by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 19, 2021 | Business
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, we knew of the bittersweet stories of returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Often, they go abroad for high-paying jobs so that they can save and send money to their families back home. But migration stories don’t always guarantee a happy ending, and they need help when they are forced to return home.
“Dahil ang pagkakaakala ko ay ang pagiging OFW ang sagot sa lahat ng naging problemang financial namin at gusto kong maiahon ang aking pamilya at mapagtapos ang aking anak,” said returning OFW Marites Coronado. The journey, however, wasn’t simple.
Take the case of another former OFW, Alma Palafox. She recounted: “Hindi po ako sini-suwerte sa napupuntahan na bansa. Laging may masamang nangyayari po sa akin. At minsan na rin muntik na akong hindi nakabalik ng Pinas ng buhay. Kaya hindi ko po natatapos kontrata ko.”
Gerlie Austria shares a similar experience but remains grateful despite the hardships she endured abroad. “Hindi man po ako naging maswerte sa ibang bansa, pero nagpapasalamat po ako sa Panginoong Diyos at ako po ay nakauwi nang buhay.”
Myrna Peñosa Corporal recalled the gloom she felt when she decided to go back to her family. “Noong nagsabi ako sa amo ko na ibalik na ako sa agency, dinala po nila ako sa Labor. Ang unang pumasok sa isip ko at naiyak ako, ‘Paano na ang pamilya ko? Uuwi ako na walang pera at naipon’,” said Corporal.
Coronado, Palafox, Austria, and Corporal are among the OFWs who had to return home even if they haven’t achieved yet the financial goals they set for themselves.
The Balikabayanihan campaign, a program supported by the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), seeks to help these OFWs whose dreams were interrupted for various reasons.
Spearheaded by NEDA-Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency and Atikha — a non-government organization working with OFWs and their families to maximize the gains of working abroad — Balikabayanihan calls on the spirit of volunteerism of Filipinos to help returning OFWs.
It is a call for partnership by the Overseas Filipino organizations with government agencies, local government units, and the private sector to help OFWs by providing the needed resources — manpower and funds or mobilizing their volunteer network to serve as mentors to the OFWs.
Melanie Labera, a returning OFW whose plan to resume her work abroad was put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic, benefitted from the program. “Nang umuwi ako ng Pilipinas, nagkataon naman na pandemic. Gusto ko sana bumalik [abroad], pero di na ako makabalik. Kaya malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa programang ito, pati sa BPI. May konting puhunan naman ako sa aking tindahan, pero konti lang. Kaya nagpapasalamat ako na nadagdagan dahil sa inyo.”
For her part, Austria, also a program beneficiary, said, “Nang makabalik po ako sa Pilipinas, isa po ako sa maswerteng napili ng Atikha na mabigyan ng tulong upang ako’y makapagsimula ulit sa aking buhay. Naging masaya po ako at nagkaroon ng pag-asa sa buhay. Ngayon po ay natupad ang isa kong pangarap na makabili ng makina.”
Financial empowerment
Reggie Cariaso, BPI Head of Corporate Banking Strategy, Products, and Support
As one of the program supporters, BPI aims to empower repatriated OFWs by helping them manage their finances through learning webinars and by mobilizing volunteers and sponsors. BPI implements its programs through its business units BPI Foundation, BPI-Philam, and Remittance and Fund Transfers.
“This pandemic has been hard on everyone, but repatriated OFWs and their families have been particularly affected. OFWs have done so much to uplift our entire nation’s economy over the decades. It’s only right that we stand by them now and help them get back on their feet and establish a financially secure life for themselves and their families,” said Reggie Cariaso, BPI Head of Corporate Banking Strategy, Products, and Support.
“Napakaganda po ng aking karanasan dahil nagkaroon po ako ng pag-asa sa buhay at talagang ipinangako ko po sa aking sarili na pagbubutihin ko po itong tulong na ibinigay sa akin ng Atikha at BPI Pamana Padala. At ang nagustuhan ko po dito ay ang mga taong kasapi dito na maaayos ang pakikitungo at napakamapagkumbaba at napakababait upang matulungan kaming lahat,” said Coronado.
BPI Foundation holds mentoring sessions for OFWs with BPI Unibankers as volunteer mentors. For its part, BPI Philam provides free COVID-19 insurance coverage worth P200,000. BPI’s Remittance and Fund Transfers offers financial grants and monthly mentoring sessions for chosen OFWs and instills the value of saving using their BPI Pamana Padala account.
With opportunities such as the Balikabayanihan, returning OFWs are more empowered than ever to try their luck in their home country.
Palafox said, “Dito nalang po ako sa Pinas. Kahit mahirap po basta’t sama-sama kami ng mga anak ko. Kaya nagpapasalamat kami sa Balikabayanihan at sa BPI. Ang tanging hinahangad ko po sa aking sarili ay mapaunlad ko ang munting negosyo at magkaroon pa ng maraming kaalaman.”
Corporal shared another insight: “Natutunan ko po sa Balikabayanihan na kailangan po tayong magtulungan para makabangon ulit sa hamon ng buhay.”
by Ginny Angeles | Mar 17, 2021 | Yummy Reviews
For dinner, we had unMeat empanadas along with personal servings of shepherd’s pie that my sister made (thanks, Sis!). Both dishes used unMeat, and they were not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to the traditional recipes. I honestly wouldn’t have noticed that they didn’t contain meat!
What is unMeat? UnMeat is a 100% plant-based meat alternative. As a meat lover, I was pleasantly surprised by its taste; it closely resembles the meat dishes I’ve always enjoyed. This personal experience makes me confident in recommending it to you.
If you are thinking of removing beef and pork from your diet but are having a tough time, this product will make the transition much easier. You can use it in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to pasta sauces. Just remember to cook it as you would cook meat, and you’ll be surprised by the results.
- This is NOT a paid advertisement for unMeat. Just sharing the joy of delicious discovery.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 12, 2021 | Bon Appetit
I first learned how to make paratha/roti in September 2020 and I posted it on our other site, HearthandHomeBuddies.com. Since then I have learned how to make it better and I have definitely improved my technique.
My observations when making paratha
Atta or regular wheat flour? Can we use either?
Using the right flour matters. This affects the outcome of the paratha in terms of texture and taste. I’ve tried making this with atta (Indian wheat flour) and regular wheat flour.
- Atta is finer and softer while regular wheat flour is grainy and rough.
- Atta is slightly more expensive by just 5 pesos more per kilo, but that price difference also translates to a better end product so who am I to quibble over cost? 🙂
- Atta results in a softer, more malleable dough, and softer bread.
- Atta needs exactly half the quantity of flour. For example, if you use 1 cup of flour, then you will need exactly half a cup of water. With regular wheat flour, it is hit and miss.
The good news is, there are many middle eastern stores popping up all over town so atta can easily be sourced.
Is water temperature important?
From experience, I can tell you that room temperature to lukewarm water works best. While hot water will activate the gluten faster, the reality is, if the water is too hot then you can’t hold the dough with your bare hands, what more knead it.
Is there a specific oil to use?
I would say use a neutral oil. The original recipe said to use olive oil but not everyone enjoys the aftertaste of olive oil. You can also use ghee as an alternative. In case you were wondering, ghee is clarified butter.
Sugar
The original recipe did not have any sugar, but I have found that adding a little sweetness makes the paratha yummier. 🙂
Here is my “improved” recipe. I hope you like it!
Paratha/Roti Recipe
An easy to make Indian flatbread recipe
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: chapati, flatbread, paratha, roti
Servings: 6
Author: Penny Angeles-Tan
- 2 cups Atta (wheat flour) additional flour for dusting
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsps oil
- 1 cup water
Preparation
In a large bowl mix the atta, salt, garam masala, and sugar. Add the oil and mix again, making sure that the oil is well incorporated.
Add the water a little at a time while mixing until you use up all the water. As you mix it will become a tacky dough. Knead the dough for a few minutes and add a little flour for dusting, just enough to make the dough a little less sticky/tacky. As you knead the dough it will become less tacky and will become a soft dough ball. This means that it is soft but won't stick to your hand.
Tuck the dough underneath and roll it in your hands to form a ball. Dust the ball all over with flour and then let it rest in the bowl for 10 minutes covered.
On your chopping board or rolling mat, divide the dough ball into 6 equal parts. If you want smaller pieces just divide the dough into more parts.
Take 1 part and dust it and roll it into a ball ... flatten into a disk on the chopping board with your palm and dust again.
Take your rolling pin and flatten the small dough into a bigger disk. If the rolling pin starts to stick add a dusting of clour. Try to roll the dough out as evenly as possible, and not too thinly or the dough will rip when you lift it and the paratha will become too tough and will not be edible. You want the end product to be puffy and soft.
Cooking
Place your pan or flat hot plate on the stove and put it on medium heat. Hover your hand over the plate to test the heat but if that frightens you when you think it might be hot enough, put a drop of two of water on the pan. If the water turns into a bead and starts to dance on the pan, then it is hot enough, otherwise, you will have to wait a few more seconds then test again.
Once the pan is hot enough pick up your rolled-out dough carefully and shake out any loose flour by flipping it from hand to hand. Place the dough on the pan with the rolled side face down.
If your pan is heated correctly you will see your dough start to turn a darker shade and it will start to bubble and puff. Give it about 30 seconds then carefully flip the dough using your flipper/spatula. The dough will balloon a little more.
Give it another 30 seconds then flip it again. Press down on any part of the paratha that you see steam coming out or even just one side. This will help the paratha puff up even more. Flip it again and do the same on the other side. Your goal at this point is to brown the paratha and puff it up more. You want it to have brown spots but not get burned.
If it gets slightly burnt and a hole appears, not to worry. Just press down on the hole with your spatula and the hole will seal up. This will also puff up your paratha more.
Repeat this with the remaining dough. Your paratha is now ready to eat!
Paratha/roti is very similar to a tortilla. The ingredients are mostly the same and the way it is cooked is similar as well. Just like a tortilla, you can put anything in it. Just keep in mind that it is BREAD so whatever you would usually put in bread, you can eat with the paratha. 🙂
If you try this recipe, please make sure to tag me on social media @slvrdlphn and use the hashtag #slvrdlphnrecipes. Let me know, too, if you come up with a tweak that would make this dish different but still delicious!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 5, 2021 | Health and Wellness
Despite the many challenges that 2020 has presented, Filipinos have managed to push forward. The new year is a sign for many to start anew, to improve, and to change. Improved health is least to say still and is on top of the many things that Filipinos hope for their loved ones. Now that the holidays are over, many are motivated than ever to start a healthier and much more active lifestyle.
It can be overwhelming to shift your current daily routine and adding activities that you have never done before. But as they say, it’s much better when you do it with others. So here are 3 activities that you can do to keep everyone in the family blood healthy.
Keep Stress Levels at a Minimum
Whether you’re stressed or not, maintaining a healthy way of dealing with stress can strengthen your body’s immunity and positive lifestyle changes. Practicing a healthy sleeping schedule is vital so the body can recharge.[1] Spending a few minutes to meditate with your family can greatly help in balancing your emotions.[2] This can include breathing exercises and even yoga. Unwinding through conversations with your family can help keep your mind at ease as well.[3] These are just some of the many activities that you and your family can do to keep the stress levels at a minimum for healthy blood.
Turn Up the Family Fun at Home
When exercising with your family, not only are you able to have everyone moving but you’re also spending quality time! Exercising may be in the form of following a workout routine, Zumba classes, or even easy-to-follow dance games. Team games like tag and hide-and-seek are perfect for families with members of different ages. Age shouldn’t be a limitation to get moving, so go ahead and get your fam’s hearts pumping and burn those holiday meal calories!
Eat Right for Proper Nutrition
In keeping the family healthy, it’s an effort to serve nutritious meals. An overall balanced diet helps the body in maintaining enough energy to keep it functioning all day. Although preparing meals for family members of different ages, and health conditions can be a struggle, it is doable. By considering the required portions, needed nutrients, and providing a wide variety of nutritious food, your family can still enjoy good food without sacrificing blood health.[4]
Yet with age, some family members may need help to sustain their blood health that their diet may not be able to provide sufficiently.
Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+) is Your Blood Health Ally
Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+) is an iron supplement with vitamins and minerals that helps to replenish iron stores and increases red blood cell levels in the body. It has ferrous gluconate, a type of iron salt that allows better absorption of iron in the body, Folic acid, and vitamin B12 which are vital for the production of red blood cells and during pregnancy. It also contains Vitamin C which helps improve iron absorption, and Copper sulfate and manganese sulfate that helps in the metabolic processes of blood cell production.[5]
Recommended intake is one to two capsules daily, during or after meals, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+) helps to treat iron-deficiency anemia that can lead to decreased immunity and increased susceptibility to infection. Iron deficiency anemia happens when the blood has a lower amount of red blood cells or hemoglobin than normal. This can cause the body to feel weak, tired, dizzy, look pale, and experience headaches.[6]
As Filipinos embrace the hope and change that the new year brings, keeping the family’s blood health in check should be of top priority. With these helpful tips and Multivitamins & Minerals (Sangobion IRON+), you can keep yourself and your family, blood healthy for 2021!
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
ASC REFERENCE CODE: P032P022621SS
[1] “How much sleep do we really need?” Sleep Foundation. sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need.
[2] “Managing stress to control high blood pressure.” American Heart Association. http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/managing-stress-to-control-high-blood-pressure.
[3] “Transforming stress through awareness, education, and collaboration.” The American Institute of Stress. https://www.stress.org/hypertension.
[4] “Making Good Family Meals” Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. http://www.fao.org/3/y5740e/y5740e06.htm
[5] “About-Sangobion.” Sangobion, https://www.sangobion.sg/about-sangobion.
[6] “Iron-Deficiency Anemia.” National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/iron-deficiency-anemia.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 5, 2021 | Real Estate
Imagine waking up to your balcony with the scenic views of well-manicured fairways dotted by fully-grown trees and complemented by the fresh breeze of the suburbs. This is the lifestyle afforded by Golf Ridge Private Estate by premier real estate brand Filigree.
Golf Ridge is the latest addition to Filigree’s remarkably successful line-up of developments, which also include: Botanika Nature Residences, Bristol at Parkway Place, The Enclave Alabang, and The Beaufort — all in enviable locations in Metro Manila. Now, it is finally expanding its luxury living experience outside the metro with this newest project venture.
Very timely with the real estate industry enjoying an upswing even amid the current normal. Now, however, buyers and investors are even more discerning of the property they choose to buy. Criteria should at least include sustainable and future-ready designs, safer and more strategic locations, and top-notch amenities. And these are the qualities that have long been a trademark of Filigree developments.
“Even as our economy continues to struggle, we want end-users and investors to enjoy a luxurious, comfortable lifestyle while being cost-efficient,” notes Filigree head Catherine Ilagan. “At Golf Ridge, leasehold agreements are offered to tenants, which is an advantage in the current normal because it is more practical and profitable in the long run.”
Strategically situated within Filinvest Mimosa+ Leisure City in Clark, Pampanga, Golf Ridge Private Estate is an accessible urban escape offering a highly-coveted country club lifestyle right in the heart of Luzon’s emerging economic hub.
End-users and investors planning to live away from congested urban areas will enjoy the atmosphere of Filinvest Mimosa+. The majority of the property is made up of sprawling open spaces, which can be seen in its vibrant, integrated township – Centennial trees and well-maintained green landscapes soften the glass and concrete buildings that are home to corporate offices, malls, and gaming establishments.
To further highlight the country club lifestyle, the upcoming residential development has added country club-like features and amenities to help residents rejuvenate and enhance their health and well-being right at their doorstep, especially in the current normal. Residents can relax and unwind amid a slew of well-curated amenities, including a fully-equipped gym, infinity pool, and outdoor lounge.
Complementing these are generous living spaces that allow only four to eight units on a floor for privacy, ease of movement, abundant natural light, and better indoor air quality. Each unit has an amply-sized balcony that gives a commanding, borrowed view of the Mimosa Golf Course. Designed to cater to people of varying lifestyles, Golf Ridge offers one-bedroom units for end-users or investors looking for a quiet retreat, two-bedroom units for young couples or empty-nesters, and three-bedroom units for larger families.
Golf Ridge in Filinvest Mimosa+ is easily accessible, a comfortable two-hour drive to and from Metro Manila via major highways such as the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx). It is only a 10-minute drive to the Clark International Airport.
Offered to tenants on leasehold agreements, Golf Ridge Private Estate is a valuable asset for residents aspiring to experience a relaxed, country club lifestyle. To know more, visit www.golfridge.com.ph.
Using the right flour matters. This affects the outcome of the paratha in terms of texture and taste. I’ve tried making this with atta (Indian wheat flour) and regular wheat flour.
When exercising with your family, not only are you able to have everyone moving but you’re also spending quality time! Exercising may be in the form of following a workout routine, Zumba classes, or even easy-to-follow dance games. Team games like tag and hide-and-seek are perfect for families with members of different ages. Age shouldn’t be a limitation to get moving, so go ahead and get your fam’s hearts pumping and burn those holiday meal calories!
Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+) is an iron supplement with vitamins and minerals that helps to replenish iron stores and increases red blood cell levels in the body. It has ferrous gluconate, a type of iron salt that allows better absorption of iron in the body, Folic acid, and vitamin B12 which are vital for the production of red blood cells and during pregnancy. It also contains Vitamin C which helps improve iron absorption, and Copper sulfate and manganese sulfate that helps in the metabolic processes of blood cell production.
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