Ajinomoto has been a part of our lives for as long as I can remember and we've been using it for cooking to make food more delicious. You might think me crazy or what but I know when some dishes does not have a dash of Ajinomoto.

Last November 24, 2015 Ajinomoto hosted a press conference at Torre Venezia Suites. It was dubbed as "AjiPanda™ Best Day Ever!" Three important events happened that day. It was the launch of  AjiPanda™ icon, Information sharing on umami and monosodium glutamate MSG, and the renewal of contract of Kathryn Bernardo its brand ambassador for AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning.

The most interesting part of the event was the information sharing on Umami and MSG. " AjiPanda™ is a personification of a humble pack or bottle of AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning as an ever reliable way of bringing out the natural deliciousness of food," explained Ms. Roann Co, Ajinomoto's Marketing Department Head. She further explained that "AjiPanda™ fills the role of your Best Friend in the Kitchen and helps you work wonders in your cooking so that you can share many happy meals with your family."


I also earned that there are five basic taste that allows to people to enjoy the delicious taste in food. Aside from salty, sweet, sour and bitter taste, the fifth basic taste is the umami which is described as "savory" or "malinamnam". The source of this umami taste is the gutamate which is the non essential amino acid that naturally occurs in food like tomatoes and cheeses. Glutamate can also be found in salt form through monosodium glutamate.

In the past there has been news that MSG is not safe to use for cooking and it has gotten a bad reputation but all that was cleared when they presented scientific evidences from credible institution like the World health organization and The United Nation's Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives that MSG is safe for general consumption. Dr. Celeste Tanchoco, a veteran in the field of nutrition shed light on the role of glutamate in nutrition.

After a series of presentation, AjiPanda was introduced to the delight of the media present. Afterwards, Kathryn Bernardo joined the panel and was interviewed on how Ajinomoto plays a great role in the joys of home cooking. She also renewed her contract as the brand endorser of AJI-NO-MOTO®

About Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation, APC

It is an affiliate of Tolyo based Ajinomoto Co., Inc. Established in 1958, APC lives by its promise to provide consumer products that will always give the delicious taste to heathy and nutritious meals as embodied in APC's sogan "Eat Well, Live Well." APC's complete line of quality food and seasoning products are produced by international affiliates and local toll manufacturers using Ajinomoto's license, quality standards and technologicl expertise. APC's products include AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning, Ajinomoto® Brand Ginisa Flavor Seasoning Mix, Ajinomoto® Brancd Chicken Powder, PORKSAVOR® All in one seasoning mix, CRISPY FRY® Breading Mix, CRISPY FRY® Seasoned Crumbs, TASTY BOY® All Purpose Breading Mix, AJI SHIO® Seasoning Mix and Amino Fres Instant Drink Mix