Love Served Hot: How Filipino Moms Keep the Family Table Full

In many families, a warm, home-cooked meal is a mother’s way of saying “I love you”. Ajinomoto Philippines recognizes the women who show their love through every meal they make, no matter how busy life gets.

Two of the country's most beloved celebrity mothers, Angelica Panganiban and Jennylyn Mercado, open up about how they show up for their families and rediscover the joy of cooking — and how two trusted kitchen companions, AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning and SARSAYA® Oyster Sauce, help them do it with less stress and so much more flavor.

The Heart of the Home

Angelica, actress and first-time mother to baby Amila, has built her family life around one deeply personal conviction: that the truest act of love is showing up — apron on, sleeves rolled, ready to make whatever her family is craving.

“No matter how busy I get — the school schedule, taking care of myself, shootings and tapings, housework and all the errands — I make sure that I get to cook for my family. Kahit anong request, basta pag dating sa kusina, I make sure na kaya kong gawin for them. My love language is service, and I show it through cooking for them.”

When Angelica cooks, she reaches for her own secret weapon. "I have a secret weapon. It's AJI-NO-MOTO®," she says. "Pinapagaan niya ang trabaho sa kusina. Malalasahan mo kagad ang umami and depth ng flavor na gusto mong maachieve kapag nilagyan ko na ng AJI-NO-MOTO® ang kahit na anong dish na request ng mag-ama ko."

AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning is pure MSG or pure monosodium glutamate that brings out the natural deliciousness of any kind of dish, giving it the savory “linamnam“ taste or umami. From quick stir-fry dishes to slow-cooked Filipino favorites, AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning helps cut prep time without cutting corners on taste. As Angelica puts it simply: "AJI-NO-MOTO® really helps me save time in the kitchen. Less time in the kitchen means more time with your family."

For Jennylyn, showing up for her family has always meant making time — no matter what her call sheet says. The award-winning actress and mother is the first to admit that her days are a whirlwind of meetings, tapings, and household responsibilities. But in the middle of all of it, she holds one thing constant: the family meal.

“Naniniwala ako na the best way to show your love is to make time with them. Na kahit na super busy ka, gagawa ka ng paraan.”
 
 "Ang bonding namin ng family ko ay usually nagrerevolve sa mga meals," Jennylyn shares. "Kung breakfast, lunch, at dinner, sinisigurado ko na masarap ang kinakain namin."

For a household as busy as hers and husband Dennis Trillo's, the pressure to put something delicious on the table — fast — is very real. "Kailangan mabilis at masarap ang ulam namin," she explains. "At syempre sa panahon ngayon mas makakatipid at mas healthy pag lutong bahay."

That is why SARSAYA® Oyster Sauce is her kitchen secret - this elevates their everyday meals coming from its delicious blend of real oyster extract and spices.

For moms out there doing it all, Angelica and Jennylyn swear by their go-to kitchen buddies - AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning and  SARSAYA® Oyster Sauce.  With these, moms  get to experience the happiness of personally whipping up their loved ones favorite meals and ensure that they Eat Well, Live Well because every shared meal is a loving memory carved in their heartforevers.

Try It at Home

Our celebrity moms share their quick, crowd-pleasing meals perfect for busy family mornings or weeknight dinners.

Stir-Fried Cauliflower with AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning

SAUTÉ. In a pan, heat oil. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add cauliflower then cook for 3 minutes.

SIMMER. Add leeks and water. Mix, cover, and simmer for 3 minutes.

SEASON. Remove the cover then add cornstarch mixture, AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning and pepper. Mix well until thickened.

SERVE. Transfer to a plate. Serve and enjoy.

One Pot Fried Rice with SARSAYA® Oyster Sauce

Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.

Add your choice of protein — chicken, shrimp, or leftover meat — and cook until done.

Toss in day-old rice and stir-fry, breaking up any clumps, for 2 to 3 minutes.

Add vegetables of choice: frozen mixed veggies, carrots, spring onion — whatever the refrigerator has.

Drizzle generously with SARSAYA® Oyster Sauce and toss until every grain is coated in a rich, savory flavor.

Season to taste, plate in one pan, and bring straight to the table. Done in  minutes. Loved for hours.