Everyday kainan happiness with Coca-Cola

MANILA, Philippines - You could search the whole wide world, but if you’re hungry for an eating experience like no other, you don’t have to go very far. We Pinoys are masters at turning typical food moments into yummy food extravaganzas!

Because we expect nothing but truly satisfying and fulfilling eating experiences, we make an effort to fill every food moment with happiness. And the secret ingredient is this: Coca-Cola. It’s the only drink that truly fills the stomach and warms the heart. Every certified Filipino foodie knows this — only an ice-cold Coke completes our much-cherished eating sprees. Each mouthful of our favorite adobo, chicharon, barbecue, pizza or other lip-smacking delights becomes more delightful with the delicious taste and uniquely refreshing fizz that adds an extra “aaahh” to our regular food fare. It makes even the simplest dish or snack more flavorful and our eating time more rewarding.

For generations, Coca-Cola has been that irreplaceable sparkle that keeps us full, energizing our bodies and fueling our spirits so we can feel the goodness of life — and continue to open more and lasting moments of happiness for ourselves and others. And this is why it is essential that we make every food moment special — whether it’s a daily lunch break, snack, dinner or anything in between during our busy routines — with a refreshing sip of Coca-Cola to fill life with happiness.

We sat down with a gang of Pinoy food and Coke lovers for a Happy Eat-and-Drink-Coke-All-You-Can Day recently to hear their delightful chowtime stories, all made more pleasurable and happier with Coca-Cola.

Going ChinEse: Actor David Chua

I’m a huge Chinese food lover. Those dishes really have that distinct aroma that never fails to make my mouth water and I never run out of delightful choices. Among my top favorites are the Kung Pao chicken, yang chao, different kinds of dumplings and siopao. I enjoy eating all these more when there’s Coke. It makes me feel fuller every time.

Taco whacko: Fashion model Jayson Fulgencio

I’m a very laid-back kind of guy. Give me a bowl of chips and a bottle of Coke, then play my favorite DVD, I’m all good! That’s what’s great about indulging and eating happily, days go by and you know you’re living fully.

Likes it inihaw: MBA student Don Mendoza

Just like most of us, I love anything grilled, especially chicken and stuffed squid. Of course, we all know Coke is the perfect drink for these types of food. It’s the only one with that special fizz that really refreshes and makes me let out a nice, big burp. When that happens, I know I just had a happy meal.

Sexy foodie: Actress Angelu de Leon

For me, it is easy to make food moments happier and more enjoyable. I just need to have good company, take pictures so I can share them on Facebook and have lots and lots of chika shared over yummy foods and a refreshing drink like Coke. It’s the exclamation point to every bite!

Panini fanatic: Fashion model Luisa Beltran

For me, the best reward and pick-me-up tandem, especially every after a hectic day of shooting, is a really yummy sandwich and a refreshing bottle of Coke. It never fails to relieve the tiredness and give me that feeling of satisfaction and fullness.

Miss wholesome: Fashion model Carina Cabiling

I always think it’s important to eat healthily especially with the kind of job I have. But instead of starving myself, it’s been a habit of mine to indulge in what makes my tummy full and my soul happy. That is why it’s been part of my routine to energize myself with an ice-cold Coke at any mealtime, if possible. A fresh lumpia and Coke — that’s my ultimate snack time duo.

Cracker lover: Fashion model Lou Muñoz

I like having Coke with anything crispy like lumpia, potato chips and nachos whenever I’m at home watching TV or surfing the Internet. It feels good to pamper ourselves whenever possible with things that make us happy. A good crunch and a fizzy Coke — the best combination always!

One happy and full family: Jessica, Joseph, Darlene and Jasmine Marco

Jessica says: “Our family always eats together especially during dinner. It’s the time of the day when we get to share stories and have good bonding time. We love eating, we eat everything, but our favorite is Chinese cuisine. These foods are really tasty; that’s why it’s always good to have them with a Coke. They become yummier!”

Buff biter: Basketball player Justin Deans

Some people eat to live. Well, I live to eat! Anytime I have big beef burgers or hotdog sandwiches during merienda, I’ve got to have an ice-cold Coke with it. It complements my meal and gives me that sense of fullness. It’s the reward I give myself every after practice or just whenever possible.

Ultimate happy kainan trio: Anton Barretto, Maxine Chua and Leah Puyat

Leah says: “I always share lunch and dinners with friends and family. As always, I think for it to become more special and filled with happiness, we just have to forget guilt and savor the taste, smell and feel of food on your tongue. And of course, you must have a drink that goes well with any food and can make it more yummy and satisfying. My friends and I know only a Coke can give us the refreshment we need.”

Food trip pair:  Sweethearts Don Allado and Maricar De Mesa

Maricar says: “We like eating comfort foods during movie nights at home. It’s our time to unwind and bond together so it must really be fun. Having a Coke with these kinds of foods makes it all the more enjoyable all the time.”

Fun dining duo: Brothers Ome and Aye Nuguid

Aye says, “My brother Ome and I love to eat. That’s the very reason we both love Coke. It’s what spices up our daily food sprees. It’s important to always make it an enjoyable experience, that way we feel happier and more satisfied.”

Super snacker: Athlete CJ Valencia

Nothing can satisfy me more than a good serving of my favorite snack-time favorites like hotdogs, burgers and pizza. And, of course, it’s really much more rewarding to cool down with an icy bottle or a can of Coke. It’s that sure twist to make any usual meal a full and happy meal.

Badminton and chowtime buddies: Anton Dayrit, Rocio Pantaleon and Angelette Calero

Angelette says: “Food moments are always instant bonding times with friends and loved ones. Like my badminton buds Rocio and Anton, we are really the happiest when we eat together. Light snacks like chips and sandwiches with Coke, these are simple everyday treats that make times feel more worthwhile.”

Pinay big eater: TV host Phoemela Barranda

Every mealtime, I see to it that there’s always good food, good company, good conversation and a Coke to complete it. I like having it super ice-cold with my favorite sandwiches, especially after a hard day’s work. For me it’s the perfect match!

Together for everyday food feasts: Tessa Alindogan, Monica Yang, Nica and Marissa Lopa

Nica says: “Chips, burgers, adobo, fries or any other snack or dish, we eat anything with a Coke because it really makes food tastier, especially the spicy dishes. No meal is complete without it, especially at home when my mom whips up appetizing recipes for the whole family during dinners. It’s the most refreshing way to end a busy day.”

Loyal food and Coke lovers: Mom-daughter team Anna Katigbak-Lim and Virginia Katigbak

Anna says: “My mom and I spend a lot of our time at the dining table. That’s really where we get to catch up and bond more. So whatever’s there, often classic recipes like chicken adobo, pancit and others, we share and enjoy them together. Then, we just bring out a Coke from the fridge to complete the feast. I grow up drinking it during mealtimes and it never fails to make the times count.

The food boy-next-door: Fashion model Laxie Villar

I’m not picky when it comes to food. A simple plateful of pancit bihon already makes me very happy. I just feel a lot more contented and happier when I get to drink a really refreshing beverage right after a nice meal. I think we all do. That’s why I, and even my friends and family, all like Coke.