Not all glasses are created equal

Not all glasses are created equal

I used to wear glasses when I was in high school and all the way until the early 2000s.  Since then I have been lucky enough not to need them but lately, with the stress of grading papers and submissions by my students I noticed that my eyesight seems to be more blurry than I remembered.  And  so pretty soon I will find myself possibly on the hunt for a new pair of glasses, at the very least, reading glasses.

Oftentimes when we visit the eye doctor to get prescription glasses, we spend some time choosing the frame that suits our face shape and personal style. But do we also take time to choose the type of lens appropriate for our eye problem and lifestyle?

Dr. Emelita RoledaAccording to Dr. Emelita Roleda, general manager of Essilor Philippines, the world’s leading ophthalmic optics company, “wearing just any kind of glasses is not enough. It is important to choose the right lens to get the best protection”.

Dr. Roleda explains that there are two types of lenses: uncoated and multi-coated lenses. “Uncoated lenses are prone to damage and don’t provide protection against elements that threaten healthy vision. Using multi-coated lenses enhance the performance, quality and life of glasses. Invest on high quality lenses as it will really pays off in the long run, in terms of benefits to one’s eyesight.”

Crizal lens coatingMeanwhile, multi-coated lenses are more advanced and tightly controlled due to computer processes. These lenses are evenly layered, can withstand high temperature and offer more improved performance.

couple wearing Crizal® Prevencia glasses

Glasses fitted with Crizal® Prevencia’s multi-coated lenses filter out harmful blue-violet light from gadgets, LED TVs, LED lights, fluorescent lights

Essilor’s Crizal® Prevencia is a multi-coated lens made with smart technology that filters out harmful blue-violet and UV lights emitted by the sun, gadgets, LED TVs, LED lights and fluorescent lights. On top of preventing long-term vision damage, it allows good light that helps regulate sleep and mood, and boosts brain activity.

essilor logo“Do consult your eye doctor because they can recommend the best lenses suitable to your needs and lifestyle,” Dr. Roleda adds.

Learn more about Crizal® Prevencia by visiting your preferred eye doctor or leading optical shop, or by logging on to www.essilor.com.ph.

Recipe: Cream cheese filled bacon-wrapped chicken

Recipe: Cream cheese filled bacon-wrapped chicken

They say that everything’s better with bacon and I can’t help but agree.  For today’s dinner, I decided to make cream-cheese filled bacon-wrapped chicken.  Sadly, I cannot display photos of the dish itself because we were too hungry that as soon as it was cooked and placed on the table, everyone took a piece off the platter and … nibble, bite, chew, savor, swallow, yum!  It was gone. 😀

For this post, I will use photos from the web but as soon as I am able to do this dish again I will make sure to take photos and post it.

Some things you need to know about chicken

sexy chicken

photo courtesy of buzzfeed.com

There are two kinds of meat on a chicken – the dark meat and white meat.  In a nutshell white meat is made up of the entire torso of the chicken while dark meat is the thighs, legs, and wings.

  • White meat is meatier (there is more of it) and is often dry which is why it is what is usually used in making chicken salad, chicken sandwiches, etc.
  • Dark meat is juicier (fatter) and softer so people who are counting calories tend not to get this.  However, it is for that reason that dark meat tastes yummier!

What you need to know about bacon

bacon sizzling on a pan by Kenny Alexander

photo credit to Kenny Alexander taken from http://6iee.com

It’s delicious. Nuff said. 😀

There are many brands selling bacon to be found in the supermarket but my favorites are Purefoods and it’s sister brand, Vida.

  • Purefoods bacon comes in many variants – classic honey-cured, maple, thick slice, barbeque, and honey roast.
  • Vida comes in only 1 variant … just bacon 😀

Kitchen tools I used

  • teaspoon
  • 2 chopping boards
  • large plastic container
  • mallet or a pestle (if you don’t have a mallet)
  • toothpicks

Ingredients I used for this recipe

  • chicken thigh fillet
  • Vida bacon – you will understand in a bit why I chose to use this one, besides for its price. 🙂
  • Hunt’s barbeque sauce – you can use any old barbeque sauce.  This just happened to be the one we had available.
  • Arla Cream CheeseArla cream cheese, any variant – my go-to brands are usually Philadelphia cream cheese and Emborg but I saw this one and got curious because it is less expensive.  FYI, it’s pretty good, too!.
  • salt and pepper

Alternative ingredients

You can use Purefoods barbeque flavored thick cut bacon if you like to save on steps. 😀

Procedure: what I did to put this dish together

I usually like preparing early so that when it is almost time to eat all I need to do is pop the food in the oven, in the fryer, on the pan, or pot.  Today was no different – I prepared 3 hours ahead. 😀

  1. Layout the bacon on a chopping board or large plastic container without overlapping and pour some barbeque sauce on it (not too much!) and smear.  Some of the sauce will end up on the board or container, that’s ok.  Flip the bacon and smear the other side as well and then just let it sit.
  2. mallet and pestleTake your chicken thigh fillet, lay it out as flat as you can on a chopping board, and then pound it flat (using a mallet or pestle) until it is almost evenly about 1/2 inch thick.  If it came out thinner than that, it’s ok, just make sure it is even.  Some would recommend putting the chicken in a clear plastic bag or cling wrap first.  This will help in preserving the juices and will avoid splashes.
  3. salt and pepperLayout all the chicken pieces you just pounded on your chopping board.  Take some salt and sprinkle in on the chicken.
  4. Take your pepper and do the same amount of pepper to use really depends on your preference and the preference of the people who will eat it.  But, if I may suggest, don’t be heavy-handed with the seasonings.
  5. Note:  There is no need to rub the salt and pepper in, just let it sit.
  6. Flip the chicken pieces and repeat the salt and pepper.
  7. On another chopping board take one of the bacon strips that you marinated in barbeque sauce and lay it flat.
  8. Take one chicken thigh fillet and put it on top of the bacon starting from one end with the majority of the bacon uncovered by chicken.
  9. Place 1 tsp. of cream cheese and plop it down on top of the chicken and smear it on as flat as you can concentrating on the center part of the chicken.  Once cooked the flavor of the cream cheese will infuse with the chicken and you won’t actually see it on the final product. 🙂
  10. Starting at the end where the chicken is starting rolling as tightly as you can without breaking the bacon and making the chicken tumble.  Your goal is to have a rollup that has bacon inside and out and to make sure the cream cheese will not escape the chicken when you cook it.
  11. Once you reach the end, take a toothpick and poke it through to secure the roll then transfer your finished product into a container, possibly the one where the bacon is marinating.
  12. Repeat the procedure with the remaining pieces.  Once done, cover the rolls and place them in the refrigerator to “set”.  Actually, we are just allowing the flavors we added to everything to seep in.  At a minimum, I’d say 30 minutes.

Cooking time!

How to cook it is up to you.  You can pan-fry, deep-fry, air-fry, or bake.  The cooking time will depend on how thick your chicken is.  I opted to use the air fryer (in an attempt to be healthier, hehehe) so that I do not use up so much oil and to keep the cream cheese in the chicken.

  1. Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes.
  2. Place a few pieces in the air fryer without crowding (about 4 to 5 pieces). Set the temperature to 180 degrees and cook for 20 minutes.
  3. Ding! Place your cream cheese-filled bacon-wrapped chicken on a platter and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
  4. Serve and enjoy!

bacon wrapped chicken for eating

Serve alone or with a dipping sauce of your choice!  One roll-up is pretty big and is good for 1 serving per person.  For the growing boys and hungry adults, you may need 2 of these. 😀

Cooked properly the bacon will be warm and crispy and the chicken will be soft and juicy and infused with the flavor of the cream cheese.  FYI, I got rave reviews about this from my family last night. 😀  Try making it yourself and let me know what you think.

If you like this recipe and will replicate it, take a pic and share it on Facebook or Instagram and don’t forget to tag me and use the hashtag #slvrdlphnrecipes

Ridesharing promo codes for March 2017

Ridesharing promo codes for March 2017

ride shareIn the month of hearts share a ride with a stranger or share a ride with friends.  Take Uber, Grab, or Angkas.

Can’t decide which ridesharing app to use?  Let Google maps help you decide. Below are some promo codes to make our commute more affordable.

Uber promo codes

uber-x and uber blackWaiting for promo codes from Uber is an exercise in frustration.  But when they do it often leads to something fun. 🙂  In the meantime, I suppose we just need to be satisfied with their excellent service. 🙂

Promo code:  LUNCHATUPTOWNBONIFACIO

Have lunch at Uptown Bonifacio and avail of this promo

  • P50 discount
  • valid for two (2) rides from 10am to 3pm going to and from Uptown Bonifacio at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
  • valid from Monday to Friday only up to March 9, 2017
  • valid in Metro Manila only

Google maps promo

Book at Uber ride via google maps

  • P100 discount on two (2) Uber rides
  • valid for Uberpool, Uber-X, and Uberblack rides

Grab promo codes

GrabcarYour eyes are not deceiving you.  Yes, promo codes do repeat.  And when they do the amount discounted is not always the same.  Take advantage of these inviting discounts while they’re available.

Whether you need a private car or are willing to share your ride, Grab has promo codes guaranteed to perk you up.

Promo code:  SHAREFRIDAY

  • P70 discount
    • valid for one (1) GRABSHARE ride only
    • from 6am to 10am on March 31, 2017

Promo code:  SHARE

  • 50% discount up to P100
    • valid for GRABSHARE rides only from March 27 to April 4, 2017
    • valid for three (3) GRABSHARE rides only from March 21 to 27, 2017
    • valid for three (3) GRABSHARE rides only from March 14 to 20, 2017
    • valid for three (3) GRABSHARE rides only from March 1 to 5, 2017
  • P50 discount
    • valid for two (2) GRABSHARE rides only from February 24 to March 1, 2017

Promo code:  GRABPAY

  • 50% discount up to P150
    • valid from March 27 to April 3, 2017
  • P100 off
    • valid for two (2) rides from March 25 to 26, 2017
  • 100% discount up to P200
    • valid for three (3) rides from March 13 to 19, 2017
    • valide for three (3) rides from March 4 to 12, 2017
  • use with GRABCAR, GRABCAR PREMIUM, and GRABCAR 6 SEATER rides in Metro Manila only
  • valid for Grabpay credits, debit cards and credit cards

Sometimes I can’t help but think that their marketing team don’t think things through when they come out with promotional material for their campaigns.  Take this for example.

Explain to us please, Grab, how we are supposed to #GRABALLWECAN if you put a cap of only 3 rides using the promo code.  I, for one, on any given week could Grab as little as 1 to as much as 14 in a week!  So how is 3 rides “all I can”?

It is a misleading ad and definitely does not display truth in advertising.  So sad.

Promo code:  GRABTRIKE

GRABTRICYCLE now moving in Mandaluyong!  One Grabtricycle can accomodate up to 5 people.

  • FREE RIDE from March 27 to April 5, 2017
  • only valid at Mandaluyong in the following areas:
    • Pioneer St. to William St.
    • Sheridan to cor. William St.
    • Reliance to cor. Pioneer St.
    • Mayflower to United St.
    • William
    • Madison
    • Pines

Promo code:  SHAREMKT

  • P50 discount
  • use if pickup point is within Makati CBD
  • valid for three (3) GRABSHARE rides only from March 27 to 31, 2017 from 10am to 4pm

Promo code:  SHAREBGC

  • P50 discount
  • use if pickup point is within BGC CBD
  • valid for three (3) GRABSHARE rides only from March 27 to 31, 2017 from 10am to 4pm

Promo code:  GLOBEWANDERLAND

  • P200 discount
  • valid for GRABCAR and GRABSHARE rides going to and from the venue (Filinvest City Events Ground)
  • code can be used for both cash and Grabpay payments
  • valid from March 4, 2017 to 7am of March 5, 2017

Promo code:  SMMANILASALE

  • P50 discount
  • valid for GRABCAR rides going to and from SM Manila only
  • valid from March 3 to 5, 2017

Promo code:  GRABSHARE

Win a meet and greet pass to Wanderland!

3 lucky passengers will get face to face time with Temper Trap, Lany and Yuna just by using the promo code GRABSHARE. The more you ride, the higher your chances of getting to meet your favorite Wanderers.

Tag your friends and enjoy the trip with Grab, the Official Ride Partner of Wanderland 2017. Grab away!  Winners will be announced on March 1, 2017

  • valid for GRABSHARE rides only
  • valid from February 22 to March 1, 2017
  • valid in Metro Manila only

Promo code:  BOOKAGODA

Get a chance to win the holiday of your dreams with Grab and Agoda using this promo code everytime you ride a GrabTaxi or Grabcar.

  • cannot be used in conjunction with other promo codes
  • valid from February 1 to March 31, 2017 only
  • no discount given to your ride
  • each booking made using this code acts as an electronic raffle ticket
  • only three (3) winners will be picked

For more information about this Grab+Agoda promotion visit the website at grb.to/phdreamholiday.

Angkas promo codes

angkas

Traveling alone and traveling light?  Instead of a car perhaps you want to ride a bike instead.  In that case ANGKAS is the ride for you.

Just like Grab, Angkas offers repeating promo codes.  Perhaps because the two ridesharing services are actually related. 😀

I have tried using ANGKAS several times and more often than not I have found the ride safe and efficient.  I think it was only once that I had apprehensions, and it was because the bike was small and there was no basket at the back where they usually store the helmet.

Promo code:  TRAFFIC40

Take 1 non-promo ride and get a discount on your second ride within the same day

  • P40 discount
  • use between 3pm to 9pm
  • valid from March 30 to 31, 2017 only

Promo code:  AKTODAY

Take 1 non-promo ride and get a discount on your second ride within the same day

  • P75 off on your second ride
  • valid from March 30 to 31, 2017 only

Promo code:  ANGKASMORE

  • P50 discount
  • use this promo code when you book a ride to and from Marikina and Cainta
  • valid for two (2) rides from March 29 to April 12, 2017 only

Promo code:  ANGKASNOW

  • 50% discount up to P50
    • valid from 10am to 3pm only
    • valid from March 28 t0 31, 2017 only
  • P30 discount
    • valid from 10am to 3pm ONLY for six (6) rides from March 15 to 20, 2017
  • P50 discount
    • valid for two (2) rides on March 13, 2017 only
    • valid for three (3) rides from February 28 to March 1, 2017 only

Promo code:  BEATTRAFFIC

  • 50% discount up to P100
  • valid for two (2) rides from March 28 to 31, 2017 only

Promo code:  ANGKASPA


  • P50 discount
  • Use this promo code when you book a ride to and from the following new service areas in Quezon City: travel to or from Katipunan, Quezon City Circle, Tomas Morato, New Manila, Balintawak, and Monumento
  • Use this promo code when you book a ride to and from San Juan, Eastwood, Libis, Cubao, and Aurora Boulevard (LRT Katipunan to Gilmore Station)
  • for Metro Manila users only

Special Promo:

Complete three (3) non-promo Angkas rides by March 16 (Thursday) and receive a new promo code on March 17 (Friday) for P50 discount on two (2) rides!

Promo code:  ANGKASNOW

  • P30 discount
    • valid from 10am to 3pm ONLY for six (6) rides from March 15 to 20, 2017
  • P50 discount
    • valid for two (2) rides on March 13, 2017 only
    • valid for three (3) rides from February 28 to March 1, 2017 only

Promo code:  ANGKAS

  • P100 discount
  • valid for eight (8) rides only
  • valid up to March 6 to 12, 2017

Promo code:  ANGKAS50

  • P50 discount
  • valid for five (5) rides only
  • valid up to March 6 to 12, 2017

Promo code:  TRAFFIC

  • P30 discount
  • valid for three (3) rides only
  • valid up to March 1 to 4, 2017

Promo code:  BOOKANGKAS

  • P150 discount
  • valid NEW USERS only

Promo code:  ANGKASNA

  • P100 discount
  • valid NEW USERS only
Vitamin C and it’s beauty benefits

Vitamin C and it’s beauty benefits

We all know that Vitamin C is good for our health as it protects our immune system and helps us fight diseases but did you know that Vitamin C is also loaded with beauty benefits?

Vitamin C’s benefits extend to more than just our body health, it is also loaded with other benefits that will help us look good.

Skin Anti-Aging

smiling girlVitamin C helps the body in attaining full production of collagen- a protein that keeps the skin and other organs together, the element that is responsible for our skin’s elasticity and strength, thus, a regular intake of vitamin C equates to a younger and brighter-looking skin.

Vitamin C also helps in the creation of ligaments and scar tissue by reducing the rate of free radicals, thereby slowing the aging process and reduces the visibility of wrinkles, skin dryness and fine lines.

Benefits for Nails

beautiful nailsThe benefit of Vitamin C doesn’t stop there as the same effect extends to your nails. It helps strengthens the connective tissues that fortifies the nail bed and helps our nail to grow faster. It also prevents hang nails by assisting collagen formation.

Hair health

photo taken from beautstar.comVitamin C plays a pivotal role in growing and strengthening our hair as it helps in absorbing Iron – an element that keeps our hair strong and healthy. And as mentioned earlier, it also help absorb collagen that stimulates the hair follicles which helps your hair grow faster.

Bewell-C and Bewell-C Plus Calcium

Bewell-CIn achieving the above benefits, an optimum level of Vitamin C is needed. Bewell-C (Sodium Ascorbate) contains all the vitamin C your body needs minus the acidity. Bewell-C (Sodium Ascorbate) is a non-acidic Vitamin C supplement that is rapidly gaining popularity among the public as a high quality and effective brand. Bewell-C is the next generation vitamin C that provides all the benefits of vitamin C without the risk of hyperacidity.

For those who need both Vitamin C and Calcium, Bewell-C plus calcium is also available in the market. Just like Bewell-C, this product also uses non-acidic vitamin C paired with organic calcium fortified with Vitamin D for stronger bones and teeth.

Bewell-C and Bewell-C Plus Calcium is available in all leading drugstores nationwide and on Lazada.com.ph Online Shopping: http://www.lazada.com.ph/bewell-nutraceuticals-corporation/.

For more updates, follow their FB: https://www.facebook.com/bewellcsodiumascorbate.

It’s Pandamonium at Foodpanda!

It’s Pandamonium at Foodpanda!

This 2017, foodpanda customers will enjoy big, bold crazy offers that include a P59 peso fixed delivery fee, deletion of the usual service fee, and a lower minimum order value starting at P200.00 exclusive for in-house foodpanda delivery!

Foodpanda introduces changes in their delivery scheme

foodpanda deliveryFoodpanda, the leading global online food delivery marketplace, makes online food delivery more convenient and affordable for its customers.

This year, the company will continue to provide and allow their busy and hungry customers to discover and access extensive food options in key cities and urban centers by introducing the significant changes in their delivery scheme.

Iacopo Rovere, CEO Foodpanda Philippines

Iacopo Rovere, CEO Foodpanda Philippines

“With the substantial growth of foodpanda in the Philippines, we are happy to share this latest development in our offering. We owe it to our customers that is why we are committed to continue finding ways to provide them with great food options and an affordable delivery scheme right at their fingertips,” says Mr. Iacopo Rovere, foodpanda Philippines CEO.

Foodpanda Philippines

In the Philippines, foodpanda was launched in June 2014 and has grown to over 1,000 partner restaurants nationwide with more than 30 cuisines to choose from. From delectable Asian delicacies to mouthwatering Italian food there is definitely something for everyone.

Some of the popular restaurants to order from are Bonchon, Juju Eats, CPK, Wendy’s, Pepper Lunch, Yoshinoya, and Frankie’s. Customers can definitely enjoy their favorite food anytime and anywhere. Customers can also place their order up to 1 week in advance if they are planning to celebrate something.

Since its launch here in the Philippines, 2 years ago, foodpanda has been charging a fixed delivery fee of P30 plus a service fee of 15% from the total food bill.

Foodpanda aims to increase the order frequency and encourage service usage by highlighting its affordability via its latest offering. Now, customers can order as much as they want to and just pay a fix delivery fee of P59 without worrying about the service fee, on top of that, customer can even choose to pay online with their credit card, PayPal, or even with cash upon delivery. The new delivery scheme will also prove to be helpful for partner restaurants to boost growth, increase their reach and acquire new customers.

Ralf Wenzel, CEO Foodpanda Global

Ralf Wenzel, CEO Foodpanda Global

Founded on May 2012 by Ralf Wenzel, with its headquarter in Berlin (Germany), foodpanda operates in more than 67 cities across five continents and have partnered with over 300,000 restaurants globally.

foodpanda-appFoodpanda enables restaurants to become visible to mobile app and web users, thus customers can directly order their favorite restaurant meals via foodpanda’s website or smartphone app. The foodpanda app is powered by tech giants Delivery Hero and Rocket Internet and is available in the App Store and Google Play Store for free.

foodpanda logoTruly, foodpanda is working around the clock to make it the most powerful online tool for food delivery. Now you can save your time, energy, and money while enjoying delicious food from your favorite restaurant at the comfort of your own home, office, or wherever you are.

Simply download the foodpanda app or go to www.foodpanda.ph to place your order and wait for your food to be delivered at your doorsteps!

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