URC Flour Teams Up with Missio Amare for Livelihood Training Initiative

 Universal Robina Corporation (URC) Flour partnered withTekton Social Development Association, Inc., to launch “Knead and Lead: Train the Trainers Program,” an initiative designed to equip individuals with sustainable baking skills and help create livelihood opportunities.

The program aims to develop a pool of trainers from Missio Amare’s Laguna and Metro Manila chapters, who willeventually lead baking livelihood sessions in their respective communities. Through this approach, the program seeks to create long-term livelihood opportunities for communities while strengthening grassroots entrepreneurship.

URC Flour Directors (photographed from left to right) Ms. Naida Ebora and Mr. Poch Agnir poses with Missio Amare President, Mr. Joel Dayao, and Missio Amare Laguna Provincial Coordinator, Mr. Jeffrey Jaime Corrales in partnership for the Knead and Lead program

This initiative has three phases—Commercial Baking, Technical Baking and Practical Demonstration. Following the Commercial Baking session last April 13, the participants advanced to their Technical Baking classes last April 27 to 30. The second phase enabled the trainees to further enhance their baking competencies and technical knowledge. The program will culminate in phase three, Practical Demonstration, where participants will be assessed on leading community training sessions.

The graduates of URC Flour’s program will receive a Certificate of Program Completion and an opportunity to join a recognized pool of trainers under the brand’s training facility, Baker John Academy. They will also be empowered to conduct workshops in their respective communities. 

Under this partnership with Missio Amare, URC Flour provides instructors, modules, baking ingredients, as well as a training facility through Baker John Academy. The partnership also sets clear success targets, including reaching at least 300 community beneficiaries within the program term—ensuring continuity and measurable impact beyond the initial training phase.

Through “Knead and Lead,” URC Flour reinforces its commitment to community empowerment by sharing its expertise, resources, and technical support. The initiative reflects the company’s broader vision of fostering inclusive growth and helping communities build sustainable livelihoods through baking.

Everyday Holiday Snacks You’ll Actually Make

 Transform URC favorites into crowd-pleasing holiday treats

The holidays have a way of turning all of us into ambitious home cooks—but sometimes, all you really want is something delicious without the stress. The secret? Some of the best holiday treats don’t require fancy ingredients at all. In fact, they’re probably already hiding in your snack stash.

With a little imagination (and your favorite Jack ‘n Jill snacks), you can magically turn everyday merienda into festive, feel-good dishes. These easy, clever recipes are perfect for Noche Buena spreads, barkadaparties, potluck moments, or those sweet holiday surprises you throw together at the last minute—but pretend you planned the whole thing.

Check out these easy recipes you can try, featuring your favorite Jack ‘n Jillsnacks:

Piattos Nacho Bake

This quick, flavor-packed party tray transforms Piattos chips into a warm, cheesy, crowd-pleasing nacho bake. The crispy chips serve as a savory base that pairs perfectly with gooey melted cheese, salsa, and your favorite toppings—ideal for barkada movie nights or last-minute holiday entertaining.

Ingredients:

• 3–4 packs Piattos (Nacho Pizza recommended)
  
  

• 1–2 cups grated cheese (quick melt or cheddar)
  
  

• ½ cup salsa
  
  

• Optional toppings: cooked ground meat or beans, jalapeños, olives, onions, sour cream
  
  

Directions:

1. Arrange Piattos chips on a baking tray or oven-safe dish.
   
   

2. Sprinkle generously with cheese.
   
   

3. Add salsa and any optional toppings you prefer.
   
   

4. Bake for 5–7 minutes or until the cheese melts.
   
   

5. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.
   
   

Nova Snack Mix

This colorful and crunchy snack mix brings together the best textures from Nova, Vcut, and Knots, combined with nuts and chocolates for a sweet–savory blend. It’s the perfect grab-and-go treat for holiday road trips, game nights, or family gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack Nova
  
  

• 1 pack Vcut
  
  

• 1 pack Jack ’n Jill Knots
  
  

• ½ cup nuts (peanuts, cashews, or mixed nuts)
  
  

• ½ cup chocolates, marshmallows, or other mix-ins
  
  

Directions:

1. Combine Nova, Vcut, and Knots in a large bowl.
   
   

2. Add nuts and sweet add-ins of your choice.
   
   

3. Toss until everything is evenly mixed.
   
   

4. Serve in a bowl and enjoy

Cream-O Cake

This no-bake Cream-O cake turns a classic cookie snack into a soft, layered dessert you can whip up with minimal effort. With its creamy center and steamed cookie base, it tastes like a cross between a refrigerator cake and a moist pudding—perfect for holiday potlucks.

Ingredients:

• 10 packets Cream-O Vanilla
  
  

• 1 ½ cups evaporated milk
  
  

Directions:

1. Separate the Cream-O Vanilla filling from the cookies. Crush the cookies finely.
   
   

2. Mix crushed cookies with evaporated milk until fully combined. Divide mixture into two parts.
   
   

3. Line a pan with parchment paper and pour in the first half. Spread evenly.
   
   

4. Steam for 5 minutes and cool for another 5 minutes.
   
   

5. Spread the Cream-O filling over the cooled layer.
   
   

6. Pour in the second half of the cookie mixture, spread evenly, and tap to remove bubbles.
   
   

7. Steam for 10 minutes. Let cool completely before serving.

Wafrets Chocolate Milkshake

This rich and creamy milkshake blends the chocolatey goodness of Wafrets with ice cream and milk to create a dessert drink kids (and adults) will love. It’s a sweet, refreshing treat that works as a fun recess drink, after-school snack, or holiday merienda.

Ingredients:

• 2–3 sticks Jack ’n Jill Wafrets (plus 1 extra for garnish)
  
  

• 1 cup milk
  
  

• 2 scoops chocolate or vanilla ice cream
  
  

• 1 cup ice (optional, for thickness)
  
  

Directions:

1. Chop Wafrets into small pieces.
   
   

2. Add Wafrets, milk, ice cream, sugar, and ice (if using) into a blender.
   
   

3. Blend until smooth and creamy.
   
   

4. Pour into a glass and garnish with a whole Wafrets stick.
   
   

5. Serve immediately.

Hello Vanilla Wafer Balls

These bite-sized wafer balls are a fun, customizable holiday treat you can coat in chocolate, peanuts, powdered milk, or even coffee. They’re easy to make, delightful to eat, and perfect for gifting—each piece delivers a creamy, crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth bite.

Ingredients:

• 4 Hello! Vanilla Wafers, crushed
  
  

• 1 tbsp chilled all-purpose cream
  
  

• 1 tsp condensed milk
  
  

• 2 tbsp coating of your choice (crushed Hello! Chocolate Wafers, crushed peanuts, powdered milk, or instant coffee)
  
  

Directions:

1. Mix together crushed Hello! Vanilla Wafers, all-purpose cream, and condensed milk.
   
   

2. Divide the mixture into six portions.
   
   

3. Roll each portion into a small ball.
   
   

4. Coat each ball in your preferred topping.
   
   

5. Refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving or gifting.
   
   

Tip: Crush the wafers using a hand blender, stand blender, food processor, knife, or rolling pin.

Holiday Snacking Made Creative

This season, let your favorite Jack ‘n Jill snacks shine beyond everyday merienda. With these easy and versatile recipes, you can turn simple pantry staples into delightful holiday creations perfect for sharing, and celebrating all month long.

Universal Robina Corporation (URC) produces iconic brands such as Jack ‘n Jill Piattos, Cloud 9, Maxx candy, Cream-O, Payless, C2 Cool and Clean, and Great Taste coffee, which have been part of Filipinos’ lives for decades. To learn more about URC, visit its website (www.urc.com.ph), Facebook page (@URCPhilippines) and TikTok account (@URCPhilippines).

Comfort in Every Bite: Delicious Pairings to Brighten Your Holiday Season

 Between holiday shopping, last-minute get-togethers, and the nonstop playlist of Christmas tunes, the days can start to blur in the best way possible. Good thing there’s always time for little pockets of comfort—the kind that can come from your favorite snacks. Whether it’s the cool morning breeze, a rainy afternoon, or a chill night in, these small moments call for big flavors and cozy bites that make the season extra satisfying.

 

This is your cue to grab your favorite snack pairings—sweet and savory duos that match every Ber month mood. Here’s how some well-loved goodies from Universal Robina Corporation (URC) can keep you company through the rush and make every bite feel like home.

 

For rainy afternoons: Warm and hearty with a crunchy twist

 

When the skies turn gray and the rain begins to pour, a cup of steaming Nissin Cup Noodles hits the spot. Its flavorful broth and soft noodles bring warmth and comfort in every sip. Pair it with a bag of Nova or Vcutfor that extra crunch—because nothing beats the combo of hearty noodles and a satisfying, savory sidekick.

 

For movie nights or family bonding: Sweet meets savory

 

Nothing says cozy bonding time like a good movie and a snack spread to match. Enjoy the gooey caramel and chocolate goodness of Cloud 9 for a satisfying sweet treat. Then balance it out with Granny Goose Tortillos—a savory, crunchy contrast that keeps everyone reaching for more. It’s the kind of pairing that makes family nights twice as fun.

 

For afternoon merienda or study breaks: Flavorful comfort food

 

When you need something to power through a busy afternoon or to keep you company during study time, go for a hearty mix. A comforting bowl of Payless Instant Mami delivers the warmth and satisfaction of a home-cooked merienda, while a pack of Presto Peanut Butter Sandwich adds a nutty sweetness that hits the spot. It’s a duo that can fill you up—both body and mind.

 

The perfect finish: sweet, creamy, and refreshingly cool

After dinner, indulge in the sweet and chocolatey goodness of Cream-O cookies—just enough to satisfy your dessert cravings. Then top it off with a Maxx candy for that cool, fruity-fresh finish that leaves you refreshed and ready to unwind.

 

Whether it’s slurping noodles on a rainy afternoon, pairing sweet and savory treats for a cozy movie night, or savoring a fruity-fresh candy after dinner, these simple snack rituals can bring warmth and joy to every day during the hectic season leading up to the busy holidays.

  

Universal Robina Corporation (URC) produces iconic brands such as Jack ‘n Jill Piattos, Cloud 9, Maxx candy, Cream-O, Payless, C2 Cool and Clean, and Great Taste coffee, which have been part of Filipinos’ lives for decades. To learn more about URC, visit its website (www.urc.com.ph), Facebook page (@URCPhilippines) and TikTok account (@URCPhilippines).

It can always be a good time when there’s Jack ‘n Jill Snacktime Favorites

Snacks are a surefire way to bring fun and excitement to every member of the family. Whether they’re working or learning from home or on-site, or hanging out with loved ones in their spare time, it can always be a good time when there’s Jack ‘n Jill Snacktime Favorites.

Jack ‘n Jill Snacktime Favorites are biscuits and cake treats that the whole family can enjoy whenever, wherever.

 

Spending recess with classmates

For many students, it’s been more than two years since they were in the classroom with their buddies. Having treats, such as a cream-coated pretzel snack like Knots, as part of their baon can make their recess with friends more enjoyable.

 

Celebrating students’ wins

Whether it’s acing a quiz or completing a grueling presentation, take a quick break and celebrate small wins with Quake Overload. This snack has layers of cake and delicious filling, coated with chocolate, and topped with drizzle, which definitely adds a burst of good vibes, making it the perfect rewarding treat for any achievement.

Celebrate every small win with Quake Overload

 

Super focused on research and deadlines

A snack that one should have on-hand while researching and typing away is Presto Peanut Butter, a crunchy cookie sandwich with peanut butter filling made from real peanuts that are high in B-Vitamins to help you focus. 

 

Achieve your deadlines and projects while enjoying Presto Peanut Butter

 

Make work exciting

Office work can get tedious, but just by opening a pack of Magic Flakes, the mundane moments can be magical. Get energized to power through any day with Magic Flakes. With its creamy-sarap and tamang alat, one can say goodbye to plain and boring days in the office. 

                                    Make mundane moments magical with Magic Flakes

 

 

Binging animated movies and series

The colorful visuals and fun soundtracks of animated media always bring joy to people of all ages. Add more happiness into the mix with Cream-O – whether it’s in a cake bar or cookie form. Enjoy every me-time at home while munching on Cream-O’s yummy chocolate cookie sandwich or cake bar.

Relax with Cream-O while you enjoy me-time at home

 

Biking near and far

Biking is more fun with loved ones. It’s also a great way to see more of the city and get one’s exercise in. Bike with family or friends, and don’t forget to grab some Wafrets for the fun adventure ahead.

Let Wafrets accompany you to your adventures.

 

Since 2020, Jack ‘n Jill Snacktime Favorites biscuits and cakes have been helping make every family bonding moment even more special. These snacks have been bringing more enjoyment to friends and families whenever, wherever. Get these yummy snacks from nearby supermarkets or via online shops. 

 

Jack ‘n Jill Snacktime Favorites are products of Universal Robina Corporation (URC). Visit URC’s official website to learn more about the company