Lourdes Vindollo Labii is a passionate, nurturing mom to Luis and Enzo, a loving wife to Jerry, and a homemaker who juggles motherhood, marriage and work.

She is a nurse who takes care of patients undergoing dialysis. She is also an entrepreneur, voiceover talent, storyteller, community volunteer, blogger (nanaysluncheswithlove.com), healthy bento workshop instructor and

She is likewise a foodie who dreams of becoming a chef and a food stylist. I believe she is on her way to becoming the latter.

The nurse is an artist as well, someone who uses the bento box as canvas. Her specialty is the kyaraben, elaborate character bento boxes that are a feast for the eyes.

Preparing happy-looking kiddie meals has become her full-time job, a passion and a way of fulfilling her dreams while allowing her the luxury of staying home and looking after the children.

Healthy eating

Her experience as a dialysis nurse prompted her to be vigilant about the nutrition needs of her children. She recounted how heartbreaking it was to see patients suffering from kidney failure. It was a constant reminder for her to be concerned with the food she prepares for her family.

It was the suffering and pain that she saw daily that led to her commitment to take charge of her family’s well-being by preparing the freshest and healthiest meals.

But what started as simple but nutritious preparations for her son Luis in preschool evolved into works of art by the time he entered grade school.

She became so obsessed with styling her son’s meals that she took pictures and posted them on the Internet. Her online posts caught the attention of her friends and their friends. One by one the orders started trickling in, and before she knew it, she was receiving bento orders regularly.

Making them is not an easy task, she admitted. Each bento requires her utmost patience and attention. A small food box takes 10-15 minutes to complete—but only after each and every component had been tediously cut and shaped.

The equipment and materials needed to produce such pretty bentos include cutters and tools, colorful picks, paper cups. Preparing for each client and every theme also requires a lot of planning, and is a time-consuming process.

But the long hours and hard work are all worth her while, for making bentos is Lourdes’ manner of self-expression; and the smiles on the faces of those who see the work of her hands are her greatest reward.

Lourdes’ bento tips

I believe that healthy eating should start at an early stage.

It’s never too late to try.

It would be helpful for busy moms to plan ahead what to buy on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, especially fruits and vegetables.

Leftovers are a great help. If I have leftover adobo or beef steak, I mix them with rice and, voila! I have instant adobo rice or instant beef steak rice.

A portion of your lunchbox should be allotted to fruits, like a slice of orange or apple, or both.

Make it colorful. Play with the natural colors of fruits and vegetables. Play with colors and shapes.

Replace rice with alternatives such as sushi rice.

There should be sources of protein like beef, fish, chicken or pork which can be grilled, fried, steamed, breaded or cooked or served any way you like.

Pack the food tightly to prevent it from shifting inside the box.

Fillers like lettuce leaves and cucumber are important.

Cut fruits, veggies, hams and cheeses into different shapes using cookie cutters (available at Daiso or any Japanese store).

Stick to healthy food group ratios—protein, grains, fruits, vegetables. This can help with nutrition and weight loss.

Healthy pasta sauce recipe

450 g whole-wheat pasta
1 k fresh tomatoes, sliced
1-2 garlic cloves, crushed
1-1½ c olive oil
Basil leaves, handful
Feta cheese
Optional: Parmesan cheese to add flavor

Saute garlic in olive oil followed by the tomatoes.

Simmer over low heat.

When the tomatoes are soft and cooked, add parmesan cheese to taste; season with salt and pepper.
Add basil leaves.

Serve over cooked noodles, topped with feta cheese.

Lourdes’ bento boxes are made to order. What goes inside depends mostly on the client, though a typical bento meal would include a pasta of choice topped with a character made of cheese or bread depending on the theme, sandwich, fruits/cookies and homemade chicken breast tenders/nuggets. Rice meals are also available upon request.

For bento orders, call 0927-8857728 and 3709330.