Occasions of JOY: August 2012

August 27, 2012

On Death and Dying

Many people fear death because of the fear of the unknown. I personally am not afraid of death and dying. Not that I know where I’m going. I just feel like when it’s your time, it’s your time. Whatever you are doing, wherever you are, if a person’s time is up – it’s up. I’m not a very religious person and I know I’ve done many mistakes in the past so I don’t really know if heaven or hell will be my final destiny. What I really believe in is this, what matters most during one’s lifetime is that you’re able to love with all your heart; give until you can give no more and forgive until your heart ache ends (uy parang kanta lang!).

Why am I writing this? The passing of DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo is a proof that a person’s worth is not measured by wealth and power. A person’s worth is measured by how many lives the deceased has touched and inspired. Secretary Robredo may not be as popular compared to many politicians, but he was a man of action. Di sikat, di maingay, di ma-epal pero madaming nagawa para sa bayan.

Sec. Jesse’s life is testament that popularity goes beyond life and politics. Sana lang mas dumami pa ang tulad nya sa mundo ng politika, para naman makaahon na ng tunay ang ating inang bayan.

August 25, 2012

GO HOTELS Conference/Meeting Room

The dilemma of finding a training room in just two weeks prior to the event was an easy task for me because Go Hotels – Conference Room in Cyber Plaza, Mandaluyong solved the problem at hand. Not only was it a snap to setup, but Go Hotels helped me customize the venue to fit the needs of my clients.

In addition, Go Hotels staff were very helpful and accommodating with all the requirements I needed so I was able to effectively accomplish the training.

The restroom is conveniently located inside the conference room allowing the participants to come and go as they please without disturbing the other participants. It is also very clean with complete amenities such as toilet tissue, liquid soap, and even a dipper.

An 8 hour use cost only three thousand pesos (Php3,000). Four hours use is only one thousand five hundred pesos (Php1,500). Optional use/rent of projector is one thousand pesos (Php1,000). To avail the use of Go Hotels Conference Room, it is required to book at least one (1) room for an overnight stay.

If you have been looking for a conference room to manage your Company Meetings and Trainings, try Go Hotels – Mandaluyong Conference Room located at the Upper Ground Level, Robinsons Cybergate Plaza, EDSA Mandaluyong City, Philippines. Contact details: 0922-GOHOTEL (4646835)

August 22, 2012

Whip up your own master recipe and be hailed as Master Chef

Quality ingredients at affordable prices make a good recipe and SM Hypermarket brings you these so you and your family may enjoy good food. And when you buy your ingredients at SM Hypermarket and whip up a great tasting, unique and reasonably priced recipe using any of our master brands, you will get the chance to win in SM Master Chefs recipe contest.

Just bring your finished product to any SM Hypermarket store on judging day and you could be hailed one of the thirty three SM Master Chefs 2012.

View more details at SM HYPERMART's FB Page HERE

(Press Release)

Free Carinderia Makeover with SM Hypermarket Master Chefs

Entrepreneurs who run a carinderia, catering or small restaurant business can own a brand new kitchen and dining area furnished by SM Hypermarket with SM Master Chefs Free Carinderia Makeover – one of the three components of this year’s run.

Aside from the Free Makeover for food business owners, SM Master Chefs 2012 is made more exciting with back-to-back Cooking Demos of notable chefs and a Master Recipe contest for those who love to eat, cook and experiment with their food.

Sustaining food business operations

Food service business is close to the heart of SM Hypermarket. In fact, an entire section of the store is solely dedicated to products and services essential in running a food business. Owners of food businesses can buy their ingredients in big packs or bulk and other essentials for their operations – plates, cups, utensils, tables and chairs, pots and pans and even chef’s uniforms at SM Hypermarket’s Food Service Center. The Center delivers and takes orders via a phone call.

And as a tribute to food service owners, SM Hypermarket is giving away a free makeover of their kitchen and dining area to five lucky and deserving food business operators in order to help them sustain their operations. A minimum P500 worth of groceries inclusive of two sponsor brands or a fully stamped loyalty card give food business owners a chance to win a makeover.

(Press Release)

SM Master Chefs in SM Hypermart

SM Hypermart in Cubao has once again put a great cooking show, more of a cooking marathon, last week for Media and Bloggers to celebrate it's first year in the business. Chef RJ Garcia of San Miguel, Chef Tess Sutilo of Nestle, Chef Menoy Jimenez of CDO, Chef Arnold Bernardo of Bounty Fresh and Chef Paulo Sia of Uniliver transformed SM Hypermart Cubao into one big culinary kitchen. All the ingredients they use for cooking is found in SM Hypermart Cubao, as well as other branches of SM Hypermart.

Experience the same high I got from this wonderful event by visiting SM Hypermart. Refer to the schedule below to find out where the Chefs are going to be next:

San Miguel Purefoods - Chef RJ Garcia

Previous Work Experiences:

Restaurant/Kitchen Manager Gitara Grill

Equipement Supervisor ABS-CBN Junior Master Chef

CHEF Eastwood Richmonde Hotel

Educational Background:

Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde

Training Experience: Je Suis Gourmand and Mandarin Oriental Manila

Bounty Fresh - Chef Arnold Bernardo

March 2011 to Present Montemar Beach Club, Bagac Bataan

Executive Chef / Consultant

§ Create dishes/menu for Montemar’s La Marea restaurant

§ Launch the 2^nd Montemar restaurant called “Lanai”

§ Testing and improving existing dishes

§ Training of cooks and waiters.

§ Oversee costing procedures

October 2010 to December 2010, Mapua Institure of Technology, Makati

Chef Instructor

§ Teach Quantity Food Production to students

July, 2009 to Present Wheatberry Bakery & Café, Quezon City

Chef / Consultant

§ Create dishes for the restaurant’s menu and promotions

§ Testing and improving existing dishes

§ Training of cooks and waiters.

2008 to 2009 Chattrade Enterprises (SABA brands)

Corporate Chef / Consultant

§ Create recipes using SABA products to be used for cooking demonstrations, inside product labels and publications

§ Kitchen testing of SABA recipes

§ Conduct cooking demonstrations to clients and end consumers

2008 to 2009 SPARKS Promotions & marketing Service, Inc. (For Nestle)

Chef / Cooking Demonstrator

§ Create recipes using Nestle products to be used for cooking demonstrations

§ Conduct cooking demonstrations to end consumers

CDO - Chef Menoy Gimenez

Nestle - Chef Tess Sutilo

Handles all internal and external activities of Julius Maggi Kitchen.
Develops recipes, conducts tasting sessions, handle promo attendant training for various sampling activities that involve food preparation and cooking for Nestle brands.

Graduated from St. Paul College of Manila, HRM.
Holder of Certificate in Basic Professional Culinary and Baking Course at CCA
Holder of Certificate in Basic Professional Food Styling Course at CACS
Author of Daily Delights Cookbook (#4 Bestseller in Non Fiction Category)
Author of Celebrating 100 Years of Cooking with Nestle Cookbook)

Unilever - Chef Paulo Sia

Graduated in Center for Culinary Arts

• Trained in C2 restaurant

• Worked in various hotels such as Linden Suites, Sofitel, Discovery suites

• and Intercon

• Had a catering business – Caterer@large and MCS catering

• Became consultant for Caterers in Manila

• Trained in Singapore for Chinese Cuisine

• Trained in Bangkok for Asian Cuisine

• Trained in Vietnam (Chefmanship)

• Member Le Toques Blanche Phil. (Chef Association)

• Sous vide training with Master chef Ryan Clift

Entertainment was also provide by SM Hypermart's Staff

August 19, 2012

Discover The New Metro in Alabang

Metro’s vision is to become a world-class retailer and aims to achieve top choice status among retail shoppers. Its mission is to provide quality products in a pleasant environment complimented by delightful customer service. With this vision and mission, the grand opening of the New Metro today has certainly put its name in the map of Philippine’s best mall.

Metro, located at Alabang-Zapote Road, corner Madrigal and Corporate Ave., Alabang is a massive 44,000 square meter retail store at the south. It is the newest anchor store of the premier Alabang TownCenter (ATC), operated by the Alabatng Commercial Corporation, a subsidiary of Ayala Land, Inc. it marks the continued penetration into Luzon by the successful Metro Retail Group.

The Metro Store Alabang is the company’s 18^th store and its third retail venture into Metro Manila, following the successful Metro Market! Market! In Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and Metro Market, the anchor Supermarket of the recently opened Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo. By the end of 2012, there will be three more stores to be opened bringing the total of 21.

Shoppers will surely enjoy a different kind of retail therapy at Metro Department Store, especially with its unique and high quality merchandise. There is an interesting section called “Treasures of Cebu,” featuring one-of-a-kind, export quality accessories hand crafted, designed and manufactured by Avatar (Gil Carungay and Artizans), Binibini ( Janice Minor, Clara Guinefolleau, and Mi Arcenas) and Tribal Crafts International.

At Metro’s Heritage Furniture Collection, Alabang shoppers can now find Cebu-made world class furniture pieces, and if they have preferred designs, Metro accepts made-to-order items. They have the option of matching these exciting furniture and home items with choice appliances at the Appliance Center, including top brands of Samsung, Sony, Electrolux, and La Germania.

In the home department, sleep zone offers an exclusive collection of beds called Regal Comfort Collection. Fashionistas and hobbyist will also have fun going through Metro Alabang’s wide collection of notions and textiles.

At Metro Supermarket, a wide range of groceries from around the world is right at your fingertips. With over 12,000 local products and 4,000 directly imported items, the Metro Supermarket will surely fulfill the needs of the Alabang customer. There is even a Hotel, Restaurant, Catering (HORECA) section and institutional section that can provide wholesale offers.

Have a taste of Europe by visiting Metro Gourmet Deli and Coffee Shop - located at the supermarket. Having a coffee shop inside the supermarket is one concept I truly enjoyed at the Metro. Metro Gourmet Deli and Coffee Shop offers a wide selection of gourmet food – from the 180 cheeses and Deli items, to 200 different dine-in or take out choices.

Freshly baked bread and pastries is available at Suisse Cottage. Metro commissioned Damien Deslandes, a professional baker from France, to develop products to suit refined tastes of Alabang market and treat them to delectable and meticulously prepared European pastry delights at Suisse Cottage. Deslandes had a long experience in pastry and bread making from a top hotel chain and premium deli in France and treating.

Other sections worth visiting are Taste of Cebu – honest to goodness Cebu Lechon flown in daily from Cebu, Metro Wine and Liquor Shop – with wide selection of wines and liquor from all around the world, Metro Pharmacy – for medical and health needs, and Food Choices – where great meals just footsteps away from the supermarket. At Food Choices, shoppers can find multiple food kiosks to satisfy their cravings. Metro has sumptuous pizzas and pastas at Sbarro, the first outlet in ATC. Youngsters can go to their favorite Serenitea, while dads can have their fill of coffee at Starbucks and pair with goodies from GoNuts Donuts. Also available are healthy choices such as Bodato Burgers and Tutti frozen yogurts. Fried food enthusiasts can go to Buffalo Wings & Things and NYFD for fries and dips. There are also fast food choices: Food Avenue—Roaster Chef, Noodle King, Steak Rush and Food To Go.

Location

Alabang-Zapote Road

Corner Madrigal and Corporate Ave.

Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City 1780

(632)358-4269

www.metro.com.ph

Hours of Operation

Metro Department Store

Monday – Friday 11am – 9pm

Saturday & Sunday 10am – 10pm

Metro Supermarket

Monday – Friday 8:30am – 9pm

Saturday & Sunday 8:30am – 10pm

August 17, 2012

Angono's Art Expression

FIFTY artists of Angono, Rizal - the Arts Capital of the Philippines – will come together in an art exhibition from August 12 to 18, 2012.

The exhibition entitled “Bayanihan, A Convergence of Angono’s Art Expressions” will feature known and respected visual artists such as Nemiranda, the Blanco family, Pepito Villaluz, Orville Tiamson, Perdigon Vocalan, Carlos "Totong" Francisco II, Wire Tuazon among others.

A wide selection of traditional realistic paintings, abstract and cutting edge contemporary style will be on display at the Nemiranda Art Café, the Blanco Family Museum and The Second Gallery in Angono, Rizal.

Although the town has previously witnessed similar exhibitions, this will be the first time for all the active artists to collaborate as one group for the love of their hometown, Angono, which is celebrating its 74th Foundation Day this month.

The works of international artists Nino Quartana and Olivia d’Aboville will also be on display.

Ipanema is very happy and fortunate to co-presented this endeavor.

On August 20, 2012, a catalogue of participating artists and their works will also be launched. For details call: Sara Luisa Siri (Event Director) 0922-5546685 and Tourism Officer Patnubay Tiamson 0906-4612403 and 0929-2544159.

Operation Smile Philippines

Help bring smile to a Filipino kid thru FREE cleft lip/cleft palate operation.

For more info txt: 0905-5580206/ 0929-3559866/ 0943-2337987

or visit www.operationsmile.org.ph

Medicines Delivered at Your Doorstep

Medicines delivered at your door? How's that for convenience? As a busy mom of three and with no house help, I am truly happy with this new service that City Delivery and The Generics Pharmacy offers.

With this first medicine delivery in the Metro, I save time, effort and not to forget money from going to and from to the pharmacy to buy medicines and food supplements for my whole family.

For over the counter medicines, placing order is done simply by calling City Delivery's 87878 or via text and/or City Delivery's website.

Steps to follow for medicines that needs prescription:

1. Order via 87878, text or website

2. Email the doctors prescription at orders@delivery.ph or fax (fax number will be given by City Delivery's Customer Service Representative).

August 15, 2012

Sugar Mommy

Juan is one cheerful son who always makes me happy. In the morning when I rush to finish their pack food and other stuff, Juan greets me, "Goodmorning my beautiful and sexy Mommy!". Other times he'd say, "Goodmorning my gorgeous Mother!".

Today, upon arriving from school:

Juan: Hello, sugar Mommy!

Me: I don't like your greetings for me. It does not make me happy.

Juan: Why, it's nice naman.

Me: No, it's not. (syempre di pa naman alam ni Juan ang exact meaning ng sugar mommy)

Juan: It's nice.

Me: It's not?

Juan: It is.

Me: How come?

Juan: Diba, you're my Mommy...and you're sweet to me, that's why I call you sugar mommy, because you're a sweet Mommy.

Me: Just call me sweet Mommy na lang, it sounds better than sugar mommy (di patatalo ang nanay syempre).

Juan: Okay, I'll just call you candy mommy na lang, kasi it's sweet also. (di pa rin pala patatalo si Juan).

Sugar Mommy is defined as an older woman who provides for younger boys/men or the event in which there is a role reversal between the financial duties of a boyfriend and girlfriend.

August 14, 2012

Urban Bazaar 2012

Fashion-savvy urbanites, rejoice! The long-awaited Urban Bazaar 2012 is back with exciting offerings of chic trends styled by the coolest fashion bloggers in town.

The popular Power Plant Mall event will make the Rockwell Tent come alive on the weekend of August 17-19 when blogger superstars Laureen Uy of breakmystyle.com, Camille Co of itscamille.com, Dominique Tiu of konichiwear.com, Vern Enciso of vernenciso.com, Cheyser Pedregosa of thewalkingrecessionista.com and Ava Te of artsyfartsyava.blogspot.com walk their talk, fashion-wise.

Here’s the deal. These fashion-forward femmes will each create their distinct fashion styles from the merchandise sold at the Urban Bazaar on August 17. The stylized outfits will then be displayed onsite throughout the Blogger Weekend. Shoppers get the chance to win their favourite look via a raffle.

The entrance fee entitles each shopper to one raffle stub which they can drop in a bin intended for the different fashion looks. If their name gets picked from the bin where they dropped their stub, they win the total fashion package. Students get a 50% discount on the entrance fee just by showing their school ID.

Among the bazaar participants are popular shoe lines CMG and So!Fab, e-boutique CoExist (by Camille Co) and Stylebreak (by Laureen Uy). Race car driver and designer extraordinaire Mark Bumgarner will also showcase the latest fashion from his fashion line, Cocobum.

Boys will have fun at Urban Bazaar as much as the girls. There’s a men’s lounge featuring Toys for the Boys where the gents can play games on Playstation 3 and Xbox for free, courtesy of Datablitz

August 10, 2012

Pacific 360° - Evening Cocktails With A Spectacular Cityscape View at the Pacific Lounge

Located on the 21^st floor of Pan Pacific Manila, the Pacific Lounge offers Pacific 360° - pre-dinner cocktails with free-flowing standard drinks and delectable appetizers over a spectacular evening cityscape.

In addition to the 360° panoramic night view of the bay area, guests can enjoy unlimited hand-crafted cocktails, sub-zero beer, red and white wine selection by the glass, and an assortment of heavenly canapés and appetizers. So, let your day wind down by sipping an after-dinner drink under the stars and above the city. Life is good!

The Pacific 360° is available every night from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at only PHP 600 net per person.

For enquiries and reservations, email enquiry.ppmnl@panpacific.com or call 318-0788 and ask for the Butler, of course!

Pan Pacific Manila is at M. Adriatico corner Gen. Malvar Streets, Malate, Manila. For events and other offers, visit www.panpacific.com/manila.

About Pan Pacific Manila

The first and finest Butler hotel in the Philippines – ranked among the top Asia city hotels at the 2008 and 2009 Readers Choice Awards and named one of the best places to stay in the world at the Annual Gold List by the Conde Nast Traveler. Awarded as the Philippines’ Leading Business Hotel at the 2011 and 2008 World Travel Awards.

Conveniently located at the heart of the historical and cultural district of Malate in the Manila Bay area, Pan Pacific Manila is a short drive to the city’s convention, exhibition and business centres and a walk away from shopping, food and entertainment establishments. A business hotel, designed to offer a comfortable abode to business and leisure travellers with its excellent facilities and service, the hotel has 236 all-executive rooms and suites and 7 spacious function rooms.

For more information, call (63-2) 318 0788 or visit panpacific.com/manila for more special offers.

About Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts

Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts comprises 19 premium hotels, resorts and serviced suites (including those under development) in 12 countries across Asia, North America and Oceania. The “Pan Pacific” brand provides refreshing Pacific experiences inspired by an invigorating blend of its Pacific Rim locations. It is focused on enriching experiences that draw on a diversity of landscapes and cultures; and relevant choices that convey freedom and individuality. Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts has been recognised by Condé Nast Traveller magazine as one of the 25 hotel companies demonstrating social responsibility and has won esteemed accolades such as World Travel Awards, AAA Four Diamond Award, Condé Nast Gold List and Readers Choice Awards. For more information, visit panpacific.com.

About Pan Pacific Hotels Group

Pan Pacific Hotels Group is a listed hotel subsidiary of Singapore-listed UOL Group Limited, one of Asia’s most established hotel and property companies with an outstanding portfolio of investment and development properties. Headquartered in Singapore, Pan Pacific Hotels Group owns, manages and/or markets over 30 hotels, resorts and serviced suites with over 10,000 rooms in Asia and North America including those under development. The Group comprises two acclaimed brands: Pan Pacific® and Parkroyal®.

Pan Pacific ® is a leading brand in Asia and the Pacific Rim situated in key cities of distinguished destinations offering upper upscale accommodations and services. Parkroyal® is an upscale regional Asia Pacific brand which promises a lifestyle-approach to hospitality that will leave guests with an experience to remember. For more information, visit pphg.com

Bayani Ang Tatay Ko Movie Screening

My friends and I and our respective families stormed SM North Edsa despite heavy rains last August 5 to support the first ever movie of our friend - Jing Javier.

More than the movie itself, we enjoyed the night because it's always our joy to meet and have endless talk and laugh. Good thing we occupied the lower level, otherwise the casts and crew of this movie would be very annoyed by our kakulitan and tawanan.

Aga Mulach (along with her daughter) and Cesar Montano (along with Sunshine and their kids) supported their friend, Bayani Agbayani.

Jenny, as always, was successful to have her photo taken with Aga. The rest of us - we settled with just a glimpse of Aga and Cesar. Kuddos to you, Jen, and thanks for the photos above.

Bayani Ang Tatay Ko is an indie film about life and struggles of a policeman. Actor-comedian and host Bayani Agbayani plays SPO3 Nicanor Corpuz , a decorated cop, loving dad and husband to his wife Susan played by Yayo Aguila, and son, Adrian played by child actor Yogo Singh. They live a simple, happy life until an incident took their lives on a different turn. One morning while in the police detachment where he is working, Taning played by Rommel Montano, a toughie from an influential family came looking for his colleague, SPO1 Joey Ponce. Ponce apparently shut down his illegal “videokarera” business and refused to accept a bribe, making the latter furious. Taning was scandalizing the station so he took a policewoman, SPO2 Pinky Madrigal hostage prompting Nick to defend his colleague.

Joining the lead stars are actor/model and ex-PBB housemate, Johann Santos, Ms. Jet Claveria, Butch Elizalde, Pinoy T.A.L.K. host Paul Quimbo, Ms. Jing Javier and Paulo Ponce and is under the helm of Ellen Argano.

August 8, 2012

Water for Health

It is always an honor and privilege to talk with seasoned ladies, for we get to learn a lot from them. At The Peppery opening, I met the grand matriarch of the owners of this Asian restaurant. Meet Ms. Flordeliza Santos.

I was amazed to learn that she's already 74. I told her immediately that she does not look her age. Her skin is not dry compared to other women her age. She still travels and enjoy commuting by herself from time to time. She let me in on her not so secret health tips and how she started the habit...

At age 51, Ms. Santos was diagnosed with high uric acid. She then researched and read books on how to cleanse and lower the uric acid. Drinking water was the only solution she found. From then on she drinks 2 liters of room temperature water. She drinks a glass or two upon waking up. After breakfast, before lunch, after lunch, before snacking, before dinner, after dinner, and until she consumes the 2 liters of water she religiously prepare upon waking up.

DISCLAIMER: The above health practice works for Ms. Flordeliza Santos. Research or consult your doctor before practicing the same.

August 7, 2012

Anti-Dengue Products from Stanhome

We almost spent Christmas eve at the hospital when my husband had Dengue 6 years ago. Since then I have been very watchful and careful, making sure that my family - especially our kids, is protected from Dengue.

It used to be that Dengue carrying mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) bite only at daytime. Now there is a mosquito known to bite during nighttime (Aedes albopictus). To protect my family I buy products that repels mosquitoes and other insects. Citronella has a scent that certainly is hated by mosquitoes. With this in mind, I am always on the look for anti-dengue products.

Featuring today 2 Anti-Dengue Products from Stanhome. First, STANHOME Stan-wick Citronella, a Home Deodorizer that emits a clean and fresh Citronella scent that welcomes your guests and rejects the pests.

Normally, my kids would say Citronella smells bad. But for Stan-Wick they actually sleep better because, as my son Rafael said it, it smells like the toothpaste that our dentist gave us.

Easy directions for use: 1. Shake well 2. Untwist and lift the cap to pull up the wick. Extend wick up to preferred height and leave it exposed 3. T refresh the scent, simply push back the cap and repeat steps 1 and 2.

My family loves going to places hidden from the many - these are mostly places of nature. It is best we protect the skin with oil or gel products that shoo away mosquitoes.

STANHOME Insect Repellent Gel creates a protective barrier on the skin, repelling insects and mosquitoes for at least 7.5 hours. What's best about this products? It’s dermatologically-tested, and is safe enough to be applied on one’s face.