Product Showcase
Rediscovering the Salts of the Earth
While all for health, the over-emphasis on supposedly only using iodized salt for consumption makes us forget the other salts actually exist – and these, many abounding in the Philippines, are truly worth discovering. Introducing the organic coarse rock sea salt of General Santos City, organic coarse rock sea salt of Mindoro, and fine sea salt of Ilocos.

Introducing the organic coarse rock sea salt of General Santos City, organic coarse rock sea salt of Mindoro, and fine sea salt of Ilocos.
Like many, I grew up knowing of only two general types of salt: the “good” salt, and the “bad” salt. Much of this concept (of what’s good or what’s bad) is based on the existence of Republic Act 8172, otherwise known as the “Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide” (or ASIN Law) – a somewhat older law that many may have heard of, but we do not exactly lengthily discuss even though it affects our day-to-day living (at least for as long as we eat).
Enacted in 1996 to help eliminate iodine deficiency disorders (IDD, the leading preventable cause of mental and physical retardation in the world) in the Philippines, the ASIN Law mandates the addition of an iodine fortificant to salt intended for human consumption, based on specifications prescribed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – a move considered to be a sustainable (since it is cost-efficient) strategy to address iodine deficiency among people.
Growing up Filipino, therefore, meant being familiar with (mainly only) iodized salt used as table salt – a development that somewhat automatically (and somewhat sadly) created the “good” salt versus “bad” salt dichotomy.
While all for health, however, the over-emphasis (on supposedly only using iodized salt for consumption) makes us forget the other salts actually exist – and these, many abounding in the Philippines, are truly worth discovering.
Introducing the organic coarse rock sea salt of General Santos City, organic coarse rock sea salt of Mindoro, and fine sea salt of Ilocos – all offered by Makati City’s The Ritual at The Collective.
No, salts are not all – plain and simple – salty. In fact, salts are… complex, largely because they could taste differently, depending on where they come from; with the differences in tastes, therefore, they may be used for various purposes.
Take for instance the organic coarse rock sea salt from General Santos City. Coming in bigger than usual rocks, this tastes at first like… there’s nothing there; and then, after a while, the saltiness surfaces. As such, numerous chefs prefer using this for steaks, or grills, with the saltiness surfacing as the meats are getting cooked, thereby adding to the flavors. Because of the “delayed” surfacing of flavor, too, this is good for salads, again adding to – not overwhelming – the taste of the goods to be had.
The sun-dried organic coarse rock sea salt from General Santos City sells for P95 per 350 grams.
Then there’s the organic coarse rock sea salt from Mindoro, somewhat like the “typical” salt being used, sans the “pait” (or bitterness) left by iodized salt in the mouth. In not so many words, this one is a clean-tasting salt, and only slightly briny. This is preferred by many when preparing cuisines with “sabaw” (broth) – think “sinigang” and the likes.
The organic coarse rock sea salt from Mindoro sells from P75 per 200 grams.
And then there’s the fine sea salt from Ilocos, prepared with the sea water first filtered through sand, and then evaporated via wood heat. No iodine is added, resulting in a clear flavor (again, sans that “pait” that iodized salt leaves in the mouth). Maybe it’s just me, but this salt is somewhat… sweetish, considering it’s salt. As such, it’s great for sautés (think vegetables and all). Or use with chocolate, coffee beans, and baked goods.
The fine sea salt from Ilocos sells from P70 per 100 grams.
Who’d have thought rediscovering salt can be… palate-awakening?
So go check to discover.
The Ritual is at The Collective, Malugay St., San Antonio Village, Makati City. For more information, call (+63 2) 400 4326; or visit www.ritualshop.com.
Product Showcase
Sarap ng Pasko, Sarap ng Purefoods
Purefoods helps families celebrate cherished traditions, new additions this holiday season.
In a country of more than 7,600 islands, Christmas in the Philippines is celebrated in many ways, varying across the regions through traditions that have remained through generations, along with new iterations that reflect the growing diversity among Filipino families.
Today’s Christmas celebrations in Filipino households range from grand gatherings among extended families, along with OFW households, dual-income no kids (DINKs) couples, single parents, and same-gender partners who are marking the season in their own meaningful way. Through it all, the desire to gather, to share, and to connect remains at the heart of each celebration.
Feast for Filipino families
This holiday season, Purefoods recognizes both the traditions that have been passed down through generations, along with the new meaningful ones that we create along the way. Around the Noche Buena table, families remember the Christmases past, while embracing the present, and celebrating what brings them together.
Whether its recipes that have been handed down through many generations, or new dishes to celebrate the joy of togetherness, Purefoods provides a wide range of products to make every holiday meal more memorable.
As a legacy brand with generations-long trusted consistency in quality and taste, Purefoods products have long been a part of occasions that matter most to Filipino families. The different Purefoods products help make homecooked Noche Buena feasts easier and more enjoyable. What’s more, the products are easily available in supermarkets, groceries, and markets to support different regional traditions and unique family celebrations across the country.
As part of its mission to spread Christmas cheer, Purefoods turned the homecoming of OFWs into a full-blown holiday celebration this December, taking center stage at the newly refreshed Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 just as its new facilities officially opened. Seizing this landmark moment, the “Sarap ng Pasko, Sarap ng Purefoods” installation at the Arrival area and a dazzling LED display at the new Mezzanine Food Hall transformed the terminal into a festive gateway home, filling arrivals with warmth, joy, and inspiration to create new Christmas memories with their loved ones through food.
Food that is lovingly prepared and joyfully shared is at the core of every Christmas celebration. No matter how Filipino families celebrate, Purefoods helps bring the joy of the season to every table.
Product Showcase
Christmas reunions made more joyful with Magnolia Chicken Timplados, #SarapMadeEasy
Magnolia Chicken Timplados makes meals that are easy to prepare and comes in flavorful options, removing the stress out of meal preparation. Just cook and it’s ready to be served in minutes.
With the Christmas season in, one of the most anticipated moments for many people is the Christmas reunion – a time when family and friends gather to celebrate and reconnect. However, the idea of preparing a delicious Christmas feast can be overwhelming and can lead to stress. Between planning the menu, grocery shopping, and cooking, it’s easy to feel like the holidays are more about hustle than a joyful celebration.
That is why Magnolia Chicken Timplados makes meals that are easy to prepare and comes in flavorful options, removing the stress out of meal preparation. Just cook and it’s ready to be served in minutes! Whether it’s Fried Chicken or Smoked Pepper Roasted Chicken, it is made with quality, real chicken, that’s sure to win hearts at any Christmas reunion feast, bringing families and friends together over meals filled with joy, flavor, and festive warmth.
- Fried Chicken: Magnolia Fried Chicken delivers golden, delicious and crispy goodness right to your Christmas table. A classic favorite because it is simple yet celebratory, Magnolia Fried Chicken captures the heart of Christmas cooking: togetherness, indulgence, and the joy of sharing something made with love. It is perfect for family feasts or holiday get-togethers with friends because it’s pre-marinated, just coat with breading and deep fry. It saves a lot of time and energy, keeping your cooking hassle-free.
- Smoked Pepper Roasted Chicken: What better way to enjoy the holidays than by savoring an aromatic, hearty roasted chicken? Magnolia Smoked Pepper Roasted Chicken brings a classic favorite to an entirely new level! What makes it special is its bold yet balanced flavor – the smoky aroma mingling with sweet, caramelized skin, the sharp bite of pepper meeting the natural richness of roast chicken. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet sophisticated enough for entertaining guests. There’s no need to worry about the tiresome task of seasoning the chicken and marinating overnight, as it can be cooked straight in the oven or air fryer. It is a special delight for everyone to enjoy, especially during gatherings around the table with loved ones.
With ready to cook Magnolia Chicken Timplados, it’s possible to enjoy a delectable holiday meal without the chaos of traditional cooking. Sarap Super Moms and Timplanners can spend less time worrying about the kitchen, leaving more time to create happy and unforgettable moments to cherish with loved ones.
Lasapin ang #SarapMadeEasy meals this Christmas with Magnolia Chicken Timplados! #CountlessMomentsEndlessGoodness
To learn more about Magnolia Ready-to-Cook Chicken Timplados, visit magnoliachicken.com or follow Magnolia Chicken on social media.
Product Showcase
Sip the magic of Christmas with Seattle’s Best S’mores Ghirardelli Collection
Each drink captures the comforting spirit of Christmas with rich chocolate indulgence and a touch of sweetness that feels like a cozy holiday hug.
There’s something about S’mores that brings people together—melting chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and moments that feel like home. This holiday season, Seattle’s Best Coffee and Ghirardelli are turning that warmth into a cup with the S’mores Collection Made with Ghirardelli. Each drink captures the comforting spirit of Christmas with rich chocolate indulgence and a touch of sweetness that feels like a cozy holiday hug.
Starting November 2025, chocolate lovers can indulge in this limited-edition collection in Seattle’s Best Coffee stores nationwide and via GrabFood and FoodPanda.





What Makes the S’mores Collection Special?
- A Taste of Comfort – Inspired by the familiar joy of S’mores, each drink blends marshmallow sweetness, velvety chocolate, and bold coffee warmth for that fireside feeling—no campfire needed.
- Premium Collaboration – Made with Ghirardelli’s signature chocolate and Seattle’s Best bold espresso, delivering a smooth, indulgent coffee experience that feels festive and luxurious.
- Crafted for Every Craving – From hot to iced to blended, there’s a S’mores drink for every holiday mood, perfect for sharing cozy moments or treating yourself to something special.
Find Your Perfect Holiday Match
Whether you’re sipping by the tree, catching up with friends, or gifting yourself a well-deserved break, there’s a S’mores Collection drink for every kind of Christmas craving.
- Hot S’mores Ghirardelli – Cozy up with this comforting blend of Ghirardelli chocolate powder, rich espresso, and creamy marshmallow meringue, topped with a dark chocolate drizzle and crushed graham cracker. It’s Christmas warmth in a cup.
- Iced S’mores Ghirardelli – A refreshing yet indulgent twist that combines bold espresso, Ghirardelli chocolate, and half & half over ice, finished with marshmallow meringue and a graham cracker crunch.
- S’mores Javakula – A frozen holiday treat that blends Ghirardelli chocolate, marshmallow meringue, dark chocolate sauce, and graham cracker bits, perfect for cooling down while staying in the holiday spirit.
Make Your Holidays Sweeter
The Seattle’s Best Coffee x Ghirardelli S’mores Collection is available for a limited ti
me in all Seattle’s Best Coffee stores nationwide and via GrabFood and FoodPanda.
Indulge in the rich, chocolatey comfort of the holidays—warm, bold, and oh-so-delightful with every sip of Seattle’s Best Coffee’s S’mores Collection.
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