Holcim Philippines focuses on logistics safety

Holcim Philippines focuses on logistics safety

More than a thousand trucks carrying products of cement manufacturer Holcim Philippines, Inc. are out on the country’s roads every day. This makes logistics a key part of the company’s business, impacting its ability to provide a reliable supply to customers and manage costs.

Holcim Philippines has implemented several improvement initiatives for logistics operations. Among the most successful is a program designed to strengthen safety in logistics.

Edwin Villas, Holcim Philippines Senior Vice President for Logistics, said the company’s focus on road safety is part of an overall effort to have excellent logistics operations.  “Improving safety in logistics also leads to better business results as we reduce the risk of delivery delays due to poorly maintained vehicles or accidents with our transportation partners,” Villas added.

The comprehensive program requires transporters to meet strict standards for roadworthiness and maintenance for trucks. Holcim Philippines also conducts route assessments to identify hazards and advises drivers on precautionary measures. A debriefing and coaching session is held after each trip. Safe drivers are rewarded, while unsafe ones are helped to improve. The company holds a monthly meeting with its transport partners to discuss safety performance.

In addition, Holcim Philippines, with the support of the LafargeHolcim Group, has introduced digitalization to drive improvements. The performance of fleets and drivers is tracked through In-Vehicle Monitoring System (IVMS), a device that measures driving behavior, such as speeding, harsh braking, and fatigue. Information from IVMS is fed into the company’s Transport Analytics Centre (TAC), which crunches the numbers to optimize routes for improvements in safety, customer service, and efficiency.

Another important component of Holcim Philippines’ logistics safety efforts is a driver training program launched five years ago when the company became the anchor client of the country’s first truck driver academy operated by TDC-Uyeno, a joint venture between logistics companies Transnational Diversified Group and Japan’s Uyeno Yuso Ltd.

Since then, 907 drivers of transporters working with Holcim Philippines have completed the four-day driving course. The company did not let the pandemic stop trainings, with 257 people completing the course virtually last year.

The company’s focus on driver training is meant to address the lack of formal training for most drivers in the country, where it is common for trucks to be operated by former helpers who shifted to driving to earn more.

Since 2015, 907 drivers of transporters working with the company have completed the safe driving course. Holcim Philippines continues to train drivers on road safety with instructions and assessments conducted virtually given the pandemic.

One such driver is Alex Villasfir, who learned about driving while working as a helper for his father. He has driven professionally for 14 years, but it was only in Holcim Philippines that he had formal training.  “Malaki ang naitulong lalo na sa pagiging defensive at responsableng driver. Mas naintindihan ko yung mga sa safety rules sa kalsada. Yung mga maliliit na sasakyan na singit ng singit pinapabayaan ko na. Mas doble ingat na kasi malaki yung dala namin (The trainings have been a big help in becoming a defensive and responsible driver. I understood better the safety rules on the road. Now I give way to smaller vehicles that want to pass me. I have to be more careful because I’m driving a bigger vehicle),” he said.

The increased focus on logistical excellence has led to positive results. In 2020, road transport incidents decreased by 60% compared to 2017. During the same period, the company’s trucks covered nearly 18 million kilometers – the equivalent of traveling from the Philippines to the U.S. 1,369 times – without a single fatality. The company has also significantly reduced its logistics costs.

Richard Cruz, Holcim Philippines Vice President for Health, Safety, and Security said the LafargeHolcim Group has recognized the company’s progress in improving logistics safety. More importantly, it is helping make the country’s roads safer.  “Road accidents remain one of the leading causes of death in the country. We are proud to help address this challenge by following the best practices for transporting our goods and improving the skills of Filipino truck drivers,” he said.

Cruz added that there are plans to further improve logistics safety through enhancements to the driver rewards program and a mobile app to monitor driving performance.  “This is part of our overall commitment to health and safety in the company. We want to ensure that everyone involved in our business can go home safely after work. Logistics is a key part of our business, and it is only right that we ensure our partners are fully equipped to do their work safely,” he said.


Holcim Philippines, Inc. (Philippine Stock Exchange: HLCM) is one of the leading building solution companies in the country. The Company has a deep portfolio of innovative solutions fostered by a full range of products from structuring to finishing applications that can help local builders execute with high performance and efficiency a wide range of projects from massive infrastructure to simple home repairs.

With cement manufacturing facilities in La Union, Bulacan, Batangas, Misamis Oriental, and Davao, as well as aggregates and dry mix business and technical support facilities for building solutions, Holcim Philippines is a reliable partner of builders in the country.

Holcim Philippines is also committed to the highest standards of sustainable operations and manufacturing excellence with its plants certified under ISO 14001:2004 (Environmental Management System), ISO 9001:2008 (Quality Management System), and OHSAS 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System).

Holcim Philippines is a member of the LafargeHolcim Group, the world leader in the building materials industry present in 80 countries with over 75,000 employees.

Marawi rebuild progresses with Holcim help

Marawi rebuild progresses with Holcim help

Close to 500 houses for families displaced by the conflict in Marawi have been built as part of the partnership to support the city’s rehabilitation by leading building solutions provider Holcim Philippines, Inc., the United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

By the end of April 2021,491 of the 1,057 housing units planned for the first phase of the project were either completed or under construction. Holcim Philippines has supplied close to 72,000 bags of general-purpose cement Holcim Excel to the project sites in Marawi through its plant in Lugait, Misamis Oriental. Additional 85,000  bags of Holcim Excel will be used for the rest of the houses.

The reconstruction is being led by Marawi residents, 116 of whom were trained and certified by TESDA under Holcim Philippines’ ‘galing Mason program. The masonry skills and certification from TESDA will enable beneficiaries to explore job opportunities in other areas after completing the construction projects in Marawi.

Holcim Philippines Vice President for Communications Cara Ramirez: “We are pleased that this partnership project with the UN-Habitat is progressing well and helping the City of Marawi rise again. This wonderful update is a welcome development as we join the nation for the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. The continued recovery of Marawi is a testament to the resilience of Filipinos, and shows how our products are making a difference in the lives of our countrymen and the progress of the nation.”

UN-Habitat Country Programme Manager Christopher Rollo: “Eid Mubarak to our Muslim brothers and sisters! The Rebuilding Marawi Project, funded by the People of Japan, is steadily moving forward towards its goal of providing permanent houses to 1,057 families affected by the 2017 Marawi Siege. The ongoing permanent shelter construction in four resettlement sites and the turnover of Hadiya Village to 109 families are project milestones made possible by various partnerships forged along the course of project implementation. UN-Habitat is grateful for the strong partnership it has built with Holcim Philippines – access to cement is one major aspect of the partnership that kept the construction of houses unhampered amidst the mobility restrictions posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The project is part of a multi-sector effort to rebuild Marawi after a devastating conflict there several years ago that displaced nearly 80,000 families. In addition to UN-Habitat and TESDA, the project is supported by the Government of Japan, the Task Force Bangon Marawi, and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.


Holcim Philippines, Inc. (Philippine Stock Exchange: HLCM) is one of the leading building solution companies in the country. The Company has a deep portfolio of innovative solutions fostered by a full range of products from structuring to finishing applications that can help local builders execute with high performance and efficiency a wide range of projects from massive infrastructure to simple home repairs.

With cement manufacturing facilities in La Union, Bulacan, Batangas, Misamis Oriental, and Davao, as well as aggregates and dry mix business and technical support facilities for building solutions, Holcim Philippines is a reliable partner of builders in the country.

Holcim Philippines is also committed to the highest standards of sustainable operations and manufacturing excellence with its plants certified under ISO 14001:2004 (Environmental Management System), ISO 9001:2008 (Quality Management System), and OHSAS 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System).

Holcim Philippines is a member of the LafargeHolcim Group, the world leader in the building materials industry present in 80 countries with over 75,000 employees.

The Manila Hotel’s Lobby Lounge Reopens

The Manila Hotel’s Lobby Lounge Reopens

As quarantine restrictions have been eased a bit in NCR+, The Manila Hotel reopens its Lobby Lounge on May 24, 2021, after the temporary suspension of dining services due to the ECQ.

The reopening of The Lobby Lounge gives valued guests a perfect opportunity to enjoy its perks again: great food, meeting and endless conversation with friends and business partners, excellent service, and free Wi-Fi internet connection.

More than a typical café setup, the Lobby Lounge is quiet, comfortable, and spacious, which also means that guests are kept at a distance from each other and enjoy a bit of privacy with high-backed seats. Cleaned and sanitized daily, the health and hygiene protocols put in place by The Manila Hotel includes fresh air dampers that circulate fresh outdoor air into the lobby, which is also sanitized by air microfilters.

kare-kare

kare-kare

club sandwich

club sandwich

The Lobby Lounge is also a grand heritage setting for a relaxing afternoon: with its white Doric columns, Philippine mahogany furniture with elegant chandeliers made of brass, crystal, and capiz seashells. More than our stellar interior, it serves hot meals like Sinigang na Salmon, Kare Kare, Crispy Pata, and other local delights.

You can also enjoy the lavish “Merienda Especial” Filipino Afternoon Tea that includes native delicacies like Bibingka and Puto Bumbong paired with our specialty grade coffee beans, hot chocolate, or tea.

Try the filling Manila Hotel club sandwich or assorted pastries. And escape the punishing weather outside when you relax in the cool interiors and enjoy fruit teas or our Halo-Halo.

The Manila Hotel’s The Lobby Lounge is known for its exceptional facilities and warm service. It also assures its guests that “You are safe here” as we strictly adhere to stringent health and safety protocols.

Manila Hotel Lobby Lounge reopening

The Lobby Lounge is open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, and dinner from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 9 pm. For more information, call 85270011.

MUST TRY: Tea Talk’s Top 10 drinks perfect for family summer bonding

MUST TRY: Tea Talk’s Top 10 drinks perfect for family summer bonding

For the second consecutive summer, Filipinos are spending their time indoors at home due to the pandemic. Many of us have found creative ways to have fun and beat the summer heat, such as setting up inflatable pools, enjoying time with family in air-conditioned rooms while watching Netflix, and sipping refreshing ice-cold beverages.

One of the best ways to quench our thirst during this scorching season is with a delicious cup of milk tea. After two summers in lockdown, we have definitely ordered our favorite milk tea from our usual shops. However, it’s time to switch things up and try Tea Talk: the next must-visit milk tea shop!

Tea Talk features special milk tea concoctions made from authentic ingredients, making it one of the up-and-coming local milk tea shops worth checking out. Avoid going stir-crazy during the quarantine and create memorable bonding moments with your family while enjoying Tea Talk’s refreshing summer coolers.

Brown Sugar Boba Milk

Tea Talk Boba Brown Sugar Milk

If you’re in search of a delicious dessert-like beverage, try Tea Talk’s Brown Sugar Boba Milk.

Made with fresh milk and brown sugar syrup, this drink offers a sweet caramel flavor, a hint of arnibal, and a delightfully silky texture.

Matcha Milk

Tea Talk Matcha Milk

Are you looking for a refreshing and healthy drink that will satisfy your taste buds? Try Tea Talk’s Matcha Milk.

Made with fresh milk, natural sweeteners, and matcha flavor, one sip of this drink will have you hooked.

Tea Talk Milk Tea

Tea Talk Milk Tea

If you’re undecided or don’t have a specific flavor in mind, you can’t go wrong with a cup of signature Tea Talk Milk Tea.

Made with rich and creamy fresh milk and topped with tapioca pearls. This drink offers a simple yet delicious taste that you can enjoy.

Oolong Milk Tea

Tea Talk Oolong Milk Tea

Are you ready to try something new and unique? Tea Talk’s Oolong Milk Tea presents a light and flavorful experience with a nutty aftertaste.

This delightful drink combines classic iced oolong tea with rich, creamy fresh milk, all topped off with chewy tapioca pearls.

Taro Bubble Milk

Tea Talk Taro Bubble Milk

For milk tea enthusiasts who enjoy a blend of sweet and nutty flavors, Tea Talk’s Taro Bubble Milk is the perfect choice.

This drink is made with natural tea, creamy fresh milk, and a delightful sweet taro flavor, providing you with the energy and fiber boost you need.

Thai Milk Tea

Tea Talk Thai Milk Tea

For a classic, vanilla-like beverage, Tea Talk’s Thai Milk Tea is a must-try drink.

Made with natural Thai tea flavor and milk, you will enjoy its silky texture and deliciously sweet, creamy taste.

Lemon Green Tea

Tea Talk Lemon Green Tea

Passion Fruit Special

Tea Talk Passion Fruit Special

If you’re looking for a refreshing drink with tropical flavors, Tea Talk’s Passion Fruit Special is the perfect choice.

This beverage is a sparkling iced tea infused with passion fruit, offering delightful natural health benefits. It delivers a sweet taste with a hint of tanginess.

Sakura Red Velvet

Tea Talk Sakura Red Velvet

If you have a sweet tooth, Tea Talk’s Sakura Red Velvet will give you a creamy velvety cheesecake goodness.

Perfectly crafted Japanese-inspired milk tea, this drink is infused with real cherry extracts and mixed with creamy red velvet cheesecake and blushing pink tapioca pearls.

Wintermelon Fruit Tea

Tea Talk Wintermelon Fruit Tea

If you’re looking for a refreshing yet calming beverage, consider Tea Talk’s Wintermelon Fruit Tea.

This iced drink blends natural lemon juice with delightful wintermelon tea flavors, providing the perfect balance of sweetness and fruity taste.

What are you waiting for? Enjoy a delightful Tea and Talk experience this summer with your family and quench your thirst with Tea Talk. Find the nearest branch in your area: https://www.teatalk.ph/our-stores/

About Tea Talk

Tea Talk is the first homegrown milk tea brand in Morong, Rizal. Launched in 2019, Tea Talk offers authentic milk tea and beverages made with high-quality, fresh ingredients. With its uniquely flavored milk tea and a selection of complimentary appetizers and snacks, Tea Talk aims to provide customers with a delightful “Happy Tea and Happy Talk” experience.

For more information, please visit Tea Talk’s official website at teatalk.ph.

You can also like and follow Tea Talk on social media: facebook.com/teatalkmain on Facebook, instagram.com/teatalk.official on Instagram, and tiktok.com/@teatalk.main on TikTok.

Café Ilang-Ilang at Manila Hotel offers halal-certified food for takeout and delivery

Café Ilang-Ilang at Manila Hotel offers halal-certified food for takeout and delivery

Muslims around the world celebrate the end of the fasting period of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast this May 12, 2021. It is celebrated through prayer, gifts, and lavish feast. While the country is predominantly Catholic, Islam is the second-largest religion in the country. No wonder, Filipinos have become fond of Halal foods.

Halal food is prepared following a set of Islamic dietary laws and regulations that determine what is permissible, lawful, and clean. Any dish can be halal, as long as the meat used is religiously slaughtered and no pork or alcohol is involved.

The Manila Hotel’s Café Ilang-Ilang has a Halal kitchen certified by the Muslim Mindanao Halal Certification Board. This kitchen dedicated to Halal food preparation serves Indian and Middle Eastern-inspired halal dishes that will whet your appetite and pay homage to its traditional roots.

Designed for proper breaking of the fast, The Manila Hotel’s Ramadan Special Halal Home Buffet set comes with dried dates and juice, chickpeas hummus, Fatoush mixed salad, roti and naan bread, vegetable biryani, tandoori chicken, lamb rogan josh, vegetable samosa, and baklava. The set is just one of the three choices for the Halal Certified Home Buffet.

“Our Lamb Rogan Josh is a must-try. It’s imported from Australia and it has the spices and sharpness that will surely be enjoyed by everyone. We can also customize the food according to our customer’s requests. Say you don’t like chili, we can make it milder. We can tweak a dish to please your palate while still being true to its authentic taste,” says Chef Kiran Singh, the hotel’s Halal-trained chef.  

Celebrate Eid Al Fitr by ordering any of The Manila Hotel’s Halal Home Buffet sets or dishes, available for Takeout and delivery. Visit https://www.manila-hotel.com.ph/takeout/ for the full menu, or call 8527-0011 or 0998-9501912. 

PCPPI reminds Filipinos to hydrate for their health

PCPPI reminds Filipinos to hydrate for their health

This World Health Day, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI) – the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country – reiterates the value of hydration this summer season.

  • Drinking enough water and other essential fluids has the following health benefits:
  • Regulates body temperature
  • Delivers nutrients to cells
  • Prevents infections
  • Allows organs to function properly
  • Improves our mood, cognition, and sleep quality

exercise

Medical experts encourage 15 to 20-minute daily exercises to boost our immune system, but excessive sweating may cause dehydration and mineral deficiency.  More than water, sports drinks can replace the minerals lost during exercise. One of these is Gatorade, a drink that contains electrolytes to help maintain the body’s ionic balance.

According to the medical website familydoctor.org“Sports drinks can be helpful if you plan on exercising at higher levels for more than an hour. These drinks contain carbohydrates and electrolytes that can increase your energy.”

PCPPI also produces Gatorade ION, formulated for everyday hydration with ions, low sodium, no preservatives, and no artificial flavors and colors.

Frederick Ong

Frederick D. Ong
PCPPI President & Chief Executive Officer

“Whether you are playing sports, walking under the sun, or even working from home, the body needs a little boost from hydration drinks. PCPPI has products that will help you stay hydrated, whatever your lifestyle is,” said PCPPI President and Chief Executive Officer Frederick D. Ong.

PCPPI further highlighted the importance of hydration given the threats of COVID-19 and what it can do to our bodies.

According to the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN)“hydration and nutrition play an important role in our body’s response to and recovery from COVID 19 and is an important part of your medical treatment”.  ASPEN stated that drinking “supports the body’s ability to fight the virus and support the body’s immune function”.

“As a company that manufactures beverages, we need to keep our consumers hydrated, especially if they are fighting against any disease, maintaining their body’s full function,” added Ong.

PPCPI manufactures and sells well-known PepsiCo beverages brands such as Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Gatorade, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Aquafina, Premier, Sting, Tropicana, and Lipton

About Pepsi Philippines

Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI) is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the Philippines, with a relationship spanning 70 years. PCPPI’s principal stockholders are Lotte Corporation, Lotte Chilsung Beverage Co. Ltd., and Quaker Global Investments B.V.

PCPPI manufactures and sells well-known beverage brands: Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton, Sting, Premier, Milkis, and Aquafina. It has established 14 operations across the country, serving more than 700,000 outlets and providing employment through its extensive distribution network. PCPPI is committed to creating a positive impact on society with programs focused on environmental sustainability, nutrition, education, and livelihood. For more information, visit www.pepsiphilippines.com.

Coffee That’s Really Good For You. Glorious, Isn’t It?

Coffee That’s Really Good For You. Glorious, Isn’t It?

drinking coffee

photo credit to Candice Picard

Coffee has received a bad reputation for many decades.  Aside from allegedly triggering high blood pressure, insomnia, and hyperacidity, the Filipino habit of adding lots of sugar and cream to one’s cup has been said to aggravate diabetes.

While there is no denying the Pinoy coffee fan his morning cup, there is concern over the amount of sugar present in commercial 3-in-1 coffee mixes. The leading brand has 14.6 grams of sugar in one 20-gram sachet alone. Imagine how much sugar you’re taking in if you drink an average of three cups of coffee a day.

What About Sugar-Free Coffee?

For health-conscious individuals, especially diabetics, turning to sugar-free coffee mixes seems to be the only option. This meant enduring tasteless cups of coffee just to satisfy their caffeine fix — until Stevia came along.

Stevia is a low-calorie, zero-sugar sweetener that tastes so much better than artificial sweeteners.  Stevia is an herb with a sweet-tasting extract that comes from the leaves of the “Stevia rebaudiana” plant. It has been enjoyed since pre-Columbian South America where indigenous people used the herb to sweeten their tea and other drinks.

The plant’s taste stems from steviol glycosides, molecules that are 250–300 times sweeter than regular sugar.  It is an alternative sweetener that can be used on other things besides beverages, but also in cooking and baking.  It became popular among health-conscious individuals because stevia has a very low caloric content. This makes it perfect for dieters and people who are trying to lose weight.  Moreover, Stevia makes coffee and tea taste so much better without adding any calories.

The Health Advantages of Stevia

stevia

Stevia plant [Shutterstock image]

Stevia is a safe, healthy sugar substitute that can sweeten up food without the negative health effects of refined sugar. It’s also associated with several impressive benefits such as reduced calorie intake, managed blood sugar levels, and minimized risk of cavities.

Additionally, while other sugar substitutes like Aspartame have been linked with cancer, there’s no evidence linking stevia to cancer since it is a natural ingredient.  This means you can add stevia to dishes and drinks without fear that you’re taking too much sugar, or that you’ll get sick a few years down the road.

For coffee lovers, it’s also good to note that locally-made Glorious Blend coffees and instant beverages have Stevia as its natural sweetener. The blend of natural and healthful ingredients makes the drink refreshing and safe and good for one’s overall health.

The Glorious Blend boasts a full line of healthy drinks, including a 7-in-1 healthy coffee mix. This special blend is made with proven medicinal ingredients like Malunggay, Mangosteen, Calcium, Gotu Kola, and sweetened with Sweet & Fit Stevia. What’s even better is that the Glorious Blend 7in1 Coffee is non-acidic and promotes regular bowel movement.

The Glorious line-up also includes the 3-in-1 coffee mix with Stevia, 7-in-1 choco mix, 4-in-1 coffee with Malunggay, 5-in-1 coffee mix with Brown Rice, and the MaxiTrim coffee.

All Glorious Blend beverages use Stevia which has no calories, no carbohydrates, and zero glycemic indexes. All of their instant drinks will keep you alert and energized throughout the day.  In addition, Glorious Blend products are locally sourced and manufactured. Their company supports local farmers, stevia growers, and other agricultural communities.

So if you’ve been cutting back on drinking coffee because of health problems like diabetes or hyperacidity, Glorious Blend coffee mixes are here to help. You can enjoy all the aroma and flavor of freshly made coffee all day — without the guilt!

Now, you can drink coffee for better health! Glorious, isn’t it? For more information about Glorious Blend coffee mixes, check out https://www.facebook.com/gloriousblend.

Discover an Italian dining experience at Palacio de Memoria

Discover an Italian dining experience at Palacio de Memoria

Margarita Forés

Margarita Forés

Palacio de Memoria recently unveiled its newly opened restaurant, The Loggia by Margarita Forés. Set in the gardens of this fully restored seaside estate, The Loggia lets diners enjoy Italian-Filipino offerings safely in a beautiful alfresco dining space.

Forés, who was named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016, has prepared a special menu for The Loggia with an Italian-Filipino fusion concept. Combining her advocacy for Filipino flavors and her expertise in Italian cooking, she is ready to serve gastronomic dishes in Manila that you will surely savor.

Among the must-try dishes at The Loggia is the Lamb Shoulder Brasato, a hearty meal braised in wine, vegetables, herbs, and spices with grilled polenta squares. Other main dishes include Halibut Cartoccio, Cotoletta of Chicken Breast, and Grilled Australian Beef Tenderloin with Scamorza Cheese. Diners can also try a selection of appetizers, dips, salads, soups, pasta, and desserts.

For a dining experience brimming with rich history, arts, and culture, guests can also revel in the surroundings and in-house museum of Palacio de Memoria that reflects the Golden Age of Manila. Moreover, Palacio de Memoria is a luxurious venue for intimate weddings, birthdays, and other events, to which The Loggia can cater as well.

The Loggia at the Palacio de Memoria is located along Roxas Boulevard, Manila, and is open Mondays to Sundays from 11 am to 9 pm. Palacio de Memoria and the restaurant implement strict safety protocols.

From romantic date nights to alfresco brunches to intimate weddings and events, make your dining experiences even more special at The Loggia by Margarita Forés.  For reservations, call +63-917-711-3714 or +63-917-717-9654.

Embracing a relaxed and leisurely lifestyle in North Luzon

Embracing a relaxed and leisurely lifestyle in North Luzon

The new normal, brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, has underscored the need for homes to be as comfortable, relaxing, and safe as possible. With people being encouraged to stay at home almost all year round, it seems that an emerging trend among homebuyers is choosing spaces that allow them to enjoy the comforts of their homes with the amenities and atmosphere of a destination resort.

Enter Golf Ridge Private Estate, the latest addition to Filigree’s successful lineup of luxury developments, which highlights seclusion and tranquility through the development’s immersion in nature.

Most notably, the 14-storey condominium has dedicated 75 percent of its lot to open spaces, making way for a more sustainable and healthier environment for its residents. This is further enhanced by its array of well-curated, resort-like amenities: residents can relax by the pool, spend quality time at the outdoor lounge, or enjoy spectacular, borrowed views of the Mimosa Golf Course.

Designed to cater to people of varying lifestyles, Golf Ridge offers one-bedroom units for singles or investors looking for a quiet retreat, two-bedroom units for young couples or empty-nesters, and three-bedroom units for larger families, all of which have an amply-sized balcony that showcases commanding views of the golf course. Golf Ridge provides generous living spaces that allow only four to eight units per floor, ensuring its tenants have privacy, ease of movement, abundant natural light, and better indoor air quality.

Golf Ridge Private Estate is strategically located within Filinvest Mimosa+ Leisure City in Clark, Pampanga — a township that is carefully planned for business and leisure by the Filinvest Group. It includes residential, business, retail, hospitality, and gaming sectors, making it a great tourist and business attraction. One of its main highlights is the Mimosa Golf Course that complements Golf Ridge Private Estate.

Golf Ridge in Filinvest Mimosa+ is 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), Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx), and the newly opened Skyway Extension Project. It is only a 10-minute drive to the Clark International Airport.

Offered on an advantageous lease-hold agreement, residents who want to relocate away from the congested urban areas or investors who are looking for a winning business venture will surely enjoy all the features and benefits that Golf Ridge provides. To know more, visit www.golfridge.com.ph.

Tuna Recipes for Lent Part 4: Italy and U.S.

Tuna Recipes for Lent Part 4: Italy and U.S.

For the 4th part of the Tuna Recipes for Lent series, we are revisiting the U.S. and Italy once again.  Sandwich and soup go well together and you can certainly enjoy these for one meal.

Tuna Bruschetta

Bruschetta is an open sandwich and the bread used is usually a crusty type of bread such as a baguette.  Technically you could use any bread but it wouldn’t be the same. 🙂

Tuna Bruschetta

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: bread, fish, sandwich, tuna
Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 1 can (185 g) San Miguel Del Mar Tuna Chunks in Oil
  • 1 pc. (30 g) onion, chopped
  • 3 pc. (100 g) tomatoes, chopped
  • 6 pcs. basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup capers
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 pc. baguette, sliced 1/4 inch thick and lightly toasted

Instructions

  • Mix together tuna, onion, tomatoes, basil, capers, olives, vinegar, and olive oil.
  • Top each piece of bread with a scoop of the tuna mixture.

Tuna and Corn Chowder

I love chowders.  A chowder is a very heavy, filling soup.  Tuna and corn chowder is a healthy alternative and is not difficult to make.  I am certainly making this over the holy week.

Tuna and Corn Chowder

A chowder is a heavy, cream-based soup! On its own, it is quite filling.
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chowder, corn, fish, soup, tuna
Servings: 5

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Dari Creme Classic
  • 1 pc. (50 g) onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup celery
  • 1/4 kg potatoes, cubed
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels
  • 2 cups chicken broth*
  • 1 pack (250 ml.) Magnolia All-Purpose Cream
  • 1 can (185 g) San Miguel Del Mar Tuna Chunks in Water
  • 1/4 tsp iodized fine salt
  • 1/8 tsp pepper

Instructions

  • In a saucepot, melt margarine and sauté onion and celery
  • Add potatoes and cook for about 5 minutes.
  • Add corn and cook for another 5 minutes or until the potato is tender.
  • Pour in broth and cream. Stir and let simmer.
  • Mix in tuna and cook until soup thickens. Season with salt and pepper.

Notes

  • For a thicker consistency add roux to the chowder. Roux is combined with equal parts of butter and flour.
  • To make roux: Melt butter over low heat and mix in flour until blond in color. Cool down. Add a few tablespoons to the soup and cook until desired consistency is achieved.

These tuna recipes go well together as well.  Let me know if you tried to make them and how well the dishes turned out. 🙂

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