to the WHO, more than 80% of the world’s adolescent population is “insufficiently physically active” with 1 in 4 adults “not active enough.”

Director for Sports Performance and Education of Herbalife Nutrition Dr. Dana Ryan talked about the importance of balanced nutrition as a way to remain healthy in the age of social media at a recent media conference held at Shangri-La Makati.

Staying online for more than 10 hours, the average time that most Filipinos are connected to the internet may lead to a number of health risks. This is according to leading sports nutritionist Dr. Dana Ryan, the director for Sports Performance and Education of Herbalife Nutrition.

“Unless you’re doing physical activity while you’re online, it’s not healthy to stay in-active for long periods of time. In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), insufficient physical activity is one of the leading risk factors for death worldwide. It increases the chances of serious diseases, such as cancer and diabetes. Not all of us may afford a gym membership, but that doesn’t excuse us from not being physically active on our own. Take up some physical activity that you love. That way, you won’t see it as a chore, so you can do it regularly. Find a class or program that you can attend together. It also helps to set a goal for yourself. This way, you’ll stay motivated. For example, some people believe that they only need protein and cut out carbs from their diet. This is not true. When it comes to keeping healthy, just always remember balance, as the body needs a complex blend of nutrients to remain healthy. Indeed, Herbalife Nutrition Philosophy recommends that you get about 40% of your calories in the form of beneficial carbohydrates – whole grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits; along with 30% from proteins, and no more than 30% from fats. Balance the calories that you take in and what you burn, and your weight would remain stable. Also, try to look up helpful tips on how to remain fit from reliable organizations. Look at the celebrity or influencer you admire as an inspiration, but don’t stress yourself into achieving what he or she has. The important thing is to remain active and healthy.” ~Dr. Dana Ryan, the director for Sports Performance and Education of Herbalife Nutrition

(L-R) Herbalife Nutrition Philippines Marketing Manager Marie Segismundo with Herbalife Nutrition Director for Sports Performance and Education Dr. Dana Ryan during a Facebook live chat.

Walking to work, setting reminders to stand up every 30 minutes, standing during breaks, getting up during TV commercials, and using the stairs instead of taking the elevator are also some of the ways one can have physical activity in a day. A member of the Herbalife Nutrition Scientific Leadership, which is comprised of leading experts from around the world in nutrition, science, and health, Dr. Ryan likewise advised against cutting certain macronutrients from one’s diet.

Dr. Ryan pointed out the importance of balancing what you eat and what you burn. Dr. Ryan added that staying online is not bad in itself; it’s just that people should remember to be active at times, rather than becoming too absorbed in the online world that they don't move for hours.

IAmHerbalifeNutrition.com

About Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.

Herbalife Nutrition is a global company that has been changing people's lives with great nutrition products and a proven business opportunity for its independent members since 1980. The Company offers high-quality, science-backed products, sold in over 90 countries by entrepreneurial members who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires their customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle. Through the Company’s global campaign to eradicate hunger, Herbalife Nutrition is also committed to bringing nutrition and education to communities around the world.

Herbalife Nutrition also encourages investors to visit its investor relations website at ir.herbalife.com as financial and other information is updated and new information is posted.

Falafel Yo at Uptown Mall in BGC

Falafel Yo

Other than me whose excited to try out Falafel Yo a national dish of Israel? A vegetarian wrapped sandwich with onions, a bed of salad or pickled vegetables and drizzled with hot sauce. Thinking about it makes my stomach roar and can't wait to try it at their newest branch at UpTown, BGC on January 4, 2019, will surely fall in line.

Falafel Yo

As the founding family of Falafel Yo migrated to Manila in 2011, they wanted to share something from their culture with the Filipinos that they thought will be appreciated and liked. With little adoption and keeping the ingredients and sauces true to its cultural authenticity, Falafel Yo wants to use this popular dish as a bridge between different cultures around the world.

Falafel Yo

The origins of falafel is still a mystery. there’s no exact evidence where and when exactly the ancient vegetarian dish was born, but we can track some of it’s historical impact around the world.

Falafel Yo

Falafel Yo

Falafel Yo

Here are some facts about falafel you probably never knew about Falafel Yo:

1. The Coptic church in Egypt ate falafel as it was a vegetarian solution during Lent centuries ago.
2. As the Egyptians used fava beans in their falafel recipe, soon as it began spreading around the world, each culture had a different version for it. In Israel, the chickpeas replaced the fava beans, and by the time it got to Syria they replaced the chickpeas with foul beans. 
3. The meaning of the word falafel is a small round thing (pilpal in Aramaic).
4. After becoming an independent state, Israel went into an economic depression in the 1950s.  Falafel was a cheap, meatless, easy to make a solution that spread all over the country at those years and from that time on it became the national dish for the Israelis. 
5. The Philippine Independence Day and the International Falafel Day are both celebrated on June 12
6. Falafel Yo will open to public this January 4, Saturday, at the Uptown Mall in BGC, and we will give free falafel the whole day to anyone who passes by!

Falafel Yo

TKB by Tanduay Celebrates the Holiday Season with Free Shots for Diners of Five

For the entire month of December, TKB by Tanduay offers a free flight (four shots) for diners of five.

“We always come up with seasonal selections and since this month is all about celebrating and merry-making for us Filipinos, we have chosen to reward our diners with our TKB shots. They can choose whatever flavor they want. This is why we have partnered with Tanduay, a truly Filipino brand. Through this partnership, we were able to create unique offerings such as our rum-infused food and drink selections. Japanese and Filipinos share the same love for good food and drinks. And here at TKB by Tanduay, we want to celebrate that.” ~Karen Roque, TKB by Tanduay General Manager 

Drop by TKB stands for The Kushi Bar by Tanduay in Ayala Avenue, Makati City. If you’re looking for a place to hang out and enjoy authentic Japanese food infused with rum and a wide selection of cocktails you won’t find anywhere else with friends and colleagues this holiday season. TKB offers shots, deliciously-flavored cocktails infused with Tan-duay Dark and Premium White Rum.

The TKB shots selection includes the Aomori (apple wasabi), Tokushima (ginger calamansi), Kumamoto (watermelon basil), Miyazaki (cucumber basil), Nagano (lemon apricot), Ehime (green apple and kiwi), and their newly-introduced rambutan rum-infused shot.

The Kushi Bar, and it specializes in kushi (skewered) selections creat-ed by Japanese chef Yuri Amami, the first female Japanese chef in the Philippines. Roque recommends that diners enjoy them along with their kushi selections, which now have items using ingredients that are popular with Filipino diners.

We Filipinos are such enthusiasts for Barbecues or anything fried, grilled, or steamed as long as it’s on a stick. Japan also has its version of the ever-so-popular “BBQ” and they call it “Kushi”. These kushi selections are meant to be enjoyed plate after plate—just like how Filipinos dine, its taste will remind you of Filipino BBQ but with a Japanese touch. Kushi is the skewers Japanese use to hold or pierce their food, either made of steel, bamboo or wood.  All reasonably priced.

• Gyubara (beef tenderloin)
• Reba (chicken liver)
• Hotate (scallop)
• Hatsu (chicken heart)

Roque shares that the idea behind TKB by Tanduay is to promote Filipino dining through Japanese food. This is what makes the restaurant different from other Japanese dining concepts in the country. TKB by Tanduay likewise supports Filipino farming as it sources most of its ingredients from local farmers. The restaurant also uses organic ingredients, and its coffee is 100% Philippine-made.

Invite your friends, your family and even your loved one and enjoy a dine-in evening with a  shot of Tanduay.

Tim Hortons Philippines launched a new menu offering that kids and kids-at-heart will surely enjoy

This season of giving, Tim Hortons Philippines launched a new menu offering that kids and kids-at-heart will surely enjoy, introducing Tim Hortons Hershey's collection and cakes from The Cheesecake Factory. 

“Christmas comes once a year, so we’d like to celebrate the season with these luscious offerings as a thank you to our loyal customers. After all, chocolate gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling so it’s something that Filipino families will enjoy this festive season.” ~Stephanie B. Guerrero, Marketing Director of Tim Hortons Philippines

Christmas is indeed in the air just a few more days and we will be celebrating with our family and love ones. And the most anticipated moment is eating noche buena together with a feast, and I am planning to buy some cakes from Tim Horton's to add a joyful celebration of the Christmas spirit by giving my family goodies that can surely #MakeYourDayGood this holiday season.

My two kids will surely love and enjoy The Dark Chocolate Iced Capp and Truffle Timbits are available in all Tim Hortons branches. They are reasonably priced with the Dark Chocolate Iced Capp at Php 155 (small), Php 175 (medium), and Php 190 (large). Available in all Tim Hortons branches.

 The Truffle Timbits are priced at Php 15 per piece.

Tim Hortons Philippines is spreading good cheer with its chocolatey Christmas collection made with Hershey’s, the world’s most iconic chocolate brand.

Forget cookies and milk for Santa as Tim Hortons regulars can now enjoy two decadent specials this holiday season - the Dark Chocolate Iced Capp and the Truffle Timbits. Tim Hortons’ Signature Iced Capp is given a tasty twist by mixing in Hershey’s Cocoa Powder drizzled with chocolate sauce! Feel free to match this blended beverage with Truffle Timbits - those soft bite-sized yeast Timbits with a chocolate brownie filling rolled in Hershey’s Snow Cocoa powder.

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY FACT SHEET

• Tim Hortons, the Canadian coffee chain brand is introducing its newest cake offerings from The Cheesecake Factory - a global brand that’s hailed as one of America’s most popular restaurant chain known for its drool-worthy desserts and cheesecakes.
• Tim Hortons Philippines is the only coffee shop that will offer The Cheesecake Factory cakes in the Philippines.
• Cheesecake and dessert lovers can choose from the following flavors that Tim Hortons Philippines is currently offering; Dulce De Leche, Bananas Foster, Black-out, Strawberries & Cream, Red Velvet and Cinnabon.
• The Cheesecake Factory cakes are being sold per slice at Php 300 and whole cakes for Php 4,200.
• The Cheesecake Factory cakes are available for both dine-in and take-out only.
• Tim Hortons® The Cheesecake Factory cakes are available in all Tim Hortons Philippines restaurants starting December 11,2019

Tim Hortons has been offering premium coffee, freshly baked goods, delicious sandwiches and wraps, and other food products since 1964. For more information and updates about Tim Hortons Philippines’ new products and offerings, you may visit www.timhortons.ph or follow them on Facebook @TimHortonsPhilippines and Instagram @timhortonsphl.

About Restaurant Brands International Inc.

Restaurant Brands International Inc. (RBI) is one of the world’s largest quick-service restaurant companies with more than $30 billion in system-wide sales and over 25,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries and U.S. territories. RBI owns three of the world’s most prominent and iconic quick-service restaurant brands – TIM HORTONS®, BURGER KING®, and POPEYES®. These independently operated brands have been serving their respective guests, franchisees, and communities for over 45 years. To learn more about RBI, please visit the company’s website at www.rbi.com.

About TIM HORTONS®

TIM HORTONS® is one of North America’s largest restaurant chains operating in the quick-service segment. Founded as a single location in Canada in 1964, Tim Hortons appeals to a broad range of consumer tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, hot and cold specialty drinks (including lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso shots), specialty teas and fruit smoothies, fresh baked goods, grilled Panini and classic sandwiches, wraps, soups, prepared foods, and other food products. Tim Hortons has more than 4,800 system-wide restaurants located in Canada, the United States, and around the world. To learn more about the Tim Hortons brand, please visit the Tim Hortons® brand website at www.timhortons.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.