MANILA – For 1985 Binibining Pilipinas-International Sabrina Artadi, cooking is therapeutic.

The star of the YouTube channel and website “Sabrina’s Kitchen,” which is now on its eighth year, said cooking helped her cope with depression.

“I go through depression, stress, lack of energy that you have to do so many things,” Artadi, a self-taught cook, admits.

“I don’t want my story to be a problematic ex-beauty queen damsel in distress. I wanted to move on. So sabi ko ‘Sabrina’s Kitchen’ will all be positive – good food, good happy ending.”

That's why her 3-minute cooking show features “healing foods” -- all while keeping it budget-friendly.

Artadi, who prefers to use natural remedies rather than medicines, discovered that there are certain spices that can be used to fight stress and depression.

Rosemary, turmeric, cayenne pepper, cumin, and cinnamon, for instance, are all anti-inflammatory and mood-lifting ingredients that can help fight depression, improve blood flow, and boost energy.

She uses these for a range of dishes from entrees to even drinks.

PERSISTENCE, FAITH, AND LOVE

At an early age, Artadi was already aware of the harsh realities of life. She did modeling and commercials to help her single mother. At 18, she joined the prestigious Binibining Pilipinas pageant for her family.

“I’m really not a beauty queen, I just had to help my family. My agent told me that if I had a title, my price would go up. I saw the need because my mom was also a single mom and we were three children,” shared Artadi, who is the sister of Wolfgang vocalist Basti Artadi.

Artadi may have won the crown, but her struggles didn’t end.

In 1988, she got married and lived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. She eventually decided to leave with her two children -- and when they did, the airplane they took crash-landed and nearly exploded.

“Gusto ko nang sumuko eh," shared the 51-year-old Artadi. "I lost two decades of my life but I learned to have a relationship with God."

“I started from scratch -- where to live, how to feed my children. In the process of running away from my ex-husband who had harassed me in court… he really gave me a very difficult time. There was no support, I had to pay debts,” she shared.

It was Artadi’s persistence, faith, and love for her children that kept her going.

“[Noong] nawala 'yung cases, nawala 'yung debt with lawyers, wala na akong court issues, I decided that the next phase of my life is I’m gonna have a cooking show.”

HELPING TEENS AND KIDS

Despite the success of “Sabrina’s Kitchen,” Artadi felt she needed to reach out to the younger generation.

That's why last Friday, she signed a contract as a content creator with Adober Studios, a YouTube multi-channel network owned and operated by ABS-CBN Corporation.

“Gusto kong ma-reach 'yung mga bata, 'yung stressed-out people, kaya nag-Adobers ako,” said Artadi.

Since depression is prevalent among teenagers, Artadi reminded mothers to prepare "healing" dishes for their children and maintain strong bonds with them.

“I am not a millennial, but I gave birth to two, so I understand them,” shared Artadi.

Artadi's other advocacy is to bring proper nutrition to poor children through her weekly feeding program dubbed “Super Caldo Sundays” at the Missionaries of the Poor in Sta. Ana, Manila.

“It’s not about money, it’s not about fame or power. It’s about attitude, health, and enjoying simple joys,” she said.