Product Showcase
EasyBrand eyes to revolutionize Phl food service industry
EasyBrand Philippines has a range of ready-to-use sauces, flavored syrups, powdered bases, concentrates, and dips that make cooking more convenient for food and beverage entrepreneurs.
The food service industry has long been dominated by international brands and the products are often offered at prices that are not accessible to small and medium-sized food businesses. The good news is that there is now a Filipino foodservice brand that is helping small businesses scale up with products that are convenient to use and affordable.
EasyBrand Philippines has a range of ready-to-use sauces, flavored syrups, powdered bases, concentrates, and dips that make cooking more convenient for food and beverage entrepreneurs. Among their best sellers are the Cheesecake powder, Red Velvet Frappe powder, Cream Base Frappe, Milk Essence Powder, Dark Chocolate Powder, Wintermelon Flavored syrup, Brown Sugar Syrup, Hokkaido Syrup, Okinawa Syrup, Rock Salt and Cheese Foam Powder, and 5 Minute- Tapioca Pearls; while cooked food entrepreneurs patronize their ready-to-use sauces and ready mix powders, such as Teriyaki Sauce, Soy Garlic Sauce, Barbecue Sauce, and Garlic Parmesan Cheese Powder, Salted Egg Powder, and Cheese Sauce Powder Mix.
The idea for the concept came from EasyBrand President and CEO Mark Wang’s foray into the food industry via a Mexican restaurant that he put up in Quezon City back in 2012. Realizing the challenges of gathering his ingredients, he decided to offer baking supplies via his foodservice venture Top Chefs Food Supplies in 2014. When the milk tea craze hit the country in 2017, he offered a formulation that combines the creamer and flavoring for a more stable and consistent beverage product that can compete with international brands. “While most of the other suppliers imported their products from Taiwan or China, we are a proudly Filipino brand that sources local ingredients,” he says.
Known for its strict adherence to food safety and quality with product standards certifications from the Philippine Food and Drug Administration, the company is now preparing for global distribution to countries such as the US, Dubai, Canada, Singapore, Italy, and Japan. “We want to promote our country by offering high-quality products. What’s more we are supporting Philippine agriculture by sourcing whatever we can locally. We are also planning to bring Filipino flavors to other countries, such as our melon and durian,” says Sales Director Andrei Lim.
Supporting local businesses
In the Philippines, many home-based food businesses were established during the height of the pandemic as a way for Filipinos to augment their livelihood and support their families. EasyBrand has an advocacy to help these small and medium businesses grow by offering them products that eliminate the need to source ingredients from the market and lessen their preparation time.
With EasyBrand, quality meets affordability, says Wang. “We offer the highest product yield with consistent quality. Aside from the quality of the food that they offer, we want to ensure that they have profits. That is why we make sure that these ingredients are cost-effective for businesses and that our products are FDA-approved. We want to ensure that we can all bounce back from the pandemic and one way to do that is to ensure that our small businesses grow. Our entrepreneurs are part of our economic recovery and with Easy Brand, our MSMEs can have easy-to-use ingredients that are of high quality.”
Another advantage with EasyBrand is that the products are easier to store and require less equipment for food prep. “With our products, they don’t need more storage space or freezer space for ingredients. Our coffee syrup, which is made from real coffee, they don’t need to buy machines to grind, roast, and brew their beans,” Wang adds.
“We can also help them branch out to other locations without sacrificing the same consistency and standard of their food items. With Easy Brand’s products, their customers can have the same quality of food orders in all their locations,” explains Lim.
EasyBrand has partnered with Celebrity Chef Boy Logro to help food entrepreneurs discover the recipe possibilities of their Easy Pro sauces, powders, and mixes. Chef Logro, who has worked in international kitchens says it is about time that a Filipino brand brings the same level of quality that can help Filipino “kusineros” level up. “It is time to embrace the new technology in our way of cooking. Even big international hotels use pre-prepared soups, consommés and sauces. I am proud that we now have a Filipino brand that can compete with them, at a more affordable price, and your food quality is consistent every time” He encourages more Filipino cooks to experience the versatility of the Easy brand products through cooking demonstrations on his Youtube channel.
The EasyBrand website, social media accounts, and app have recipes that demonstrate how easy it is to incorporate their products into your recipes. They are also launching a live caravan that will not only feature cooking demos but also give entrepreneurs tips on how to manage and grow their food business.
EasyBrand products may be ordered through their official website and inquiries may be directed through their Facebook page. The brand is also available through online shopping platforms. For more information and to view the brand catalog and recipes, visit www.easybrandph.com.
NewsMakers
Pru Life UK’s product guarantees 4% annual cash payout for 7 years
Customers’ principal money is secured with 100% cash back guarantee or return of the premium paid if the insured is still around after the 7-year insurance coverage period or maturity of the policy. The cash back gives comfort to families of a stable financial future.
Pru Life UK launches a new product designed to provide Filipinos life insurance coverage while also allowing them to earn returns with rates comparable with those from a high-yielding time deposit. PRULove Wealth uniquely offers 4% annual cash payout, 100% cash back, and up to 125% insurance coverage.*
Regardless of market conditions, customers can rely on a guaranteed 4% annual payout based on the single premium paid. PRULove Wealth complements their traditional bank deposit and fixed income-generating financial assets. The steady earnings assure them and their families cash to celebrate life’s milestones, boost personal savings, and provide an extra layer of financial cushion.
Customers’ principal money is secured with 100% cash back guarantee or return of the premium paid if the insured is still around after the 7-year insurance coverage period or maturity of the policy. The cash back gives comfort to families of a stable financial future.
The life insurance coverage of up to 125% based on the single premium gives the customers wealth protection for their families. Whatever happens to the insured, the beneficiary gets the whole proceeds up to 25% higher than the principal.*
“PRULove Wealth solidifies our unwavering commitment to being the Filipino families’ most trusted partners and protectors by providing financial solutions that address their evolving needs. With the guaranteed benefits of our new product, we aim to help more customers achieve financial protection and their wealth aspirations,” shares Allan Tumbaga, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer & Marketing Officer.
PRULove Wealth can help customers who want a convenient one-time pay life insurance product that reaps an uninterrupted flow of cash and secured legacy without worrying about market volatility.
Pru Life UK maintains its industry’s top position in New Business Annual Premium Equivalent & total Premium Income from Variable Life Insurance products according to the Insurance Commission’s Life Insurance Sector Quarterly Statistics for Q3 2023.
Its wide range of products is accessible through its over 42,000 digitally-empowered agency force and like-minded ecosystems and digital partners.
Product Showcase
Introducing Taco Bell’s ‘Cupid’s Choice Valentine’s Special Combo’
Make every moment count with 1 Crunchy Taco Supreme, 1 Burrito Shawarma, 1 serving of Oreo Chocodilla, a side of Nachos Sprinkle, and 2 servings of Ruby Fruity Freeze for dine-in or 2 12oz. servings of soda for delivery, all for just P499!
This season of love, Taco Bell has cooked up an irresistible offer to help you show how much you adore that special someone! You’ll be love-struck like never before with the Cupid’s Choice Valentine’s Special Combo, available for a limited only!
Make every moment count with 1 Crunchy Taco Supreme, 1 Burrito Shawarma, 1 serving of Oreo Chocodilla, a side of Nachos Sprinkle, and 2 servings of Ruby Fruity Freeze for dine-in or 2 12oz. servings of soda for delivery, all for just P499!
Enjoy an all-time Taco Bell classic with the Crunchy Taco Supreme, made with a crunchy taco shell that’s filled to the brim with perfectly seasoned Mexican-style ground beef, topped with a special sauce, and then garnished with shredded fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and grated cheddar cheese.
Indulge in the Middle Eastern inspired Shawarma Burrito, made with Mexican-style ground beef topped with diced onions, tomatoes, and cucumber, and generously drizzled with Taco Bell’s rich and creamy garlic sauce, all encased in a soft and tender tortilla wrap.
Stay refreshed with sips of your Ruby Fruity Fizz or soda, and munch on some Nachos Sprinkle between each bite.
Finally, satisfy your sweet tooth with 2 slices of Oreo Chocodilla, a delectable treat made with gooey, melted dark chocolate, chewy marshmallows, and chunks of crushed Oreo cookies, all nestled in a lightly grilled tortilla wrap.
The Cupid’s Choice Valentine’s Special Combo will be available until February 29, 2024 only, so make sure to order today if you don’t want to miss this offer!
.Get it together with your other favorites from Taco Bell by visiting your nearest branch for dine-in and take out orders, or by calling the 8911-1111 hotline for delivery. You can also order through Taco Bell’s official delivery partners GrabFood, foodpanda, and Pickaroo (prices may vary). Never miss the latest news, offers, and deals from Taco Bell by following and giving the brand a like on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
Product Showcase
Victoria Court reveals secrets on popular themed suites for Valentine’s Day
Anyone who’s been inside these themed suites can attest that the beauty is in the details. From the Red Light, Green Light guns to the MRT train hand railings and color schemes, the rooms are designed accurately. Maybe too accurately.
Love motels are an open secret to us, and over the years, Victoria Court has been unveiling one themed room after another. You may have heard of their Squid Room suite at the height of the show’s popularity (pandemic doom, we feel you) or their juicy and sweaty nudge to Filipino daily commute (and JAV chikan) with their MRT-inspired room.
Anyone who’s been inside these themed suites can attest that the beauty is in the details. From the Red Light, Green Light guns to the MRT train hand railings and color schemes, the rooms are designed accurately. Maybe too accurately.
After all, aren’t guests the ‘main character’ of their fantasies?
Speaking of getting into your main character era, who isn’t planning a spicy, steamy experience this Valentine’s Day? Whether we hide it or not, it’s been a long-standing tradition for Victoria Court to create an adult playground for love and intimacy this time of the year.
Victoria Court Owner Atticus King weighs in on how they’ve turned the drive-in motel chain’s themed suites from ideas into guests’ short-lived realities: “I had a professor once say, a room is a room is a room. With that in mind, we thought about how important it is to go beyond that, we wanted to give them an experience they couldn’t just get anywhere and that would make a mental mark and become a core memory. “Remember that time we went to VC…”
Yes, how could one forget a rendezvous night spent with their partner trying to live happily ever after? Victoria Court’s Ever After room in Pasig can do just the trick. The room’s jacuzzi is their biggest one yet, and you can literally float on it without touching the sides of the tub. Talk about real happy endings, right?
You’d also be surprised to know which themed rooms are well-suited to the Filipino taste. “We have the most number of suites in our Panorama Branch in Pasig. There, our top 10 busiest rooms are CLOY, Chips, Squid Room, Oval Office, Venice, Bachelor’s Pad, Moulin Rouge, Cirque, 50 Shades, and yes, Princess Jasmine,” Chief Operating Officer Sam Pineda reveals.
We’re not here to gatekeep on other steamy perks these rooms have to offer. “Aside from custom-built jacuzzis, we have rooms with playful additions like places to strap folks in. Our Homerun and Casting Couch rooms in Pasig are good examples,” Pineda adds.
Of course, behind each themed room is a story of how it came to be. “It’s a combination of looking at what is trending, what is underserved, and what we think looks fun. When we built the Oval Office room, my father [the late Archie King] said I’d end up losing my visa because it was a replica of the Oval Office but my selling point was how often can you say I’ve partied in the Oval Office? The room was a hit when we launched it and I didn’t lose my visa,” King explains, laughing.
But how exactly does the motel chain decide which fandom or Netflix show will turn into the next themed suite? “We have several recipes but to be honest, sometimes themes we think will be a big hit just do okay and others that are okay do exceptionally well. We always listen to our guests and we try to design themes to make their crazy fantasies real,” King says.
Even then, Victoria Court has moved away from its public perception of being a mere ‘biglang-liko’ or place for illicit affairs to a hotel chain that hosts (wholesome) parties and offers an award-winning food menu.
“The bigger suites are typically what end up hosting parties (and some couple stays). For couple stays, we find that while some regulars have a favorite room, others prefer not to use a room they’ve already seen – and that’s what’s beautiful about it,” Pineda explains. “You can choose or you can just go for any and be (pleasantly) surprised!”
Guests, despite being discreet, aren’t shy to offer a thought or two about these rooms. “We’ve received great feedback from either camp, with some loving the variety, while others have a favorite jacuzzi, enjoying the special effects, the tantra chair, or even something as simple as preferring rooms with more mirrors.” Pineda says.
Not all themed rooms are here to stay, though. But some rooms are classics and crowd-favorites that guests will always come back to now and then. “When we see a certain theme starting to look dated, we decide whether to reinvest to upgrade it or what we fondly like to call belo and make it fresh again or we take a vote on what new theme we can reintroduce.”
But more than rooms to play out fantasies is a vision to create an adult Disney experience for King: “I think our product will continue to evolve to serve couples looking for an experience that will bring them right to the edge of their comfort zone and inject that feeling of adventure.”
Well, folks, it’s time to head over to the nearest Victoria Court branch this Valentine’s Day and see their themed suites for yourself. You’ll never know what you’ll find there–a newfound fantasy or a tantalizing experience that will keep you on your toes, craving for more.
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