For many Filipino families, staying healthy has never felt more important, as chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer can change the life not just of the patient, but the entire family. While no single food can prevent disease, health experts agree that simple, sustainable choices can help families take a more proactive approach to their wellbeing.
For multi-awarded singer and performer Gary Valenciano, that belief has been shaped by his own health journey – having gone through serious illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Over the years, he has learned that wellness isn’t built through drastic lifestyle changes, but through choices that can be practiced consistently.
“I’m glad that now, there’s a way that people can really be conscious. And kahit once a week lang, with the options that we have now with Del Monte, I think that it helps with the way I manage my life.”
That mindset is what led him to support the Del Monte Tomatoes Once A Week Habit, which encourages families to include at least one tomato-based meal in their weekly routine. Learning more about lycopene reinforced his commitment to making intentional food choices.
“When I did the ad, of course, I did some research. And I found out that lycopene was something that really fascinated me because there are foods that we are eating that contain lycopene. Now I’m 62, so my body doesn’t react the same way it used to. What you put into your body is what really matters. Since there are good options, put that into your body, and experience what the outcome will be.”
Talaan ng Nilalaman
Why Health Experts Continue to Talk About Lycopene
At the center of the advocacy is lycopene, a naturally occurring antioxidant found predominantly in tomatoes. Research has associated lycopene consumption with benefits related to cardiovascular health, metabolic wellness, inflammation management, and overall wellbeing.
Studies also show that cooked and processed tomato products—such as tomato sauce, spaghetti sauce, tomato paste, and ketchup—provide a far more powerful health benefit than fresh, raw tomatoes. This is because thermal cooking breaks down the tomato’s tough plant cell walls, essentially ‘unlocking’ the nutrient and shifting its molecular shape into a highly bioavailable form that our bodies can absorb better. This makes familiar tomato-based dishes an effective way to incorporate it into a balanced diet.
According to Dr. Juanita Lim, oncologist and health advocate, antioxidants help protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress, which researchers have associated with aging and many chronic illnesses.
“Lycopene is one of nature’s most aggressive free-radical scavengers, but because our bodies cannot produce it, eating clean, lycopene-rich foods regularly like once a week is vital to keeping our defenses armed. Maintaining this consistent dietary habit provides the ongoing biological support needed to halt cellular stress, playing an important role in the long-term prevention of chronic lifestyle disorders.”
Tefel Valentino of the Philippine College of Surgeons Cancer Commission Foundation adds that good nutrition plays a vital role in protecting one’s health, supporting the body’s natural healing and recovery processes, and improving quality of life.
“The food we eat helps us stay healthy, supporting healing and recovery when illness strikes. With good nutrition, every meal becomes an opportunity to care for our health and the people we love.”
A Survivor’s Perspective on Everyday Wellness
Cancer survivor Paula Serrano understands firsthand how dramatically life can change after a serious diagnosis. For Paula, the Del Monte Tomatoes Once A Week Habit is not simply about prevention. It is about maintaining a healthier life after cancer and continuing to make choices that support long-term wellness.
“When you’re faced with cancer, you realize how precious your health really is. It affects not just you, but also your family, your plans, and your future. This is why I take steps to ensure I remain healthy to prevent my cancer from coming back.”
Turning Healthier Choices into a Weekly Family Habit
According to Sharon Tanganco, Chief Marketing Officer of Del Monte Philippines, the goal of the advocacy is to make healthier eating feel simple, approachable, and realistic for everyday households.
“Through the Del Monte Tomatoes Once A Week advocacy, we encourage families to include a tomato-based meal on the menu at least once a week.”
The habit can be built around familiar Filipino favorites already enjoyed by many families, including:
- Classic Spaghetti made with Del Monte Spaghetti Sauce
- Chicken Afritada made with Del Monte Tomato Sauce
- Arroz a la Cubana with Del Monte Tomato Paste
- Fried Chicken paired with Del Monte Tomato Ketchup
Del Monte Tomatoes Once A Week. A simple habit that may help protect your health and your future, because your family matters.