Food is life! I learnt that early and because food is essential for our survival and nourishment. It provides us with energy, nutrients, and sustenance necessary for our bodies to function properly. Moreover, food brings people together, fostering social connections and cultural traditions. It evokes feelings of comfort, pleasure, and satisfaction. The enjoyment of different flavors, textures, and aromas can be a source of great pleasure and can enhance our overall well-being. So, in many ways, food plays a vital role in our lives and is often associated with joy, celebration, and the basic human need for sustenance. This belief was reinforced when I attended Ajinomoto’s event yesterday.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) shared their vision for the Philippines’ at Eat Well, Live Well Towards a Better Tomorrow, a media forum held last September 20, 2023 at Shangri-La The Fort.

The event, hosted by multi-hyphenate power mom Iya Villania Arellano, was held as part of the company’s 65th anniversary celebration and brought to light how APC aims to be a significant ally of Filipinos for many more decades to come in terms of advancing proper nutrition and sustainability.

From the discovery of umami – the fifth basic taste which paved the launched on AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning in 1909, the Ajinomoto Group has grown to be the word’s leading maker of amino acids with operation based 36 countries and regions worldwide.

Its first landing in the Philippines was in 1958 and since then, the company has become a staple in Filipino household kitchen making delicious meals with products such as such as Ajinomoto Ginisa Flavor Seasoning Mix, Crispy Fry® breading mix, and Sarsaya® oyster sauce to name a few. Leveraging its amino science expertise, Ajinomoto has helped hundreds of thousands of Filipinos cook more flavorful—and more nutritious—meals.

“Since the discovery of umami, the journey of Ajinomoto Group to contribute to the well-being of society has begun.The original aspiration captured with our corporate slogan “Eat Well, Live Well” remains true to present times.”, shared by APC President Koichi Ozaki.

One highlight of the event was the “The Umami Experience” where media guests were treated to a sensorial sampling of umami-rich foods to appreciate its difference from the other basic tastes like sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.

In line with Philippines nutrition challenges, which was the focal message of keynote speaker Miss Eloisa Villaraza, Nutritionist-Dieticians Association of the Philippines (NDAP) president, a fireside talk on power of nutrition followed suit. This was participated by Dr. Jansen Calalan – lifestyle medical doctor, Debbie Fajarda RND – registered nutritionist-dietician and APC Nutrition Advancement Manager, Roann Co – APC General Manager for Corporate Planning and Public Relations and Chef Sau del Rosario – renown chef.

Opening the segment on sustainability was a special message from Mr. Crispian Lao, President of the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS). This was followed by presentation from APC Chief Sustainability Officer Ernie Carlos detailing APC’s roadmap towards more environmentally responsible practices.

“As the global movement towards sustainable and equitable development accelerates, companies are faced with the challenge of adopting their own sustainable initiatives. At APC, guided by the Ajinomoto Group Creating Shared Values ASV) Principles, we see this as an opportunity to foster environmental stewardship among Filipinos in order to build sustainable communities.” – shared by E. Carlos.

Closing out the forum was a presentation by APC Research and Development Department Head Madelin Dofiles on the unique value of Ajinomoto’s technology in terms of food ingredients contributing to the advancement of food industry’s health and wellness and sustainable procurement.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation has cemented its place in Filipino lives by being a trusted partner in our kitchens for 65 years. With new plans coming up to help Filipinos not only achieve better health through nutrition, but also live in a healthier environment, APC is setting the stage for even stronger years to follow.