Product Showcase
Vermiculture/Vermicomposting: Growing Earth’s Angels
Solving the global garbage problem with the seemingly lowly earthworms.
When Antonio de Castro, who grew up in the US, returned to live in the Philippines, one of the things he noticed was the relatively high volume of trash – most of them biodegradable, including drying leaves and kitchen wastes – that littered the streets of their compound in San Francisco del Monte in Quezon City. This is not to mention National Solid Waste Management Commission estimates that in Metro Manila alone, 6,169 tons of garbage are generated daily, with food and kitchen waste (all biodegradable) accounting for about 45% of the total volume, a figure expected to double by end-2010. This prompted De Castro to consider an alternative, and better, waste disposal system that is chemical-free, with the establishment of Earthworm Sanctuary, which is into vermiculture and vermicomposting.
Focusing on vermicomposting, “the ‘vermi’ or earthworms are important in enriching the soil with organic matter, which comes from biodegradable materials, such as dead plants and animals which the earthworms ingest,” De Castro says in an earlier interview by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, adding how, with vermicomposting, the lowly worms live up to their name, which, in Chinese character, means “angels of the earth.”
Vermiculture is the production of earthworms as fresh or processed feeds, with earthworms used as live feed or vermimeal for fish, prawn, fowl, and birds; while vermicomposting refers to the use of earthworms in turning organic wastes into vermicompost (also known as vermicast, worm compost, worm castings, worm humus, or worm manure), natural fertilizer and soil conditioner.
And so a new way to ecopreneurship is put in focus.
EASY DOES IT
Vermiculture and vermicomposting may have been around for a while, but, even with the growing awareness on environmental practices, it is arguably only with the increasing business viability that the practices are getting another look. After all, even as early as 1993, the demand for organic fertilizers, such as those produced through vermicomposting, was 6.25 billion bags (50 kilograms per bag), with an actual consumption of 62,000 metric tons. This is in response to the growing world consumption of organically grown foods, estimated at $100 billion per year.
And with the Philippines having approximately 2.5 million hectares of land for possible use to cultivate organic fertilizer (even as early as 1993, too), it shows promise in responding to the demand.
For De Castro, vermicomposting is a “simple technology that does not require a big capital and intensive labor.” In fact, ecopreneurs can start the practice with less than P1,000, considering that a kilo of earthworms only costs from P500 to P1,000. Add to the worms the basic materials for the making of earthworm beds, including hollow blocks, plastic sheets, used fishing nets, and a shredder (though this is optional, since earthworms themselves shred the substrates, which, at homes, include discarded vegetable, animal manure, rice hull (ipa), sawdust (kusot), hay (dayami), and leaves.
With worms, though, that there’s money to be made in trash is given new meaning.
GOOD WORMS
With the good things that come with vermiculture and vermicomposting, De Castro remains optimistic about their future.
At the Earthworm Sanctuary, where they use the African nightcrawler species – first introduced in the Philippines by Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III, executive director of the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research Development, in the 1980s), a voracious processor of organic wastes, which has a high reproductive rate (an adult breeding earthworm produces 3.6 cocoons per week) while thriving in a wide range of environments – about 500 kilos or half a ton of vermicompost are produced every month.
“We have now reached the stage where, because of the voracity of the earthworms, we have to ask around for leaves and grass to feed our earthworms,” De Castro was quoted as saying by the PDI.
And this is the one kind of voracity that is beneficial to the whole world.
For more information, contact Earthworm Sanctuary at earthwormsanctuary@yahoo.com, SMS/call (+63) 9189385726, or visit Earthworms Philippines.
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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