The #AsalFoodie Show – Grand Finale!

Photo Source: 7Up Pakistan

Living in times where our TV screens are constantly being bombarded with a myriad of how-to cooking shows, The #AsalFoodie Show by 7Up Pakistan came as a wind of change introducing the concept of food tourism while bringing food, travel and entertainment together at the same time.

Spanning across a collection of four episodes, The #AsalFoodie Show is being hosted by our all-time favorites, Anoushey Ashraf and VJ Shahzad who take us out on a virtual tour on screen every weekend as they travel to a new city in each episode while searching for nation’s best local culinary delights. Throughout their action packed journey, they are also joined by various food-loving celebrities who get to share their inherent passion for food like never before.

Here’s a quick look at the teaser revealing what the show is all about:

Asal Foodies Show - TeaserCatch Anoushey Ashraf and VJ Shahzad in an exciting new TV Show. In each episode, we will explore Pakistan's most famous food spots and that too with your favorite celebrities!Watch the Asal Foodies Show every SATURDAY on your favourite channels:Show Timings:Aaj News - 6:30 pmDunya News - 5:00 pmUrdu 1 - 11:00 pmATV - 11:00 pmPTV Home - 11:00 pmTV One – 4:00 pmGeo Entertainment - 11:30 pmGeo Kahani - 11:00 pm
Posted by 7Up on Friday, October 2, 2015

A unique TV program showcasing some exciting food adventures, The #AsalFoodie Show’s itinerary started off with the chic and charming actress, Sarwat Gilani featured in its first episode where they went exploring the food outlets at Port Grand. 

First stop - Karachi! Watch as our favourite foodies Anoushey Ashraf, Sarwat Gillani and Shehzad explore Karachi's Port Grand! #AsalFoodies
Posted by 7Up on Sunday, October 4, 2015

This was later followed by all-enthusiastic Ali Safina being featured in Multan and a true epicurean, Ali Hamza in Lahore as he treated Anoushey Ashraf and VJ Shahzad to various appetizing Lahori cuisines including the famous Paya Nashta at his very own home.

The Foodies Show - Episode 3Watch as Ali Hamza from Noori takes us around LAHORE! In this episode of 'The Asal Foodies Show', we explore some of his favorite food spots. #ManaLoFoodKaLove #AsalFoodies nooriWatch the Asal Foodies Show every SATURDAY on your favourite channels:Show Timings:Aaj News - 6:30 pmDunya News - 5:00 pmUrdu 1 - 11:00 pmATV - 11:00 pmPTV Home - 11:00 pmTV One – 4:00 pmGeo Entertainment - 11:30 pmGeo Kahani - 11:00 pm
Posted by 7Up on Tuesday, October 20, 2015

With each new episode being aired, the journey only gets more exciting for the food lovers who are no longer only interested in learning new recipes but they are also interested in knowing the food choices of our celebrities. And guess what? This week it’s going to be none other than the multi-talented Uzair Jaswal bringing this exciting show to a grand close!

The grand finale is to be shot in the beautiful city of Islamabad and will be highlighting some incredible food in the twin cities. So, if you haven’t watched this fantastic food series already, you know what you need to do. Grab some popcorns, hit the couch and #ManaLoFoodKaLove this weekend with the amazing trio including the young heartthrob, Uzair Jaswal as they travel and explore people, places and cuisines in the capital!

Don’t forget to tune in tomorrow, peeps! And for your reference, following are the show timings:

Show Timings
AAJ News	6:30 pm
Dunya News	5:00 pm
Urdu 1	11:00 pm
ATV	11:00 pm
PTV Home	11:00 pm
TV One	4:00 pm
GEO Entertainment	11:30 pm
GEO Kahani	11:00 pm

Until next, Bon Appetite! J

#Cheetos TVC – The Hunger Games with a Fist of FUN!

Photo Source: Cheetos Pakistan

My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, "You're tearing up the grass." "We're not raising grass," Dad would reply. "We're raising boys."

Harmon Killebrew

And that’s how dads do the deal!

There’s no relationship quite like the one that exists between a father and a son. He’s not only a mentor to you but he’s more often than not the best companion one could ever have – the one who knows how to turn mere moments into exciting adventures while having fun! Cheetos with their new TVC, which is currently being aired, has encapsulated the same essence in their commercial unleashing a new type of Kung Fu fighting that is all about FUN than fury.

The advertisement opens with a father and son duo completely indulged in watching TV while munching on their favorite bright orange Cheetos only until they are left with the last one in the bowl. This is supposed to be the defining moment where the little boy drifts away into a fantasy battle while Chester, the Cheetos’ old time mascot, makes his appearance calling for some Kung Fu moves which makes this ad all entertaining. What makes this Kung Fu hustle more captivating is the fact that it is being played with a pair of dressed up hands acting like fighters kicking and stomping while battling for the last bite.

Focusing more on the visuals rather than jingles, it’s a kind of advertisement that would let you stay glued to your screens till it ends. Moreover, the TVC has its own share of catchy phrases that are designed to leave a lasting image on your mind. For instance, you never know you might be found exclaiming, “May the best hand wins!” once you are done watching the ad. Because that’s exactly what I did and that’s exactly what it does to you!

Resonating with its fun brand personality, I believe that the ad has turned out to be a success in building the brand’s imagery and in communicating the intended message to the viewers – that is to let Cheetos add flavors and fun to your life and moments (something that one can’t resist).

In case you haven’t seen the ad yet, you can watch it here:

How far can you go for the last bite of CHEETOS? Grab your favourite pack right now.. and LET THE FUN BEGIN!
Posted by Cheetos Pakistan on Sunday, October 18, 2015

P.S. Do you know that making a Kung Fu pose might just help you win some exciting prizes? Head over to Cheetos Pakistan and join in the competition! Let the FUN Begin! J

Wasu Returns with Mind-Boggling Poetry on Education in Pakistan

Amidst the various forms of corruption prevailing in Pakistan, the state of degeneracy in the education system of our country is the most gravest of all. The ever-increasing number of so-called “ghost schools” emerging in the region is an alarming situation, which can only bring our education system closer to a collapse as we continue to remain silent and ignorant to our surroundings.

In times like these calling for desperate measures and a reawakening, Wasu Khan, the poet and pop star hailing from Balochistan, stepped up and recorded poetry in hope of enlightening the masses about the saddening and disappointing state of ‪schools and ‪education in our country. His well-articulated piece of poetry was recently picked up by an educational campaign called “Alif Ailaan” who had shared his recitation on their social media pages and this is where I discovered him.

Poetry by Wasu Khan
A humorous, yet eye-opening poetry by Wasu Khan on education-related issues in Pakistan.
Posted by Alif Ailaan on Friday, October 16, 2015

The poetry clearly reflects a number of corrupt practices lurking within the sector which includes and are not limited to the presence of weak governance and poor management, lack of proper infrastructure, the mismanagement of funds and the absence of true dedication towards the profession.

Presenting harsh reality with a touch a humor, Wasu’s poetry is not just a piece of verse but a mind-altering attempt that equally hits your head and heart.

Here’s what some of my people had to say about the video:

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

Completely agreeing to what they say, we must remember that it’s never too late to change and the power to change and the power to emerge as our own heroes came embedded in us, it’s only waiting to be harnessed. Come forward and play your part like Wasu did! Write something. Do something. Or just click and share the video allowing it to reach and influence a wider mass. After all, it’s the little effort that goes a long way! 

Paving Ways for Brighter Future with #First1000Days of Nutrition – Start Healthy, Stay Healthy!

Photo Courtesy: HolisticSquid

Congratulations! You have a baby! What’s Next?

There’s nothing that can be compared with the ebullient joy of becoming a mother. Not having experienced it myself; however, all those interesting tales being told by my friends strengthen my belief in it. Each one has an unforgettable memory about the beginning of her child’s life. And from all those stories, I can safely conclude that the sacred bond between a mother and her child begins from the very moment the baby finds its way into her womb and once she becomes aware of her baby’s existence, she immediately starts pondering over ways on how to provide her child the perfect start to life. This is where the #First1000Days of healthy nutrition comes into play!

Researchers have identified the fact that environment experienced during the critical time frame of pre and post natal development have modulating effects on an individual’s health later in life. It is the #First1000Days of life from pregnancy to your child’s second birthday that is considered as a crucial period for his/her physical and intellectual development and lifelong health. Therefore, it becomes imperative for a mother-to-be to ensure that her child receives adequate nutrition during this window so as to secure a brighter future for her baby.   

Translating this knowledge into a concrete action, Nestlé Pakistan stepped up and organized a blogger meet at Pearl Continental Hotel, Karachi on 12^th September 2015 under its initiative titled, ‘Start Healthy, Stay Healthy’.  

Dr. Huma Fahim, Medical Advisor in Nestlé Nutrition, highlighted the significance of the #First1000Days through an informative presentation, which was followed by an interactive quiz.

Photo Courtesy: Sara Muzzammil

Addressing the same concern, Waqar Ahmad, the Head of Corporate Affairs, said, “Nestlé has an expertise in nutrition and believes it has a responsibility to share that expertise. We want to promote better health through good nutrition in the first 1,000 days of life. Research shows that children who don’t get proper nutrition in their early years can’t fully develop their physical and cognitive potential and are at an increased risk of poor health as adults."

The event was attended by prominent bloggers and online influencers who showed their massive support for the initiative and also took a pledge via social media to use their influence to raise awareness about the importance of nutrition in the #First1000Days of a child’s life.

And the journey doesn't end here. In fact, this marks the inception of a comprehensive awareness program that aims at creating a brighter tomorrow for your child starting from a healthier today, thus in turn contributing towards building healthier societies and making this world a better place.

Photo Courtesy: Famma Malik

Let’s come together for a healthy future of Pakistan. Let the #First1000Days do the miracle!

[#Poetry] - Another Sarah

Born in the caring motherly womb like a precious pearl in a clam
Died as a woebegone woman; in pursuing the merciless love of a man
She opened her eyes to the world; she thought was pure and kind
But she never knew this would be just the illusions of her mind
As she traveled down the path, and reached the prime of her life
She felt being lost in the dark and tried looking for the light
The light that once shone from the innocence of her eyes
The light that was blurred by deceit and the shameful, painful lies
The light that could blind her so that she could not ever see
The fallacious faces of people, their deceit and the misery
The light that could strike her mind and make it numb for eternity
So that she could blindly love without sensing the insincerity
She always had a fight with the soul she was blessed
She was weird for the world and ugly for the rest
She always pondered over if she was the worst amongst the best
Her life revolved around this never-ending quest
Then, there came a time when she got tired and decided to close her eyes
To wander far, far away from the people into the secluded paradise
To rise and reborn, to search and synchronize
The purpose of her existence with the cosmos and the mazes of the mind.

This piece of poetry has been published in an anthology titled, "The Inspired Heart - Edition 2" by Melinda Cochrane International. The anthology can be purchased online at Amazon. 

FoodPanda iDonate - Click,Vote & Earn!

“Never think that what you have to offer is insignificant. There will always be someone out there who needs what you have to give.”

The holy month of Ramadan is not just a religious ritual but a comprehensive training module being provided with immense wisdom, capable of transforming an individual’s personal and social life. Amongst its various tenets of wisdom, one of the most important ones is the element of compassion and the art of giving. Bringing these two elements together this time around, FoodPanda, one of the leading global online food ordering platforms, has initiated a campaign titled, “FoodPanda iDonate.” With a purpose of giving back to the society and helping alleviate the prevailing hunger crisis, the philanthropic campaign invites individuals to interact on their social media pages and give their consent in donation of the staple food items.

While the good people at FoodPanda will be donating these items and there are no transactions being involved on your part, all it takes is just a single vote that would not only help you feed the starving lot but will let you earn rewards in the form of a good deed!

In order to participate in the FoodPanda iDonate campaign, all you need to do is pick a staple food item of your choice (options including Rice, Daal, Flour or Sugar) and write it under the comments section on either of their social media pages including Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. FoodPanda team will then be distributing these to Edhi Foundation and SaylaniWelfare Trust. It couldn’t have been easier than this, isn’t it?

Another way of contributing to the campaign is to spread a word about it in your social circle and ask your friends to vote, which can be done from anywhere and anytime – and this again won’t cost you anything.

FoodPanda iDonate has provided one of the quickest and the easiest ways of contributing to the greater good in the #monthofblessings proving once again that #foodpandacares for its people. Through this campaign, FoodPanda is not only helping and feeding the ones who are a little less fortunate but it is also helping us to do our little bits of good that can make a huge difference. Here’s how I have done it:

You can do it too!

“Now won't you give some bread to get the starving fed?”

-- George Harrison

#KhushiyanChakhLo with Shan Foods – The Real, Winning Recipe on the Ad Menu

Nothing else could be as sweet and salty as the latest Ad film by Shan Foods that has been introduced as a part of their Eid campaign. Shan Foods, one of the leading recipe mix brands in Pakistan, will now not only be remembered for producing all those spicy and delicious masalas being found on our kitchen shelves but the brand shall also be celebrated for introducing this awesome and emotionally packed TVC whose content has tugged at the heartstrings of its viewers. 

Living in an ad-age where our minds are being constantly fed with bizarre dance moves or some senseless jingles promoting a certain product, Shan Foods has come up with an inspiring creative that emphasizes upon the cultural values of the human connection. 

Apart from being brilliantly conceptualized and wonderfully executed, following are a few other reasons, in my opinion, that has made this advert a winning recipe on the Ad menu:

The Emotional Roulette:

The newly-launched Shan Foods’ TVC is no less than the emotional roulette that sets your feelings on a spin letting you experience various shades of human emotion. Those living abroad can relate to the pain of being away from home or from your loved ones (as shown in the TVC) while siblings, on the other hand, are found to be relating themselves to the brotherly affection found between two brothers. 

And a lot many of us have almost cried too while watching the ad film, not because we were being upset but for a reason that Alain de Botton defines well when he says;

“The moment we cry in a film is not when things are sad but when they turn out to be more beautiful than we expected them to be.”

How does it feel to be away from home on Eid missing out on those delectable dishes being cooked by your mother and waiting to be hugged and greeted by her -  this is being beautifully depicted in the TVC and being a hostelite myself, this advert resonates with a part of me. 

Jingle Sells, Jingle Sells, Jingle All the Way!

“Woh Maula sab ki sunta hai, par kisi kisi ko chunta hai . . . . . . .”

If not the whole jingle, I am sure I would be remembering this part for it is not only being catchy and captivating but it also lifts your mood at the same time. Jingle being played in #KhushiyanChakhLo TVC carries a melodious tune that adds flavor to the story. 

The Paradigm Shift:

The advertisements being produced by Shan Foods over all these years focused more on providing information about the product rather than presenting emotional content or a story. Breaking its own rule this time, Shan Foods released an emotional ad film, which turned out to be a huge success gaining massive appreciation on the social media (as indicated in the tweets below):

For the first time #ShanFoods have come out with a TVC having a story & tapping the feelings. I can relate to it! #KhushiyanChakhLo

— Xainab Mobin (@zainabmobin) June 22, 2015

So we can win hearts without badly-written jingles and poorly choreographed dance performances! Thankyou #ShanFoods #KhushiyanChakhLo

— Bee. (@s_beenish) June 23, 2015

The best use of 3 minutes by #ShanFoods in #KhushiyanChakhLo. No people dancing in fancy clothing. Or with overly full dastarkhwaans.

— Ayesha Siddiqui (@Ayeshasaurus_) June 23, 2015

And just in case, if you haven’t seen the video yet, you can take a look at the TVC here:

Celebrating the precious moments we share with our loved ones.Shan. #KhushiyanChakhLo
Posted by Shan Foods on Saturday, June 20, 2015

While Shan Foods continue to celebrate its winning ad recipe, let’s have some Biryaani, which is just a masala away! 

Come on, Readers! #KhushiyanChakhLo! J

Pepsi #LightingUpLives for a Brighter Ramzan – A Campaign to Remember

“As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.” 

― Mary Anne Radmacher

With the holy month of Ramzan soon dawning upon us, it’s that time of the year again when Pepsi Pakistan introduces their new, heartwarming CSR campaign with a purpose of giving back to the society. Having a look at the content and the purpose behind this initiative, it can be safely said that Pepsi’s Liter of Light #LightingUpLives campaign has set a sterling example of contributing to the social good in a compelling way and which may have a long-term impact on the society as a whole. 

Pepsi Pakistan, in collaboration with Liter of Light Pakistan, had successfully launched a CSR campaign at Jalozai camp under which recycled Pepsi plastic bottles were installed at the IDP camps. These plastic bottles were converted to lights or bottle bulbs being powered by solar energy and helped in lighting up numerous houses, hospitals and localities providing them relief from the shackles of darkness, thus making a real difference in lives of the inhabitants.

The installation was filmed by the celebrated filmmaker, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy and was launched through an impactful PR event being attended by several celebrities and influential individuals belonging to different spheres of life.

Extending the same campaign for a brighter Ramzan this year, their newly-launched TVC promotes a call to action to purchase 1.75L bottle; proceeds from which will be donated to Liter of Light Pakistan. By purchasing this 1.75L bottle, you will not only be quenching your thirst with this chilled delight during Ramzan but at the very same time, 1 Re from each 1.75L Pepsi plastic bottle will be donated to the cause allowing you to be a part of #LightingUpLives, and helping them provide light in the rural hinterlands with no electricity. The following TVC elaborates it further:

Lighting Up Lives this ramadan
We're on a mission to make this Ramzan brighter by taking our partnership with Liter of Light Pakistan one step further. On the purchase of every 1.75L Pepsi bottle, we will donate Re 1 towards #LightingUpLives across Pakistan! Spread the word and join us in this mission!
Posted by Pepsi Pakistan on Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Featuring renowned celebrities in the TVC including Hamza Ali Abbasi, Sanam Saeed, Syra Yousaf and Azfar Rehman, the campaign is becoming massively popular amongst the younger lot. Not only do these celebrities are supporting the cause online, you too can be a part of their digital promotion by buying a Pepsi 1.75L bottle and sharing a picture of it with a message for #LightingUpLives.

Knowing that these little acts of kindness can make a huge difference in someone’s life, let’s join hands with Pepsi Pakistan this Ramzan and become a part of this truly inspiring campaign.

In case you’d like to keep yourself updated with the campaign’s progress, you can visit their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/pepsipk

For now,

Let’s just start #LightingUpLives one bottle at a time! 

Eat, Drink & Be Merry! - Are You the #AsalFoodie 7Up is Looking For?

We all love food, don’t we? Be it some local roadside dhabba serving traditional cuisines or the newly-opened, fanciest restaurant in K-town, there’s nothing that stops us from setting off on the culinary chase and that’s what makes us foodies! But who knew that being a foodie could be so rewarding! The new 7Up #AsalFoodie campaign isn’t only about celebrating love for food but it’s also about cherishing yourself as a bona fide foodie by saying it loud and proud on your social profiles. Team 7Up is on a look out for the #AsalFoodie who not only knows the way to every food outlet in town but also enjoys creating interesting social foodie profiles (using images being available on the 7Up Facebook page) reflecting his/her love for the sugar and spice in life.

Following is a screenshot of one of the #AsalFoodie competitors who has changed his Facebook profile picture and the cover photo especially for the ongoing competition. 

And it’s not just about pictures being shared on Facebook only, the magnitude of its success can be gauged from the number of tweets that were posted, defining #AsalFoodie on Twitter.  Following are a few screenshots of the ones that I found funny and interesting:

My snapchat stories tends to always be about food.. 😋🌚 #AsalFoodie ,,,,

— Mr.... Shahbaz !! (@Mr_shabii) June 3, 2015

#AsalFoodie is the one who can eat 3 rotis even with teenday..! 😐

— T. (@Engr_Tabi) May 31, 2015

Yes i m #AsalFoodie I will marry the one who gives me the same feeling i get when i see food coming at restaurants 😂

— ツرمشاءツ (@ApApnaKamKren) May 31, 2015

#AsalFoodie be like: The only thing which separates us as a nation is the debate between Pulao & Biryani.

— Talha Khan (@talhamr99) May 31, 2015

While the campaign is receiving a tremendous response already, and many of my friends have already participated, I'm strategically waiting to see what they've got so I know exactly what to post and how to beat them! Ssssh! That’s our tiny, little secret!

But let me tell you that there’s a tough competition out there and everyone wants the throne! And of course, the iPads that will be awarded to the chosen ones making it easier for Instagrammers like us to share our epicurean experiences with the people we love.

For more details about the competition, you can visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/7UPPK.
You can also find them on Twitter @7UP_PK & Instagram: www.instagram.com/7UPPAKISTAN

Do not forget to participate if you firmly believe the adage that says, “There’s no sincerer love than the love of food.”

All Hail #AsalFoodie!