by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 16, 2021 | Lifestyle
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.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 7, 2021 | Real Estate
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.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 30, 2021 | Bon Appetit
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
- 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
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
- 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
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.
- 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. 🙂
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 29, 2021 | Bon Appetit
The third part of this series brings us to the United States and Italy. You could have these two dishes together. 🙂 I have been to restaurants like Almon Marina, for example, that serve half a sandwich with half a pasta order for a meal.
Tuna, Lettuce, and Tomato Sandwich
Think of the BLT – bacon, lettuce, and tomato – sandwich. Now substitute the delicious bacon with the yummy tuna and you have a TLT sandwich.
Tuna, Lettuce & Tomato (TLT) Sandwiches
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: sandwich, tuna
- 3 pc ciabatta or focaccia bread
- 3 tbsp Magnolia Real Mayonnaise
- 3 pc lettuce leaves
- 1 can (185 g) San Miguel Del Mar Tuna Chunks in Water, drained
- 1 pc (60 g) salad tomato, sliced
- 1 pack (165 g) Magnolia Quickmelt Cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp Magnolia Gold Butter Unsalted melted
Slice bread horizontally in the center. Spread mayonnaise on the inner side of the bread. On each bread, place a piece of lettuce, a third portion of the tuna, tomato slices, and cheese.
Brush the outer side of the sandwich with melted butter. Toast bread in a preheated Panini machine for 1 to 2 minutes or until the pressed sandwich is golden brown. Serve hot.
If Panini press is unavailable, toast bread on a preheated pan and press with a lid.
Tuna Aglio Olio
Aglio Olio is a dieter’s go-to pasta dish but, I will be honest with you, it isn’t the most exciting dish. Adding tuna and some spices elevates the flavor of this dish.
Tuna Aglio Olio Pasta
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: pasta dish, tuna
Servings: 5
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped garlic
- 200 g cherry tomatoes
- 2 cans (185 g each) San Miguel Del Mar Tuna Chunks in Oil
- 200 g squid ink spaghetti noodles pre-cooked according to package directions
- 200 g spaghetti noodles cooked according to package directions
- 2 tbsp chili flakes
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Heat oil in a hot pan, then sauté garlic, tomatoes, and tuna over medium heat.
Toss in both kinds of pasta. Add chili flakes and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 29, 2021 | Female Empowerment
There is no better time than National Women’s Month to highlight the ever-increasing role of women in shaping Philippine society in general and the business world in particular.
In the Philippines’ male-dominated corporate world, a woman named Rosemarie P. Rafael has been breaking stereotypes and challenging the big boys since the 1980s. In 1985, Mrs. Rafael founded Airspeed, one of the leading logistics solutions and express courier companies in the country. Airspeed is a company that reflects Ms. Rafael’s values and beliefs as a woman, a mother, and a leader. Being Airspeed’s Chairman and President and a true advocate of women, Ms. Rafael chose to empower women at Airspeed because she believes women are naturally nurturing. She knows that when people are supported and enabled, they can do great and impossible things.
These three women executives of Airspeed – together with the management team, envisioned to help propel the company to greater heights and, in the process, make the company better and reach success.
Anna Lyn Discaya is the new Chief Administrative Officer under Airspeed Group of Companies Holding Corp. In her new role, Ann will be in charge of managing and overseeing the company’s Administrative Group which comprises the Human Resources Team, Procurement Team, Security Group, Legal and Compliance Team, and Administrative Maintenance.
Claudette ‘Claude’ Lucasan-Canta is the new Chief Supply Chain Officer and will oversee the supply chain solutions design, warehouse operational processes, distribution, procedures, and work process flow of all companies under the holdings group. She is tasked to align with different business unit heads on the requirements of prospects and accounts, as well as the review of onboarding processes of each account. Claude will also help define the goals and programs for each of the business’s operation units and review financial projections per cost module for new and existing businesses.
Liza Fallar-Marquez, the Chief Information Technology Officer, leads the Management Information System Department. Liza has been with Airspeed for 23 years and has made sure to establish and direct strategic long-term goals, policies, and procedures for their information technology department. She leads the implementation of new IT Systems by adopting new technology platforms to improve the client experience, as well as monitor changes in the technology sector to discover ways the company can improve and develop its IT Infrastructure.
In closing off National Women’s Month, Airspeed is committed to paying tribute to females by entrusting them with extraordinary roles as trailblazers and forerunners of change. In shining the spotlight on women, Airspeed is confident it can attain greater success for many more years to come.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 28, 2021 | Bon Appetit
For the second part of the series, we will visit Vietnam and Thailand and try making some finger food starting with Vietnamese spring rolls.
Vietnamese spring rolls are super easy and require no cooking at all. Of all the ingredients the most difficult one to find is possibly the rice paper wrapper but most groceries carry it.
Fresh Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Tuna
Every time I eat at Pho Hoa, I always make sure to order fresh spring rolls for starters. They are light and tasty and crunchy! I rarely, if at all eat this as a viand, but it could be.
Fresh Spring Rolls with Tuna
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Keyword: spring rolls, tuna
Servings: 5
- 1 can (185 g) San Miguel Del Mar Tuna in Water, drained
- 3 tbsp Hoisin sauce
- 5 pieces rice paper wrappers
- 1 piece (100 g) cucumber, sliced into thin strips
- 1 piece (80 g) carrot, sliced into thin strips
- 5 sprigs cilantro or basil
- 1 cup shredded lettuce leaves
- 2 tbsp Magnolia Real Mayonnaise
Mix tuna and 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce together. Set aside.
Fill a shallow bowl with warm water. Dip rice paper carefully until it softens.
Lay rice paper on a flat surface and while soft, quickly place 1 to 2 tablespoons of tuna in the center, then add several pieces of cucumber strips, carrot strips, cilantro, and shredded lettuce.
Fold the sides of the wrapper inwards, then tightly roll. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
To make hoisin sauce, mix together the remaining hoisin and mayonnaise. Serve with the spring rolls.
Use a combination of fresh vegetables and herbs in making the rolls such as cucumber, red radish, bean sprouts, bell peppers, zucchini, shredded cabbage, leeks, and mint leaves.
Do not oversoak rice papers in water as it will become soggy and sticky.
Space assembled spring rolls apart to prevent them from sticking to each other.
Hoisin from scratch (about 1/2 cup): 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp peanut butter or black bean paste, 1 tbsp brown sugar, honey or molasses, 2 tsp rice wine or white wine vinegar, 2 tsp sesame oil, 1 clove garlic minced or 1/8 tsp garlic powder, 1/8 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp hot sauce
Thai Fish Cakes
Thai fish cakes are like seafood burgers. This is a good recipe for lent. You could use any fish but canned tuna is an easy solution.
Thai Fish Cakes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Thai
Keyword: patty, tuna
Servings: 6
- 1 can (185 g) San Miguel Del Mar Tuna Chunks in Water, drained
- 1 tbsp Sriracha or preferred chili sauce
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- 2 tbsp chopped Thai basil leaves or coriander leaves
- 1 piece Magnolia Brown Egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup Golden Fry Palm Oil
Combine tuna, Sriracha, green onions, basil, egg, and breadcrumbs in a bowl. Break tuna apart with a fork to mix well. Form mixture into 2 tablespoon patties. If the mixture is runny, add more breadcrumbs.
Heat oil in a frying pan, fry fish cakes until golden brown. Serve with extra Sriracha sauce.
Tips:
- Substitute breadcrumbs with mashed potatoes for a different texture.
- Chill patties to set before frying.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 27, 2021 | Work Tips
Is success measured in earnings, popularity, or happiness? I started to blog because I had a lot of thoughts racing around in my head that needed to get out but I hated taking pen to paper and writing it down.
Keeping a diary was so frustrating! Rather than the therapeutic exercise, it was meant to be, it became a source of stress instead. Typing on a screen became my outlet and my thoughts flowed freely from my fingers. I never thought I would be the blogger I am today.
My early blogging years
My early public posts were mostly reviews, which came naturally to me, particularly about books I have read.
Growing up my parents instilled in me and my sisters the joy of reading. Many times you would find the entire family in the living room, each member in their own chair with a book in hand, enjoying each other’s company while lost in our own literary worlds. Every now and then we would look up and share how we felt about parts of the book that we read. This would spark comments and sharings, especially if they have already read the book previously.
Something else I loved to review back in the day were movies and stage plays (particularly musicals). This is what put me on the radar back then. The internet was still fairly new and people didn’t really know much about websites or SEO or any of the fancy terms we take for granted nowadays. Authors and directors or producers would find out about my blog and started inviting me to review their book, their movie, or their play.
Finding a niche
When attempting to identify your niche keep in mind that a niche classifies the kind of content you would be posting on your website. It implies that you are an authority on the subject or, at the very least, more than just a passing acquaintance with it. Take for example beauty blogger, Nikita Charuza, who wrote a piece about influential people and their favorite perfume scents for 2021.
Another example is lifestyle and fashion blogger Alexandra Nicole. As an entrepreneur, stylist, and mother deciding what to write about was a no-brainer. Her lifestyle site, Chic City Living, is geared toward moms and gives advice on fashion, beauty, health, parenting, etc.
In the beginning, I would say my niche was more ENTERTAINMENT, which later evolved into the more eclectic LIFESTYLE. Lately, though, with everyone being stuck at home I have spent a lot of time in the kitchen and my site (while still in the lifestyle niche) is starting to look more like a FOODIE site. Identifying myself as a lifestyle blogger, though, opens up my site to different kinds of content so it is important to know what your niche is.
Working with brands
For many years now I have had the pleasure of working with several brands, big and small. There are those that offer to pay a fixed amount, some ask for my rates, and others offer products or services instead. Ever since bloggers were recognized as a media arm I have had the pleasure of attending many events as part of the media where I received firsthand information which I then disseminated on my site and on social media. It was an opportunity not only to know more about (and enjoy) the product or service but also to hobnob with the company bigwigs and personalities, as well as other bloggers and members of the press.
Oftentimes these brands through their agency partners would send press releases for posting. You do not need to post everything they send you. Consider if it matches your niche or will compromise your own brand.
Write your own material
While I do post materials from brands I work with, I also do my own writing. After all, a blog should be more than a repository of press releases. When you do write, make sure to always, ALWAYS check your grammar and syntax. I can’t describe the level of frustration I feel when I read a social media post or an article with horrible grammar. This is a common problem with people who are not native English speakers but sadly, it isn’t limited to them. Write in the vernacular if you are more fluent in that.
I realize that this limits the audience but there is an easy solution … use grammar tools like Grammarly. I, myself, am not immune to making grammatical errors, especially with homonyms, which is why I use grammar tools myself.
Blog if it makes you happy
It isn’t always about the bottom line. Blog because it makes you happy. Blog because you have something to share. Most importantly, blog because it is something or about something you are passionate about.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 27, 2021 | Bon Appetit
Lent is upon us and for most Christians, this is a time when we abstain from red meat. Instead of preparing the same dish over and over again here are some tuna recipes that can put variety and excitement to our dining table. For part 1 of this series, we will “visit” Italy and Mexico.
Creamy Tuna and Mushroom Pasta
In our household, creamy tuna pasta is a regular weekend dish prepared by my sister. It is easy to prepare and is quite filling! In addition, one can of tuna feeds so many people. Try it yourself.
Creamy Tuna and Mushroom Pasta
Course: Main Course
Keyword: cream-based, pasta dish, tuna
Servings: 6
- 1/4 cup Magnolia Gold Butter Unsalted
- 2 tbsp minced onion
- 1/2 cup sliced button mushrooms
- 1 can (298 g) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups Magnolia Fresh Milk
- 1 can (185 g) San Miguel Del Mar Tuna Chunks in Oil
- 1 tbsp chopped dill leaves optional
- 1/4 kg spaghetti noodles cooked according to package directions
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onion and mushrooms.
Add cream of mushroom and milk. Mix until lump-free and cook for 5 minutes.
Stir in tuna and dill, and simmer until sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
Toss the pasta into the sauce.
Tips:
- Substitute dill leaves with chopped parsley or basil leaves.
- Add sliced black olives for a flavor boost.
Tuna Tacos
This recipe is for soft tacos but you can easily change it up into the regular tacos by buying hard shells instead. I would make this for a quick meal. If you have a busy day ahead, this is one of those you could eat on the run as it is essentially a folded sandwich.
Easy Tuna Tacos
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: tacos, tuna
Servings: 6
- 1/3 cup Magnolia Real Mayonnaise
- 2 tsp chopped garlic
- 6 pieces small flour tortillas or pita bread lightly warmed or toasted
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce leaves
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
- 1 piece tomato, sliced 100 grams
- 1 can (185 g)San Miguel Del Mar Tuna Chunks in Oil drained
To make garlic sauce, mix mayonnaise and garlic then set aside.
In the center of each flour tortilla, place 1 to 2 tablespoons of lettuce leaves, cucumber slices, tomato slices, and tuna. Drizzle with garlic sauce.
Fold tortilla to secure filling.
- Keep tortillas in the refrigerator for up to a week and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To warm store-bought tortillas: (1) heat in a dry hot pan over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, (2) wrap stacked tortillas in a paper towel, then wrap in aluminum foil and bake at 300°F for about 10 minutes and (3) cover tortillas with a damp paper towel and microwave for 1 minute.
- Buy salad greens that are bright in color, leaves crisp, free of blemishes, and smell fresh.
The hard taco shell can also be replaced with nacho chips and this tuna taco can be transformed into a tuna taco salad, yum!
Most people don’t have tortilla wraps available in the fridge but most homes have the ingredients to make one. Click HERE for my paratha/roti recipe. FYI, there is very little difference between a paratha and a tortilla wrap so if you can make one, you can easily make the other. 😀
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 26, 2021 | Advocacy
Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) — the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country — donated more than 800 COVID-19 Rapid Test kits to Naga City.
PCPPI Bicol Regional Operations General Manager Francisco L. Escala, Jr. turned over the test kits to Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion, aiming to help the local government unit maintain its health and safety standards to stop the spread of the virus in the Bicol region.
In the photo are (from left) PCPPI Operations Manager Emmanuel Manaog, Territory Manager Sharmaine Banaag, HR Manager Roxana Ulpindo, Finance Manager Jose Bergonio, General Manager Francisco Escala, Jr., and Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 23, 2021 | Health and Wellness
To celebrate women, women’s month, and new beginnings, Vine Holistic Medical Aesthetics launched its new logo and campaign tagged “Beauty Speaks”.
Dr. Em Sevilla
Dr. Emehly Sevilla, or Dr. Em, the owner of Vine Aesthetics, said since the majority of Vine’s clients are women, the new campaign is aimed at celebrating women and their valuable contribution not only to their families, colleagues, and friends but to society in general.
“We have been working on the relaunch of the clinic and we felt that the month of March would be the best time to do so to coincide with the celebration of International Women’s Month,” Dr. Em said. “There’s no better way to celebrate women than to show that we cherish them by pampering them and showing them how much we love them.”
Vine’s relaunch campaign focuses on beauty and how women communicate through their beauty. Through their beauty, women are able to convey their strengths, self-love, fight for equality, service, and freedom amongst others.
“As we celebrate the women in our lives, we would like to give a deeper meaning and value to the self-care,” Dr. Em said. “We want to be there for women so that they can relax, reboot and reset.”
The new logo of Vine Aesthetics’ redefines “beauty by going back to its roots through unfiltered self-confidence.”
“We have decided to adopt a new logo, a new face that will allow the women’s beauty to speak and spread like new vines waiting to flourish,” Dr. Em explained.
To celebrate the new campaign and logo, Vine Aesthetics came up with Beauty Speaks promos that will allow women to “Raise Your Arms High,” “Peel it Away” and “Come Back to Your Shape.”
“We want to give you the best care that you need until your unfiltered beauty speaks for you,” Dr. Em said.
To avail of the Beauty Speaks promos, book an appointment by calling 09178590642 or through PM at the FB page of Vine Aesthetics.
While I do post materials from brands I work with, I also do my own writing. After all, a blog should be more than a repository of press releases. When you do write, make sure to always, ALWAYS check your grammar and syntax. I can’t describe the level of frustration I feel when I read a social media post or an article with horrible grammar. This is a common problem with people who are not native English speakers but sadly, it isn’t limited to them. Write in the vernacular if you are more fluent in that.
To celebrate women, women’s month, and new beginnings, 
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