In the realm of festive feasts, few dishes hold the iconic status that Christmas ham does. As families gather around the table to celebrate the holiday season, the succulent aroma of ham often takes center stage. But how did this delectable tradition begin, earning its place as a Christmas culinary staple?

The roots of Christmas ham trace back centuries, with its origins deeply intertwined with cultural practices and seasonal festivities. One prevailing theory suggests that the tradition of serving ham during Christmas can be linked to ancient pagan celebrations. In many cultures, pigs were slaughtered during the winter months, and the meat was cured and preserved to ensure a stable food supply throughout the colder season.

As Christianity spread across Europe, the practice of feasting on ham during the winter months continued, blending seamlessly with the Christmas festivities. The timing of these winter pig slaughters coincided with the Christmas season, giving rise to the association between ham and the holiday. The salt-curing process not only preserved the meat but also imparted a distinctive flavor that became synonymous with Christmas indulgence.

The specific term "Christmas ham" began to gain popularity as the dish became a focal point of holiday celebrations. In medieval England, for example, the tradition of serving a boar's head as a centerpiece during Christmas feasts was well-established. Over time, this evolved into the more familiar ham we know today, as the boar's head was gradually replaced by the easier-to-obtain and equally delicious ham.

Fast forward to the New World, and Christmas ham continued to evolve. In the United States, the Southern tradition of serving ham during the holidays became deeply ingrained, with many families adopting the practice during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The influence of Southern cuisine on Christmas ham spread throughout the country, solidifying its place as a beloved holiday dish.

 

Manila Prince Hotel is thrilled to share the news of the grand reopening of its renowned Chinese eatery, Dragon Court. Situated on the hotel's lobby level, this momentous event is a highlight of the hotel's month-long anniversary festivities and promises to provide a memorable dining experience for patrons beginning on September 27, 2023.

Throughout the day, there are times when we get the sudden craving for a snack. It's a good idea to keep your favorite snacks readily available for those moments.

If you’re on the lookout for delicious snack options for you and your loved ones, Jack ‘n Jill has got you covered. From cookies that bring delight to ate, kuya and bunso’s morning breaks, up to the crackers that mom and dad can enjoy during their afternoon merienda, there’s Jack ‘n Jill Snacktime Favorites for every member of the family.

Here’s how you and your family can enjoy classic (and NEW) Jack ‘n Jill Snacktime Favorites:

Western Visayas, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes, is set to captivate the taste buds of food enthusiasts as The Manila Hotel celebrates the region’s diverse culinary delights at Café Ilang-Ilang this August.

For its latest dining offer, Café Ilang-Ilang has teamed up with Chef Rafael “Tibong” Jardeleza, Jr. — a culinary virtuoso and a passionate advocate of Western Visayas heritage cuisine.

 

It's one of the many places where everyone is excited to go and experience. If there's what you call revenge travel, then you have this revenge eating. Most of us have missed the clinking sound of plates and glasses, the smokey smell of the prepared dishes, and the enticing color of each food at the counter area waiting to be picked to fill up hungry tummies. All of these sum up our longing to experience the buffet once again.

As for me, well, I got that momentous time because of an invitation to experience it again and what it meant to be full, somehow bloated. Of course, in moderation.

 

Easy Brand Food and Beverage Fair 2023 is an avenue to grow your food and beverage business, and as well to delight your palate, took place yesterday, July 1, 2023, at the prestigious Megatrade Hall 2 in SM Megamall Mandaluyong City. 

 

Vikings, Tong Yang strengthen partnership with PCPPI. The multi-awarded restaurants recently renewed ties with PCPPI in a ceremonial contract signing in Makati City. Present during the event were (from left to right) PCPPI National Key Accounts - Food Service Director Alex Catindig, Vikings Operation Director Mia Bernardo, PCPPI Area Commercial Head Red Israel, Vikings Group President Jackson Go, PCPPI Region Commercial Head Mayette Guro, Vikings Group Sr. Supply Chain Manager Luzvie Sityar-Villanueva, PCPPI Customer Development Manager Joel Javier, and Vikings Operation Director Hazel Rodriguez.

Vikings Luxury Buffet Restaurant (Vikings), the Philippines’ largest buffet-style dining destination, Tong Yang, the premium unlimited grill and shabu-shabu restaurant, recently renewed their long-term partnership with Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI). Under the agreement, the two restaurants will exclusively serve PCPPI’s well-loved beverage brands in all branches for the next three years. These include Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Mug, 7-Up, and Lipton Iced Tea. With this, more foodies can pair their favorites from Vikings and Tong Yang’s wide array of culinary specialties with PCPPI’s drinks nationwide.

Present during the contract renewal program were Vikings Group of Companies President and Owner Jackson Go and Sr. Supply Chain Manager Luzvie Sityar-Villanueva. They were joined by PCPPI Head of National Key Accounts Red Israel, Region Commercial Head Mayette Guro, and National Key Accounts - Food Service Director Alex Catindig.

“PCPPI is honored to continue to collaborate closely with Vikings Luxury Buffet Restaurant and Tong Yang as they take more Filipinos on memorable journeys around the world through delicious food. We look forward to supporting the Vikings team as they further their mission in delivering memorable gastronomic experiences,” said Mr. Israel.

Vikings has redefined the standards of dining class and style with its renowned status of being the largest buffet restaurant in the Philippines. Tong Yang elevates the grill and hotpot dining experience with its outstanding selection of unlimited fresh seafood, meat, and vegetables. Other dining destinations under the Vikings Group include Four Seasons Buffet and Hotpot, Niu by Vikings, Putien, and Mey-Lin.

For more information about PCPPI and its brands, please visit www.pepsiphilippines.com.

 

Food is an essential aspect of life, providing nourishment to the body and inspiring passion among individuals of all ages and social backgrounds. As people's understanding of food and its preparation methods expand, their appreciation for it increases, leading to a deepening interest in the culinary arts. As a result, individuals become avid foodies, savoring each dish and relishing every bite.

Samsung's Bespoke product line offers innovative digital appliances that make life more enjoyable and convenient. With award-winning products such as refrigerators and microwave ovens, Samsung is a leading purveyor in this space. The Bespoke line enables people to have a stylish and efficient way of living. Good food brings people together and can provide comfort, reignite memories, and even mend relationships. Samsung recognizes this and has established itself as a trusted brand in the world of innovative appliances. 

 Food for Fancy

Placing more emphasis on everyone’s fondness on food, Samsung launches their newest digital series entitled “In the Mood For Food”---a heart-warming, feel-good 5-episode series that will capture the attention of every foodie with riveting storytelling and delectable dishes featured.

Each episode of "In the Mood For Food" is themed according to different core messages surrounding the topic of food, ranging from Friendship and Family to Love, Comfort and Tradition, with such topics having an earnest impact on viewers. The series will also feature various characters that are relatable to everyone and their personal stories. Their paths will eventually lead to a diner where they will enjoy a meal and find closure to their different pain points.

At the heart of every episode is Samsung’s Bespoke Home product line, all of which are designed to create a myriad of dishes and to support both professional chefs and home cooks alike through a wide range of functions. 

Let All Things ‘Bespoke’

Samsung Bespoke Products are designed to express yourself in every space. Thus to make your home feel more “you,” utilize customization through Bespoke and elevate your personal spaces with the colors and combinations that are uniquely your own.

If you want to give premium elegance to suit your modern kitchen style, then Samsung Bespoke Refrigerator is the best choice. With Bespoke's modular design concept, you can customize your fridge according to your taste, color and storage preferences, creating a perfect set-up right at your own kitchen.

Meanwhile, Samsung Bespoke Microwave Oven is everyone’s dream oven because it comes in two stylish and tasteful colors to complement your countertop design—clean pink and pure white. It’s not just aesthetically-pleasing, but highly functional, too. The Bespoke Microwave Oven features a Triple Distribution system which allows heat to deeply penetrate food in multiple directions to ensure that everything is cooked evenly and deliciously. Plus, it has an easy to clean interior coated with a smooth, durable ceramic enamel which is highly rust and scratch-resistant, letting your microwave last longer.

Watch the full episodes starting April 17, 2023 on Samsung PH Official Facebook Page and Samsung PH Official Youtube Page. To view and to know more about the lavish recipes, log on to www.samsung.com/ph.

 

Looking for a delicious snack that packs a punch of flavor? Look no further than KariBYTES! This new bite-sized bread is the perfect treat for anyone who loves a savory snack. With a filling of hotdog, cheese, and bacon, each bite is bursting with deliciousness.

KariBYTES is exclusively available at Uncle John's convenience stores across the country and is priced at just Php 32.00, making it an affordable option for anyone looking for a quick and satisfying snack. Plus, since it's made by Robina Farms, a well-known food company, you can trust that it's made with quality ingredients and tastes great.

If you're looking for a new snack to try, be sure to grab a bag of KariBYTES on your next visit to Uncle John's. With its mouth-watering flavors and convenient size, it's the perfect treat for any time of day.

 

Come and experience an epicurean journey with The Manila Hotel’s Champagne Room as they invite you to their ‘A Taste of Japan’ event featuring an exclusive Saga-gyu dinner paired with bespoke wine.

Savor a 7-course dinner filled with delectable dishes prepared by the renowned guest chef, Hiroki Samata, who is a master butcher and classically-trained chef with impeccable knife skills that are admired by many.

 

Hey foodies and lifestyle enthusiasts! I've got some exciting news to share with you all today. Universal Robina Corp's Thai subsidiary has just received two awards that solidify its position as one of Thailand's top producers of quality food products.

The FDA Quality awards were given to URC Thailand after they met all the required standards set by the Ministry of Public Health. This included product quality, environmental-friendly product-packaging-process, and the company's sustainability project, UR Green.

Not only did the company win the award for "Outstanding Food Manufacturer" (which it first won in 2020), but its Dewberry Puff Cake Orange was also named "Outstanding Food Product on the major use of local raw materials".

URC Thailand impressed the judges with its quality inspection and assurance program, its compliance with food safety rules, and its corporate social responsibility and sustainability program. The Dewberry Puff cake was especially recognized as 90% of its ingredients are sourced domestically.