Food Writer and Scholar Ige Ramos Highlights Binalot’s Heritage Packaging at ASEAN Workshop on Sustainable Food Packaging and Globalization

Renowned food writer and scholar, Ige Ramos, captivated attendees at the ASEAN Workshop on Sustainable Heritage Food Packaging and Globalization, held at Universiti Putra Malaysia in Putrajaya from June 12-14. Ramos selected Binalot as a prime example in his insightful talk, focusing on the company’s commitment to promoting heritage packaging in the culinary world. Rommel Juan, CEO of Binalot, wholeheartedly supports Ramos’ drive to raise awareness about the importance of heritage packaging in food.

Binalot, a renowned Philippine food chain, takes immense pride in its utilization of traditional and eco-friendly packaging materials. The company’s signature approach involves wrapping their meals in banana leaves, symbolizing the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines while advocating for sustainable practices. Inspired by Ramos’ dedication to this cause, Rommel Juan expressed his agreement and shared Binalot’s firm commitment to preserving and promoting heritage packaging.

During the workshop, participants had the privilege of witnessing the presence of acclaimed Chef Gene Gonzales, who joined Ige Ramos to demonstrate the art of preparing Binalot meals. Chef Gene Gonzales, a well-respected figure in the culinary industry, showcased the meticulous process of creating Binalot, further highlighting the importance of heritage packaging.

The workshop shed light on the presence of similar heritage meals across Southeast Asia, such as Nasi Lemak in Malaysia and Gudeg in Indonesia. These dishes, like Binalot, incorporate banana leaves as a packaging medium, celebrating the culinary legacies of their respective countries. The use of banana leaves not only enhances the visual appeal of the meals but also provides an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional packaging materials.

Looking ahead, Binalot aims to introduce and promote even more sustainable packaging options within its product lineup. With a strong focus on preserving the environment while showcasing the diverse culinary traditions of the Philippines, Binalot remains committed to ensuring that future generations can enjoy authentic meals while minimizing their ecological impact.

The ASEAN Workshop on Sustainable Heritage Food Packaging and Globalization, held at Universiti Putra Malaysia, served as a platform for scholars, industry experts, and food enthusiasts to discuss and explore innovative approaches to sustainable packaging. Ige Ramos’ compelling presentation, supported by Rommel Juan’s endorsement, inspired attendees to embrace heritage packaging as a means of preserving cultural traditions and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Binalot, the beloved Filipino fast food chain, proudly celebrates its remarkable journey of nearly 30 years as the true Pinoy fast food destination. Since its establishment in 1996, Binalot has remained committed to serving Filipino favorites, lovingly referred to as “Pinoy-vorites,” including adobo, sinigang, bistek, tapa, sisig, and many more. Beyond its delectable offerings, Binalot has also become a powerful advocate for promoting Filipino culture, humor, and values.

As a homegrown brand, Binalot has captured the hearts and taste buds of Filipinos nationwide by offering a unique dining experience rooted in authenticity. The brand’s name itself, which means “wrapped” in English, pays homage to the traditional practice of wrapping meals in banana leaves, reminiscent of the warm hospitality and care found in Filipino homes. Binalot’s commitment to preserving Filipino culinary traditions and flavors has made it a beloved institution for locals and tourists alike.

Binalot’s menu showcases a wide array of Pinoy-vorite dishes carefully crafted to deliver an unforgettable taste of home. From the rich flavors of adobo simmered in a blend of soy sauce and vinegar to the comforting tang of sinigang’s tamarind soup, Binalot captures the essence of Filipino cuisine with every bite. Additionally, the brand’s famous “silog” meals, featuring a combination of garlic fried rice and various proteins, including tapa and longganisa, have become staple favorites among loyal customers.

Beyond its culinary prowess, Binalot takes pride in promoting Filipino culture, humor, and values. With vibrant and inviting store designs that showcase traditional Filipino elements, Binalot creates a welcoming ambiance that resonates with customers. The brand’s commitment to fostering a sense of community extends to its witty and relatable marketing campaigns that highlight Filipino humor and celebrate the values of unity, resilience, and joy.

“We are incredibly proud of Binalot’s journey over the past three decades. Our unwavering commitment to serving authentic Pinoy-vorite meals has allowed us to become a part of the Filipino culture and daily lives of our customers,” said Judee Morente , Chief Operating Officer of Binalot. “We believe that food is not just sustenance; it’s a powerful medium that connects people, preserves traditions, and promotes our unique Filipino identity. We are honored to be a platform that showcases the richness of our culture, humor, and values.”

[Parañaque, June 13] – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recently organized an industrial visit to the Commissary of Binalot Fiesta Foods Inc, a leading Filipino fast food chain. The visit was held in collaboration with representatives from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment from the Royal Government of Bhutan, as part of their Industrial Visit, SME Promotion, and FPI (Food Processing Industry) program.

The industrial visit aimed to foster knowledge sharing and promote cross-cultural collaboration between the Philippines and Bhutan in the field of food processing and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The delegation, consisting of officials, entrepreneurs, and industry experts, had the opportunity to explore Binalot Fiesta Foods Inc’s commissary, gaining insights into the company’s operations, processes, and best practices.

Binalot Fiesta Foods Inc, renowned for its authentic Pinoy-vorite meals wrapped in banana leaves, opened its doors to the delegation, showcasing its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainable practices. The visit provided a unique opportunity for the Royal Government of Bhutan representatives to witness firsthand the success story of Binalot Fiesta Foods Inc and gain valuable insights into the fast food industry in the Philippines.