by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 7, 2016 | Awards and Competitions
Think: mouthwatering Adobo and an appetite for friendly fun. The Datu Puti Adobo Movement is cooking up an exciting lineup of challenges and events to support its thrust to get Adobo its due accolade.
Part of this gastronomic lineup of events is the Adobo Challenge, Datu Puti’s search for the best version of the Adobo among a lineup of budding food entrepreneurs.
The Adobo Movement
The Datu Puti Adobo Movement was initially created to push for Adobo to be our pambansang ulam. It is a movement that celebrates the cultural heritage of the Adobo dish. According to the Datu Puti Adobo Movement, all Filipinos across the regions have their own take on the dish, inspired by how the traditional comfort food is prepared by their families based on the their flavor preferences and their access to local ingredients.
Friendly Competition
Datu Puti products
The Datu Puti Adobo Challenge represents the next phase in the Datu Puti Adobo Movement. After the warm response to the advocacy in 2015, 2016’s Datu Puti Adobo Challenge is poised to drive more enthusiasm and sustain support for the cult fave dish. More specifically, the Datu Puti Adobo Challenge dares Mercato Centrale’s food vendors to stake their claim for the best Adobo dish in town.
To qualify, the vendor’s adobo dish must use any type of meat or vegetable, and marinated in or cooked with at least two of the three main Datu Puti products: vinegar, soy sauce, and patis (fish sauce). Accepted entries will be evaluated based on the various criteria, including:
- creativity of concept, which looks at the story behind the dish as well as originality, branding, and cooking technique;
- innovation, noting the use of unique special ingredients and Datu Puti products; and
- Philippine culinary heritage, including how it adopts and represents regional cooking styles.
Celebrating Adobo’s Best
Mercato Centrale’s finest vendors will showcase their Adobo recipes at a gastronomic showdown at the Mercato Centrale Saturday market in Bonifacio Global City on June 11, the culmination of the Datu Puti Adobo Challenge.
Join the Movement on June 11 and enjoy the taste fest during the Datu Puti Adobo Challenge. Rate sheets will be tallied based on the sampling served to a select pool of judges. Then, at the end of the Datu Puti Adobo Challenge, three winners will be declared, taking into the account the flavor, story, and heart behind their Adobo masterpieces. In addition, a People’s Choice Award will also be given to the crowd favorite, based on the preferences of the foodies on site.
All Adobo winners will be awarded start-up funds in cash, so they can include their winning dishes in their regular Mercato menu for at least 12 nights. The People’s Choice awardee, on the other hand, will receive over P3,000 worth of Datu Puti goods.
Adobo Party
Tonipet Gaba, popular foodie and host, will host this event
Aside from the Datu Puti Adobo Challenge, the celebrations at Mercato Centrale on June 11 will also feature a celebration of homegrown talent, all in full support of the advocacy behind the Adobo Movement. The party will be hosted by familiar foodie Tonipet Gaba, and the feast will be made even more festive with musical performances by musical idols UpDharma Down and Ebe Dancel.
Drop by Mercato Centrale (along 7th avenue and 25th street, across The Forum and in front of the “Between the Lines” art mural) in BGC Taguig on June 11, Saturday, to witness a showdown and showcase of the best of the best of our homegrown talents onstage and behind kitchen doors.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 2, 2016 | Food & Beverage
Are you having a hard time keeping up with your diet plan? Cohen Meals on Wheels will deliver your food to your doorstep! It is convenient, a timesaver and most importantly, effective.
A study published in the medical journal, Obesity Research, suggested that food provision is an effective strategy to weight-loss patients: “Better results might be achieved if more direct approaches were taken to make environmental changes by providing food to participants.”
In the Philippines, one popular food delivery service is the Cohen Meals on Wheels, which is exclusively offered to the followers of the Cohen’s Lifestyle Program, a personalized and rapid weight-loss program through nutrition. The Cohen Meals on Wheels delivers customized food to clients following the guidelines of the Cohen program.
Chef Pixie Sevilla of Cohen Meals on Wheels
“We aim to provide a solution to clients who find it a challenge to prepare their own meals daily,” says Chef Pixie Sevilla. A pastry chef, consultant, food stylist, and food writer, Chef Pixie went through the Cohen program herself before leading the team of chefs who prepare the Cohen Meals on Wheels dishes based on a weekly menu.
“The temptation of clients to cheat mostly comes from the lack of time to prepare their meals, or if they do have time, they tend to prepare the same meals over and over again. With Cohen Meals on Wheels, we make sure that we prepare their meals accurately and we plan the menu in such a way that they will look forward to it every day and will enjoy eating them as well,” she elaborates.
A growing number of clients have found Cohen Meals on Wheels to be an answer to their needs, including Dr. Ryan Capitol, an obstetrician-gynecologist and assistant professor. Dr. Capitol weighed more than 300 lbs. and suffered from hypertension when he enrolled in the Cohen program.
Dr. Ryan Capitulo, an obstetrician-gynecologist and assistant professor, lost 88 pounds in 4.5 months with Cohen Meals on Wheels.
Like most clients, he did not have a knack for cooking so he ordered food from Cohen Meals on Wheels to follow his personalized meal plan. “I don’t know how to cook and I don’t have the time to prepare my own meals. Cohen Meals on Wheels has definitely helped me follow my meal plans and lose weight.”
Aside from convenience, Dr. Capitol also said that buying food from Cohen Meals on Wheels was cheaper compared to his usual food expenses. “Oftentimes, I was spending 3,000-5,000 pesos just for food before I started Cohen. What’s more, the dishes taste excellent, considering the guidelines of the Cohen program.”
Happy and satisfied with the Cohen Meals on Wheels service, Dr. Capitulo was not deprived of delicious food while following his personalized Cohen meal plan. Most importantly, his weight has also dropped. He lost 88 pounds in 4.5 months.
As for Chef Pixie and the people behind Cohen Meals on Wheels, they are continuously looking for new recipes to add in the menus. Here are some samples of what you will find the their menu:
They are also considering the possibility of a larger delivery scope. “There are some inquiries that we can’t cater to yet because of the area they are in, especially in the major cities outside Metro Manila.”
To know more about Cohen Meals on Wheels, visit www.CohenLifestyle.com.ph, or follow http://www.facebook.com/CohenLifestylePhil on Facebook and http://instagram.com/cohenlifestyleph on Instagram. For orders and menu inquiries, call Ella at 828-5251 or 0917-526-4026.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 26, 2016 | Fashion
This season, put your best foot forward with stylish and elegant shoes by Via Venetto that match today’s competitive trends, are functional enough to keep up with your active lifestyle and comfortable enough for you to enjoy all of the season’s activities, both indoor and outdoor, for work and leisure.
Via Venetto provides the style, functionality and comfort to complete the perfect look you’re aiming for. As an artisan in the shoe industry in the Philippines, Via Venetto prides in creating only quality footwear fatto a mano using the world’s finest leather and highest quality materials. Its products are handcrafted with years of experience and innovation, adapting to the latest style and trend.
Aiming for a sexy yet innocent look? Go evening pumps or be a head turner with some posh pillars.You can also be stylish with some high wedges or slingbacks.
Of course, your outdoor look would not be complete without the comfort of flat shoes and sandals. Walk along the shoreline with a classy yet sturdy sandals or tone down your edgy professional look with comfortable doll shoes. Whatever you feel like wearing, Via Venetto can provide it for you.
Let your reigns free in rediscovery and new adventure. And while you’re at it, flaunt the perfect look that expresses the real you. All it takes is to reward yourself with the right shoes and you know you can conquer the world.
Visit Via Venetto stores at Greenbelt 1, Alabang Town Center, Trinoma and SM Megamall. For inquiries, you may contact them at Phone: 63 28926334; Telefax: 63 2 8432725; or visit http://viavenetto-phil.co.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 25, 2016 | Health Tips
Did you know that aside from your toilet bowl, kitchen counter, and pet cage, there are other germ-infested spots and things inside your home – such as makeup, yoga mat, and headphones? It is crucial to keep these things clean and dirt-free to have a healthy body and prevent sickness.
“Contact with dirty everyday items such as mobile phones, kitchen sponges, and sinks increase your risk of having illness-causing bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus and influenza virus, which might cause diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps,” says MediCard President Dr. Nicky Montoya.
Here are some of the most germ-infested places and personal belongings that you must clean:
Dish sponge
The irony here is that sponges are supposed to ‘clean’ dishes and countertops, yet they are the dirtiest thing in most homes. According to a study, 77% harbored coliform bacteria, 86% contained yeast and mold, and 18% had staph bacteria.
To disinfect a sponge, soak it in water then heat it in the microwave for one to two minutes, or pour boiling water over it. It is also best to replace your dish sponge every two weeks.
Kitchen sink
Did you know that the kitchen sink is dirtier than most bathrooms? It typically has more than 500,000 bacteria per square inch in the drain. Clean your sink with an antibacterial product after preparing or cleansing food such as raw meat, fruits, and vegetables.
Headphones
Using headphones or earphones for one hour has been shown to coat them with bacteria from the ear and increase the germ level in your ears by nearly 700 times.
Keep your earphones dirt-free by simply cleaning your earbuds using a soap solution or replacing detachable silicone covers.
Makeup and makeup brushes
Imagine putting on grimy makeup and brushes on your face. Numerous studies found that approximately half of all makeup brushes and mascara tubes are harboring germs.
Make sure to keep and use makeup for about 6 months maximum and clean brushes frequently using a disinfectant cleaner.
Yoga mat
Practicing yoga is a relief for those who want to relax and calm their mind and body. However, yoga mats, especially communal ones, harbor sweat and microbes that can linger for days if unwashed. It is best to invest in a yoga towel to keep sweat off the mat itself or occasionally scrub mats with a bit of dish soap and water.
Cell phone
Cellular phones have been considered a necessity for people. But did you know that mobile phones are one of the risk factors for infection?
According to a study, 1 in 6 cell phones is contaminated with fecal matter. That is why it is advised to shut down your device once a week and clean or wipe it with a disinfectant cloth.
Awareness of the dirty spots inside and outside your home and getting check-ups are important in preventing diseases.
MediCard has 13 free-standing clinics located in key cities nationwide that offer consultations, diagnostic tests and specialty medical services.
Visit a MediCard clinic near you or check out their website at www.medicardphils.com for more information.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 13, 2016 | Food & Beverage
In a world filled with homo sapiens with stories of homo superiors, Pizza Hut brings to us a pizza superior … the 18″ Xtreme blowout pizza!
Pizza Hut’s 18” Blowout Pizza
The Pizza Hut blowout pizza is superior in every way … superior in size, superior in quality, superior in price, superior in taste! And best of all, it is big enough to share with your family and friends. Think of it as a party pizza. That’s how I see it. 😀
Imagine, if you will … one VERY BIG pizza with 4 flavors on it … Hawaiian (for those who like pineapples on their pizza), Supreme (their classic flavor), Roast beef (yum, yum!), and Sausage and Bacon (come on! Who doesn’t love bacon? :D) With all those flavors in one thick crust, how can you go wrong? The way they slice it, this pizza cuts up to 12 generous slices. Personally, though, I would prefer if they cut it in squares or in a spider cut. That way more people can enjoy all the flavors instead of just 3 slices per flavor.
The Pizza Hut Xtreme Blowout Pizza can be purchased ala carte at P659 or with the Xtreme blowout feast, good for a group of six (6) or more. At P999, P1,299, and P1,499 these Xtreme blowout feasts are very affordable. Photos below are taken from the Pizza Hut website.
If you choose to get your Xtreme blowout pizza ala-carte an add-on of just P99 will get you any of the following selections:
- 2 single servings of spaghetti bolognese
- 2 piece fried chicken with rice
- 1 family size slingers (that’s potato slices to the confused)
- 1.5 liters of Pepsi or Mountain Dew
Movie Tie-in
This unique pizza was created as a tie-in with the upcoming movie from 20th Century Fox, X-Men: Apocalypse. Showing here in the Philippines on May 18, 2016, the Xtreme blowout pizza is a great complement to X-Men: Apocalypse. Here’s a sneak peek of the movie, X-Men: Apocalypse.
Is that all they are offering? A pizza?
The Pizza Hut blowout pizza is already amazing but Pizza Hut elevates their game even more. What more does Pizza Hut have in store for us?
Xtreme blowout special collectible pizza boxes
Let’s start with collectible Xtreme blowout pizza boxes. You read it right … collectible. These beautifully printed boxes would look good mounted on a wall as posters, don’t you think?
The winners of the 2016 Bb. Pilipinas with Mr. Raymund Nobleza, Marketing Officer-in-Charge for Pizza Hut, Mr. TH Lim, Chief Operating Officer of Pizza Hut, and Mr. Tony Rulloda, Marketing Director of 20th Century Fox holding up the collectible Xtreme blowout pizza boxes.
How about the chance to own your very own limited edition Magneto Helmet.
For the grand prize, a vacation at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada! Click here for more details.
The Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada
Consolation prizes include lotsa lotsa Xtreme blowout pizzas. 🙂
The Xtreme Xperience
PIzza Hut Kia Theater’s Mini X-Men
For the mechanics on how to join click here.
And to add some fun to the experience dine-in customers will have the pleasure of being served in costume by some of the Pizza Hut crew. Take a selfie with them and post it on Facetube (hyuk! Inside joke. :D), I mean Facebook. 😀
Selfie with Ronz aka Magneto and the limited edition Magneto helment
For the presscon we were served by mini versions of Magneto, Psylocke (which she pronounced SKY-LOCK, LOL! I guess she does not really know her character) and a female version of Archangel.
These youngsters are so cute! The tallest of them (Ronz aka Magneto) barely reached my eyebrows. 😀 At the end of the presscon I managed to take a selfie with him holding the limited edition Magneto helmet. 😀
Here we our in our group pic with our mini X-Men.
Pizza Hut Blowout Pizza’s X-Men Apocalypse and Xtreme Las Vegas Adventure promos are valid until June 6, 2016. For more information about Pizza Hut’s Blowout Pizza, the X-Men Apocalypse promotion and the Xtreme Las Vegas Adventure raffle, visit www.pizzahut.com.ph or go to Facebook and “like” www.facebook.com/pizzahutphilippines. You can also follow @PizzaHutPhils on Twitter and Instagram, or simply call 911-1111 (Metro Manila) today!
To fully enjoy this Xtreme promo make sure to watch X-Men: Apocalypse at cinemas near you.
Did you know that aside from your toilet bowl, kitchen counter, and pet cage, there are other germ-infested spots and things inside your home – such as makeup, yoga mat, and headphones? It is crucial to keep these things clean and dirt-free to have a healthy body and prevent sickness.
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