Revisiting the culinary treasures of Luzon

From the savory sisig to the spicy Bicol Express, Luzon is a trove filled with culinary treasures. Hence, six chefs from the island group were able to explore the gastronomic delights of their hometowns through Solane Kitchen Hero: Chefs' Edition, a nationwide cooking competition which aims to recognize a new generation of local talented chefs.

These chefs simply revisited their roots and took inspiration from their provinces’ staple to create their winning masterpieces. Now, all of them are a step closer to winning the grand prizes at the national round which are P100,000 cash and a culinary trip to Japan.

Igadobas Ti La Union

A unique twist on Igado was rustled up by Chef Xavier Mercado during the Ilocos leg. Igado is a famous Ilocano stew made of pork and liver braised in soy sauce-vinegar mixture and Mercado decided to amp up his version of the traditional dish by adding local fruits such as guava and grapes.

Dinakdakan with ensalada, roasted shallots, and candied calamansi

Another famous Ilocano dish, Dinakdakan, helped Chef Jan Daryl Doculan from Nueva Vizcaya prevail in his regional competition. A dish traditionally made of pig ears, head, brain, and vegetables, Doculan’s Dinakdakan was served with assorted achara, ensalada, toasted shallot, and candied calamansi.

Smoked duck and arroz valenciana arancini with sampaloc sauce and spicy apple chutney

Smoked Duck Arroz Valenciana Arancini was the star of the competition during the regional leg in Central Luzon. Chef Marlon Manuel from Nueva Ecija wowed the judges with his dish which he served with Sampaloc Sauce and Spicy Apple Chutney for added flavor.

Herbs and cashew nut-crusted beef tenderloin in Bistek sauce, puree of squash, green pea coulis, sago and kalamansi kropek and crispy shallot

Bistek, a Filipino favorite, was prepared by Chef Roberto Roldan Jr. during the fourth leg. Roldan improved Bistek’s salty and savory flavors with herbs and cashews, a puree of squash, green pea coulis, sago and calamansi kropek, and crispy shallots.

Steamed sweet potato stuffed in spicy taro leaves with creamy coconut sauce

A famous Bikolano dish, Laing or spicy taro leaves with creamy coconut sauce, was also highlighted thanks to Chef Rommel Abion. Proving that Bicolanos have a penchant for spicy food, Abion cooked the traditional Laing and enhanced it by adding in steamed sweet potatoes and shrimp.

Ginataang lamang dagat with Salinas curry sauce, seafood custard and shrimp bisque froth

Ginataang lamang dagat was prepared by Chef Mcrhyan Rodrigo during the last regional leg in Luzon. He served his winning dish with salinas curry sauce, seafood custard, and shrimp bisque broth.

These chefs from Luzon, together with the regional winners from Visayas and Mindanao, will go head-to-head in the highly anticipated grand finals wherein the next culinary master in the country will finally be named.

Solane Kitchen Hero: Chefs' Edition is sponsored by Midea, Jolly, Jolly Heartmate Canola Oil, Dona Elena Olive Oil, Dona Elena Al Dente Pasta, Masflex Cookware, Ajinomoto, King Sue, Anvil Publishing, Philtranco, Fastcat, and Chef Plus.

To know more about Solane Kitchen Hero: Chefs' Edition, visit Solane’s website www.solane.com.ph and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/solane.ph/ .

Unique Pinoy specialties highlighted in Solane Kitchen Hero Chef’s Edition #SolaneKitchenHero

(L-R) Chef Mon Urbano, Chef Sau del Rosario, Chef Nancy Reyes-Lumen, Chef Jen Saranilla and Chef Jaja Andal

Solane, the leading LPG solutions brand, launches its grandest culinary competition yet. Solane Kitchen Hero Chefs’ Edition is the first-ever cooking competition that aims to discover the next big name in the culinary world. This regional-to-national cooking tilt will go from north to south, and across 16 regional stops in the country to recognize a new generation of talented chefs.

“We believe that the Philippines has some of the best and most talented chefs in the world,” says Isla LPG Corp. CEO Ruben Domingo. “Through the Solane Kitchen Hero competition, we aim to recognize these chefs who are vital in bringing Filipino cuisine to the world stage. At the same time, we are on a quest to explore and highlight Filipino specialties that are unique to our provinces.”

For this one-of-a-kind cook-off, participants must be Filipino professional chefs with at least three (3) years of kitchen experience gained locally or abroad. They must be currently employed as a professional chef in a hotel, restaurant, or any food service establishment.

The competition will comprise of two (2) rounds. Round one will be the regional competition where contestants from the different provinces per region will compete to determine who among them will represent their region in the national competition. Round two will be the semi-finals and grand finals where all regional champions will cook-off to find out who among them will be hailed the champion of Solane Kitchen Hero Chefs’ Edition.

Chef Sau del Rosario

Chef Nancy Reyes-Lumen

The culinary creations will be judged by renowned chef and Solane Kitchen Hero ambassador Chef Sau del Rosario and bestselling author and Solane Kitchen Hero competition director Nancy Reyes-Lumen. It will be based on the following criteria: 50% featured ingredients and 50% originality and creativity. The competition will conclude on September 7, 2019 at Eastwood City, Metro Manila.

The winner of Solane Kitchen Hero Chefs’ Edition will take home P100,000 and will embark on a culinary trip to Japan with customized stops at different food and drink destinations. This exciting cooking contest is made possible with the support of dynamic organizations and brands championing the same passion for cookery in the country. STI serves as their official school partner while Midea is a co-presenter. Major sponsors are Masflex, Jolly, Jolly Heartmate Canola Oil, Dona Elena, and Dona Elena Al Dente. Minor sponsors are King Sue, Ajinomoto, Philtranco, Fastcat, Chef’s Garb, and National Bookstore.


Schedule of Regional Competition Legs

REGIONS LOCATION VENUE

Region III: Central Luzon

Location: Tarlac

Venue: CityWalk

Date: 24-May-19

Region 1: Ilocos Region

Location: La Union

Venue: San Fernando City Plaza

Date: 25-May-19

Region II. Cagayan Valley Region

Location: Isabela

Venue: FL Dy Coliseum

Date: 1-Jun-19

Region IV B MIMAROPA

Location: Puerto Princesa

Venue: Chinatown Center Palawan

Date: 8-Jun-19

Region V Bicol Region

Location: Legazpi

Venue: LCC Mall

Date: 14-Jun-19

Region IV-A Calabarzon

Location: Batangas

Venue: Nuciti Central

Date: 21-Jun-19

Region VIII. Eastern Vizayas

Location: Tacloban

Venue: The Oriental Hotel

Date: 29-Jun-19

Region VII. Central Vizayas

Location: Cebu

Venue: Robinsons Galleria Mall

Date: 6-Jul-19

REGION VI. Western/Central Vizayas

Location: Bacolod 

Venue: City Mall Mandalagan

Date: 13-Jul-19

REGION VI. Western Vizayas

Location: Iloilo

Venue: Festive Walk Mall

Date: 20-Jul-19

Region IX. Zamboanga  Peninsula + ARMM (Tawi-tawi, Basilan,Sulu)

Location: Zamboaga City

Venue: City Mall Tetuan

Date: 27-Jul-19

Region.X. Northern Mindanao

Region XIII. Caraga Region

Location: Cagayan  de Oro

Venue: SM Premier Downtown

Date: 3-Aug-19

Region XI. Davao Region

Location: Davao City

Venue: SM Davao

Date: 10-Aug-19

Region XII. SOCCSKARGEN + ARMM

(Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao)

Location: General Santos

Venue: Veranza Mall

Date: 17-Aug-19

NCR: National Capital Region

Location: Metro Manila

Venue: Eastwood Mall

Date: 24-Aug-19

NATIONALS

Location: Metro Manila

Venue: Eastwood Mall

Date: Sept 7, 2019

CRITERIA:

a. Featured ingredient/s used – 50%.
The recipe must include at least one (1) local ingredient inherent to the province being represented.

b. Originality and Creativity – 50%
The participant must creatively show a tested recipe which corresponds to the local ingredient/s being used. Photo and caption must contain a personal touch and what inspired them to create the dish.

TOTAL: 100%

To know more about Solane Kitchen Hero Chef’s Edition, visit Solane’s website www.solane.com.ph and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/solane.ph/

Four tips to keep safe during disasters

To ensure safety, Dapat Lang prepared during disasters

Natural disasters can neither be controlled nor predicted. But while they can leave catastrophic damages, everyone can take precautionary steps to mitigate its adverse effects. In celebration of the National Disaster Consciousness Month, Solane, the country’s leading LPG solutions provider, reiterates its Dapat Lang advocacy campaign – emphasizing the importance of doing the right thing for the family, for others, and society as a whole – through these tips to ensure everyone’s safety during natural disasters:


Prepare an emergency kit

An important step in preparing for unforeseen events is having an emergency kit ready for you and your family. Basic supplies kit should include: a gallon of water per person per day for the next three days, three-day supply of food, flashlight, extra batteries, first aid kit, seven-day supply of medicines, multi-purpose tools, cell phone with chargers, family and emergency contact information, copies of personal documents, extra cash, blankets, maps of the area

Safety during fire

Some of the common causes of fire, especially during natural disasters like earthquake, are faulty electrical and gas lines. If you are caught in an establishment engulfed by fire, immediately vacate the area and ask for help. Do not hide in closets and small spaces, and remember to stay low and crawl as it is easier to breathe in a fire if you stay low.

Plan your escape routes and safe places

It’s important to have a sketch of your house so you know how to immediately get out when disaster strikes. Establish and record location of your meeting area, and be sure to practice this with your family members.

Be informed

Know the hazards within your community, and ask the local authorities about the emergency plans and warning signals. Being informed will help you gather a detailed plan for your own household.

With proper preparation, you are not only alleviating fear, anxiety, and loss but you are also reducing the impact of catastrophic disasters.

To know more about Solane, visit their new website, www.solane.com.ph, and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/solane.ph.

It’s all in the family

They say running a business with family members can be tricky – not only does it blur the line between what’s personal and professional, but it also has the potential to bring out the worst in you and your relatives.

Fabson Founder Loreta Santos and head of marketing Eric Santos with ISLA LPG Corp. (ILC) communications manager Marco "Mico" Santos (leftmost) and account manager

For the owners of Fabson Inc., a family-owned corporation that distributes Solane LPG in Iloilo City, working with close relatives has brought out the best in each of them. Eric Santos, head of marketing – and son of the owners – shared: “It’s a family-owned company but we strive to be professionals. And it comes naturally since we grew up working together. It’s an environment that we are used to.”

Looking at the company’s consistent growth in the past 48 years, it really looks like working with family is something that Fabson employees thrive in. Pioneered by Eric’s aunt as a single proprietorship in April 1968, it was then handed over to their mother, Loreta Santos, who managed to keep the company afloat with her prowess for finance and treasury. However, despite enjoying many years of success as a single proprietorship, they thought it could benefit more if it was turned into a corporation.

Spearheaded by their father, Winston Santos, who is also a former Shell executive, Fabson officially became a corporation in 1994, bringing with it the core value of Shellane (now Solane): “We care.” Under the management of Winston, the company became a more organized entity with different departments in place.

“Before my dad took over the business, it was like a mom and pop store. There were no retail outlets and there was no formal organizational structure. It was ran sari-sari store style, and we couldn’t grow as much,” said Eric, who also works with his sister, Pien, the COO.

According to Eric, his dad applied everything he learned from Shell, one of the top petroleum companies. He deployed retail sales executives and commercial sales executives to cover designated areas. “From handling a network of ten retail outlets, it grew to 20, and now we have around 600 outlets covering the whole area of our network,” he said.

In addition to Winston re-engineering the company, each member of the family was encouraged to be very hands-on with the business – from knowing the products by heart to studying routes of their delivery trucks.

Their immersion in the business is part of the reason why the familial relationship extends to their employees. With the “we care” core value, employee retention grew, and each staff members treated as an extension of their family.

Eric adds that every employee is trained to provide topnotch service to customers, including the 7-point safety check, Hatid Bahay, and 24-hour service. He notes that these after-sales initiatives are factors that help minimize the number of consumers who would buy at independently refilled outlets as they realize that the quality of genuine Solane products and the service they get makes it more cost-efficient in the long run.

Without a doubt, these business practices have made it possible for Fabson to become the longest running Solane distributor in Iloilo. Adds Eric: “This kind of business is something you have to immerse in because if you just leave it there, it can grow but you will not appreciate it as much. You have to sacrifice a lot, and you have to know your products very well.”

Solane promotes Filipino values

The country’s leading LPG provider has launched a campaign that advocates positive Filipino values  and emphasizes the importance of family

As the country gears up for change, ISLA LPG Corporation (ILC), the leading LPG solutions company and owner of the brand Solane, launches an advocacy campaign that aims to remind consumers of the importance of family and positive Filipino values.

Drawing inspiration from the popular Filipino expression, which in English means, “That’s how it should be… Rightly so,” ISLA LPG launches the “Dapat Lang” campaign — a program that emphasizes the importance of doing the right thing, for the family, for others and society as a whole. The campaign also touches on the importance of bringing back traditional Filipino values which have somehow been misplaced in our high-technology, fast-paced, modern setting. These values include commitment to the family, honesty, hard work, respect for others, and integrity.

“As we prepare for the many changes happening in our environment, we at ISLA LPG would like to remind everyone of the Filipino values that define us as a people and to put importance on the family, being a good neighbor and a valuable member of society,” said ILC-CEO Ruben Domingo. “Our new campaign  reminds all of us — our consumers, employees, and business partners — to do the right thing in everything we do, all the time, wherever we are, in order to truly bring out positive change in all of us.”

The advocacy campaign will be communicated with various mediums — print and radio ads, social media, and online videos, showcasing a mom cooking the best dishes for her family, an employee putting in ample time at work, a chef preparing high-quality ingredients for his customers, a manager catering to the needs of the client, the Solane Hatid Bahay rider ensuring that LPG delivery is safe and on time.

ISLA LPG Corporation (ILC), the leading LPG solutions company and owner of the brand Solane, launches an advocacy campaign that reminds consumers of the importance of positive Filipino values.

As part of the Dapat Lang campaign, ISLA LPG is also launching a new website, which outlines the various ways with which Solane stakeholders can live out the new campaign principle in their everyday lives. The newly revamped site also features a blog that will serve as a way for ISLA LPG to communicate directly with its consumers, especially moms. The blog will feature quick and easy recipes and helpful and time-saving tips on cooking for the family, keeping a safe environment at work and home, and more.

For its part, ISLA LPG lives out the Dapat Lang campaign by doing what it does best since the brand Solane was launched almost five years ago — provide consumers with high-quality, safe, reliable LPG products.

“We value our consumers’ safety and we ensure that it is our key priority,” said Mr. Domingo. “We also value our customers’ trust by providing excellent products and services that are well worth their family’s hard-earned money.”

Moreover, ISLA LPG offers Solane Hatid-Bahay Service, an exclusive service provided to Solane LPG residential customers.  ISLA LPG’s well-trained riders conduct a Weight Check in front of customers using calibrated portable weighing scales, assuring households of value for their money. The Solane Hatid-Bahay riders also perform the 7-Point Safety Check free of charge to help ensure the safety of consumers and their families. This includes checking the surroundings, o-ring, regulator, regulator and valve connection, hose, hose connection, and flame quality.

Furthermore, ISLA LPG holds regular safety seminars for its customers as well as to various communities nationwide. The company’s employees and contractors follow strict compliance of safe LPG handling and fire safety. Through this, ISLA LPG has achieved a significant milestone of 13 million man hours without lost time injury.

This commitment to provide the best and safe product and service is, needless to say, reinforced with the launch of the company’s new advocacy campaign because as they say, Kapag LPG, Dapat Lang Solane!

To know more about the Dapat Lang campaign, visit Solane’s new website, www.solane.com.ph, and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/solane.ph.

Solane awards Pamilya Hatid Saya winners

Solane, the country’s leading LPG solutions provider, awarded home entertainment prizes to the winners of its exciting Solane Pamilya Hatid Saya Raffle Promo. The contest, which ran in select Solane LPG outlets in Visayas and Mindanao, entitled customers to one raffle coupon for every purchase of 11kg Solane LPG cylinder or refill.

 

The grand prize winners in each area received a 49-inch LG LED Full HD Game TV Triple XD Engine while six (6) other customers each won a 32-inch LG LED Full HD Game TV Triple XD Engine. Fifty (50) more winners received Solane T-shirts as consolation prizes.

 

The lucky winners of Solane Pamilya Hatid Saya Raffle Promo in Zamboanga Areaincluded Michael Wee, who received the grand prize; Rubert Canseco, Francis Lee, Evangelina Villanueva, Geraldine Digol, Marissa Lasola, and Jocelyn Nacao. 

 

“The Solane Pamilya Hatid Saya Raffle Promo is one of the many loyalty programs we have at Solane that provides exclusive perks and privileges to our loyal customers. It’s our way of thanking and rewarding them for trusting the right brand,” says Isla LPG marketing manager Valeri Villano.

 

Aside from exciting promos and discounts, Solane also provides exclusive services to its customers, including the 7-Point Safety Check, which includes a thorough inspection of all components of a customer’s propane system.

 

To order or inquire more about Solane LPG, call the Solane Hatid Bahay hotline at +632 887 5555 or text 0918 887 5555. You can also find out more at the nearest Solane showroom or store near you and at www.solane.com.ph. For the full list of winners, visit Solane’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/solane.ph.