The Manila Hotel Expands its Vegan and Vegetarian Culinary Selections

The Manila Hotel, long regarded as the Grand Dame of the Philippines, broadens its culinary offerings with an enriched selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes now available across all dining outlets. Led by executive chef Konrad Walter, with the support of consultant Riza Shanti Lim, the initiative reflects the hotel’s commitment to inclusive, ingredient-driven, and sustainable cuisine.

This development comes after an intimate dinner hosted at the Champagne Salon, where members of the media were served an elegant vegetarian set menu. The experience was met with glowing feedback, proving that meat-free dining can be both refined and indulgent.

“Our menus are rooted in freshness and balance,” said executive chef Konrad Walter. “We focus on seasonal produce and non-processed ingredients to create dishes that are not only nutritious, but also full of flavor. We’ve seen guests try them out of curiosity, and walk away surprised at how satisfying and complex vegan cuisine can be.”

Vegan and Vegetarian Selections Across The Manila Hotel

From light bites to full-course meals, the hotel’s restaurants now offer a wider range of vegan and vegetarian dishes inspired by global flavors and classic techniques.

At the renowned buffet restaurant Café Ilang-Ilang, guests can enjoy a rotating selection of vegan dishes, primarily available at the Halal station, with additional vegan-friendly offerings thoughtfully incorporated across various stations. Diners can still indulge in the diverse international flavors Café Ilang-Ilang is known and loved for, ensuring a well-rounded, globally inspired dining experience for everyone.

Champagne Room, the hotel’s premier fine dining restaurant, elevates the vegan experience with a Vegan Degustation Menu that changes monthly. Each rotation showcases a refined selection of meat-free courses, crafted to highlight seasonal produce and elegant presentation.

At the hotel’s Chinese fine dining restaurant, Red Jade, meat-free dishes take center stage with a Vegetarian Set Menu featuring Vegetarian Peking Duck, Hot and Sour Soup with Vegetable Dumpling, Braised Potato Eggplant, and Chilled Coconut Jelly with Avocado, to name a few. A la carte dishes like Vegetable with Bean Curd Soup and Stir-Fried Vegetables and Mushroom in Crispy Taro Ring further expand the meat-free repertoire.

At the Lobby Lounge and Tap Room, diners can enjoy vegetarian favorites such as Pizza Bello Giardino, Vegetable Samosa, Spring Rolls, and Fresh Grilled Tofu Salad. Vegan options include Whole Wheat Penne Primavera, and a hearty new addition, the Vegan Portobello Mushroom Burger.

At the Delicatessen, guests will find a line of handcrafted vegan pralines in flavors like strawberry, mango, peanut butter, and fruits and nuts. These are joined by the luscious Vegan Almond Chocolate Cake, a sweet yet guilt-free indulgence.

For guests who prefer to dine in the comfort of their room, In-Room Dining also features an existing array of vegan and vegetarian options, including Vegetable Spring Rolls, Pizza Bello Giardino, Vegetable Maki, Vegetable Samosa, Mezze Plate, Matar Paneer, Tofu and Vegetable Chopsuey, among others.

A Distinctly Vegan Banquet Experience

For private functions and celebrations, The Manila Hotel now offers a Vegan Set Menu, developed by consultant Riza Shanti Lim and executed by The Manila Hotel’s culinary team. This multi-course menu includes Fresh Garden Spring Rolls in Peanut Cream Sauce, Papaine Moringa Soup with Crisps, Pako Fern Salad with Watermelon, Vegan Skewers, 8 Spice Curry, Creamed Buko Pandan Plaintain with Chia Seeds. To complete the experience, guests are served two signature beverages: the JL Blend, inspired by The Manila Hotel’s president Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., and Amrutha Tea, a gently brewed herbal infusion.

A Continuing Legacy of Excellence and Inclusivity

With the expansion of its vegan and vegetarian offerings, The Manila Hotel embraces the global shift toward plant-based dining without losing sight of its rich culinary heritage. This direction reflects a forward-thinking approach to hospitality, one that welcomes evolving guest preferences while setting a new standard for conscious, world-class cuisine.

For more information or reservations, call +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500, email restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com, or visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph

Green Rebel Aims High: Pioneering the Plant-Based Revolution with Bold Expansion Plans in the Philippines

Manila, Philippines - Green Rebel, Southeast Asia’s leading alternative protein start-up offering whole-cut plant-based meat and dairy-free cheese options, is excited to expand its presence into the Philippines, marking a significant step towards its mission of revolutionizing the Asian plant-based dining landscape. The company's innovative approach focuses on crafting mouth watering plant-based meat and chicken, as well as melting dairy-free cheese and condiments - delivering delicious and sustainable alternatives to traditional animal-based products

Green Rebel, co-founded in 2020 by long-time vegans Helga Angelina Tjahjadi and Max Mandias, who also own Burgreens, Indonesia's largest plant-based eatery chain, is driven by a powerful philosophy of providing healthy, affordable, and delicious plant-based meals to Asian consumers seeking flexitarian (flexible vegetarian) and plant-based alternatives. By encouraging individuals to embrace healthier and greener choices, Green Rebel not only caters to diverse dietary preferences but also fulfills its commitment to reducing the negative impact of traditional animal agriculture on the environment.

Green Rebel offers a diverse range of plant-based products including Asian-inspired dishes such as Beefless Rendang, Chick’n Karaage, Chick’n Satay, to Cheddar Cheeze, and Asia’s first whole-cut steak made from plants. With a wide range of products, Green Rebel takes pride in using wholefoods ingredients, s.a. shiitake mushrooms in its beefless range, non-GMO soy in its chicken category, and cashew in its dairy-free cheese & sauces. All Green Rebel products are high in protein, rich in fiber, lower in saturated fat, and free from cholesterol. The meats are developed specifically for different Asian culinary applications and the flavored products are authentically Asian. All ingredients are sustainably sourced from the region with natural herbs from Indonesia.

In addition to its roots in Indonesia and successful expansion into the Philippines, Green Rebel has firmly established its presence across various Asia Pacific regions, including Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, and most recently, Vietnam.

Green Rebel has set its sights on becoming a key player in the burgeoning plant-based food industry in the Philippines. The company's vision is to make plant-based options a mainstream choice, promoting sustainable and healthier eating habits through exciting culinary innovations.

As part of its expansion strategy, the company is working diligently to establish partnerships with various grocery stores, supermarkets, and select food service outlets in the country. Since it recognizes the importance of building a sustainable and efficient supply chain that can properly meet the increasing demand for plant-based alternatives, Green Rebel actively looks for partnerships and collaborations with local partners and stakeholders in the Philippines namely Santan by AirAsia, Tierra Cafe, Haribowl Vegetarian Kitchen, Berdelish Imus Vegan Store (Retail), The Vegan Grocer (retail), real food (retail), EVE Grocer (retail), Berdeeats (e-commerce), Mayani (e-commerce), and Vegore (e-commerce).

"According to Charting Asia’s Protein Report - Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia and the Philippines will only be able to decarbonize by ending supply chain deforestation (importing soy and corn from Brazil and Argentina for animal feed), stopping the growth of animal protein consumption by 2030, and transitioning to alternative protein to 60% of total protein volume by 2060.

Green Rebel's venture into the Philippine market marks a significant milestone in our mission to create a more sustainable, healthy, and delicious future for all,” said Helga Angelina Tjahjadi, Green Rebel’s Co-Founder and CEO. “We are excited to bring our Asian-flavored whole-cut plant-based meat and chicken to the Philippines, empowering individuals to make healthier and environmentally conscious choices without compromising on taste. Together with our local partners, we make plant-based food easily accessible in every corner of the nation."

In alignment to its vision across Asia, Green Rebel hopes to give Filipinos accessible and healthy alternatives to their usual diets, as well as to offer several benefits which can positively impact their lives. Most notably, the plant-based meals and products offer a healthier alternative to traditional meat-based diets. By promoting plant-based eating, Green Rebel can contribute to reducing health issues such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Filipinos who adopt a more plant-forward diet may experience improved overall well-being and better nutritional intake.

With its eventual expansion into the Philippines, Green Rebel aspires to empower people to make healthier choices without compromising on taste and quality. By infusing authentic Asian flavors and spices into their products, creating an enticing, and appealing to individuals in Asia and beyond.

For more information on Green Rebel and its products, please visit its official website, as well as its social media pages ( Facebook | Instagram | TikTok ).

Century Pacific Plant-Based Brands Allow Consumers to Help Plant Trees for Mother Earth

How would you like to buy your favorite plant-based products and help the environment by having a coconut tree planted on your behalf?

To celebrate Earth Week 2021, Century Pacific Food Inc (CNPF), one of the largest branded food companies in the Philippines, is enjoining consumers to join its mission to give back to Mother Earth and to Philippine coconut farmers by planting trees to increase coconut supply, help the environment, and minimize carbon emissions.

CNPF, in partnership with non-profit organization HOPE, encourages and challenges its customers to plant a tree, support our local farmers, and minimize carbon emissions through its portfolio of healthy brands – Coco Mama, Vita Coco, and unMeat.

Coco Mama and Vita Coco offer consumers a convenient way to enjoy the goodness of coconuts – rich in potassium, high in antioxidants, and with healthy benefits for the heart, kidney, and blood sugar. UnMeat, a 100% plant-based brand, is a healthy meat alternative made with non-GMO plant-based ingredients, zero cholesterol and trans-fat, while remaining a good source of protein and fiber.

The company is offering special product bundles of these brands, and each bundle comes with a guarantee that one tree will be planted on behalf of the customers. Proceeds for the promo will go to the coconut farmers of Sarangani.

The bundle offerings are in line with CNPF’s broader sustainability program, specifically a long-term commitment to provide Philippine farmers 100,000 free coconut seedlings to farmers every year, over the next 5 to 8 years.

On top of expanding coconut supply in South Central Mindanao and helping augment the income of 16,000 farmers and their families, the new trees are expected to offset about 416,680 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, allowing CNPF’s coconut business to be “carbon neutral” by 2028.

To join and support this project, consumers simply need to purchase bundles of Coco Mama, Vita Coco, and unMeat at Century Pacific’s food stores in Shopee and Lazada. The bundles are available from April 19 to 25.

Coco Mama Fresh Gata, the coconut cream that has first pressed quality, joins this campaign to help protect our environment. For every purchase of 5 pieces Coco Mama 200 mL, CNPF guarantees one tree will be planted on behalf of the customer.

Hydrate naturally with the coconut goodness of Vita Coco as it offers 11+1 Coconut Water 330ml Promo Pack which entitles customers to one tree to be planted on their behalf. With this offer, you are not only boosting and loading your body with electrolytes but also protecting and nourishing Mother Earth.

Flexitarians, and fans of plant-based meals can choose from two bundles of unMeat: Pack 1 – Burger, Nuggets, and Giniling; and Pack 2 – Sausage, Nuggets, and Giniling. For every purchase of one bundle, a tree will be planted by CNPF.

So have a meaningful Earth Week celebration by shopping with these healthy brands that are not just good for you, but good for the planet too.

The Coco Mama, Vita Coco, and unMeat bundle offers are available until April 25 on the Century Food Store and SWIFT Official Store in Shopee, Lazada, and Swift Meat E-tindahan.

DTI, CACAO PRIME MOVERS TIE UP TO REINFORCE PH CACAO

Trade Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona for Regional Operations Group expressed her full support to the Philippine Cacao Industry Council and Cacao Industry Development Association in bolstering the government’s efforts in the sustainable development of Philippine Cacao Industry during the opening of Kakao Konek 2019, the country’s biggest annual event of the cacao and chocolate industry, last October 17 at SMX Convention Center, Davao City. This year’s Kakao Konek highlighted the various locally-made cocoa and chocolate products across the country. The event also conducted technical sessions and discussions about cacao science and agronomy with local resource persons as well as cacao experts from the other countries.

Meat-Free Meal Prepared the Way You Like It

Enjoy sumptuous meat-less meals this Lenten season at Isla Sugbu Seafood City at Venice Grand Canal Mall in Taguig City.

At Isla Sugbu Seafood City, you can abstain from meat by opting for its unique offering called Paluto All-You-Can. Select from a wide array of fresh and live seafood and have it cooked the way you like it until you have your fill.

If you do not have any dish in mind, you can choose from its delectable selection of best-selling dishes such as Salted Egg Shrimp, Oysters topped with Garlic and Cheese, Fresh Crabs in Chili Sauce, Squid in Garlic Teriyaki Sauce and Steamed Parrot Fish. Whether you want something extravagant or just a simple, well-cooked dish, Seafood City is ready to serve appetizing meals for you and your family and friends.

You can enjoy Seafood City’s Paluto All-You-Can at the promo rate of P888 until May 31, 2019. Actual price per head is P1,300.

Isla Sugbu Seafood City, Cebu’s best seafood restaurant, is operated and managed by the Kuya J Group, which also owns concept stores Tsay Cheng Chinese Cuisine, Majestic Restaurant and the heritage Grand Convention Center of Cebu. Recently, the group agreed to develop and grow locally one of the most popular fast-food chains in the United States, Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen.

Indulge in a meat-less Lenten season only at Isla Sugbu Seafood City. To know more, visit the website www.seafoodcity.ph or follow them on Facebook and Instagram at @islasugbuseafoodcity.

Eat Right & Live Right with HealthyMealsPH!

Makati, Eating a healthy diet doesn’t have to boring, bland and complicated. It’s about eating the right amount, right calories without depriving ourselves to enjoy our food. Food must help us feel great, have more energy for the day, to improve our health, to be physically fit and even helping our mood to become happy and healthy all throughout the day! HealthyMealsPh does just that! We deliver fresh reaching as fas as Caloocan to Quezon City, Pasig , Valenzuela, Makati, Marikina, Navotas and a lot more! For as low as P2,000.00 to P 2,400.00 (depending on the calories) per week, you will enjoy the goodness and freshness of food delivered right in your door step and you can bring with you anywhere you want! We also serve High Protein which gives you the energy to get up and go, Ketogenic Meals which is one of the most popular meals worldwide to shed excess weight and improves health and of course sweet treats that you can indulge in without the guilt feeling!

HealthyMealsPh is highly recommended by a lot of celebrities ,social media influencers, health enthusiasts, athletes, young professionals and business owners who are always on the go everyday! They’ve experienced total transformation in a matter of less than 60 days. They are very happy that HealthyMealsPh food keep them healthy, young, vibrant and full of energy despite and inspire the hectic schedule. As they say when you’re cutting of unhealthy food in your diet, it’s very important that we replace them with real healthy food and focus on how you feel after eating. You must feel great and this is what HealthyMealsPh is all about!

Rad Pelayo, owner & founder of HealthyMealsPh says “ Healthy Food is meant to be enjoyed by everyone that’s why we do not only deliver, we also open our doors to catering services for parties, special occasions or gathering that will truly enjoy from main course to dessert and soon our first store will be opened to cater to those who are on the go and if you want to have your own business, we are franchising HealthyMealsPh very very soon, we will definitely keep you posted! Eat right and live right, thats our goal for HealthyMealsPh”. HealthyMealsPh Catering and Stores was officially launched on November 08, 2018 at The Ark by Unionbank in Ayala Avenue, Makati City with special guests celebrity singers Lance Edward and Moira Lacambra who are HealthyMealsPh ambassadors as well.

Rad Pelayo further adds “ We are thrilled to share our mission of promoting a holistic lifestyle by serving complete and balanced meals, prepared fresh daily by our seasoned chefs”

We are happy to announce that we are launching catering services especially now that the Holiday Season is just around the corner, we need to make sure that even if you eat a lot in parties, you are eating healthy food! We are also excited to launch our first HealthyMealsPh Store April St. Congressional Village in Quezon City.

For more details on food delivery, catering services and store franchising call 09175424015 or message us on Facebook www.fb.com/healthymealsphBRT.

The press launch was organised by PMCM Events Management. Thank you The Ark by Unionbank for the venue!