Entries from December 2011 ↓

It was humid and sunny on the day I visited Mercato Centrale for the first time. I kept saying it didn’t feel like Christmas because of the weather. And so before I go on ranting about the obvious effects of global warming, I decided to just enjoy the company of new found friends. Soon enough I found myself again just marvelling on what a wonderful new day the good Lord has given me.

Flavors of Christmas

So what brings me to Mercato on a Saturday morning of November 19, 2011? Not only am I excited to visit Mercato for the first time but I also wanted to check out The Flavors of Christmas: A Grand Member’s Treat presented by San Miguel Great Food Club (Living the Good Life).

On this warm sunny day, there are four presentations prepared by San Miguel Food Club for its members. Everyone stayed on their seats anticipating what Flavors of Christmas San Miguel has prepared for us.

Danny Dela Cuesta set up an actual dining table within the demo area to show the audience how to create a festive Christmas Table

Before that, different samples of San Miguel products are available for Mercato visitors to partake. It is no joke when I said that San Miguel Great Food Club members are really anticipating the Flavors of Christmas event because I find it a challenge for anyone to stay under that heat for hours.

CHEF ED QUIMSON ensures that frehsness and quality of ingredients are preserved when using San Miguel Purefood Products

But the number of audience did not waiver. In fact, it seemed to even grow especially when Chef Ed Quimson demonstrated how to prepare a Christmas ham using Purefoods Fiesta Ham.

Flavors of Chrsitmas

So what exactly were the activities witnessed by San Miguel Great Food Club members during the Flavors of Christmas event? It started with Mr. Danny Dela Cuesta talking about “Setting the Mood: The Festive Christmas Table“.

Lori Baltazar of Desserts Comes First charms the crowd with her wit and humor while demonstrating her Chocnut Queso Recipe

It was then followed by Chef Ed Quimson’s cooking demo. The dishes he prepared were the Christmas ham, Roast Jumbo Chicken with Green Grapes and Cranberry Jelly and lastly Pork Pata with Lentils (Top Photo).

One of the distinguished food bloggers in the country, Ms. Lori Baltazar also demonstrated three yummy desserts namely Brownie in a cookie-cookie and Chocnut-queso de bola cheesecake. Lastly, Chef Dennis Edillon talked about “Planning a Menu: Serving the Right Proportion“.

Favorite Activity

Among the activities, what I enjoyed the most is the table setting lecture of Mr. Danny dela Cuesta. His Flavors of Christmas table setting tips can give any table a festive air which is timely this coming holiday season. While listening to Mr. dela Cuesta, I felt like Julia Child while taking notes on her French cooking class. There are so many new things I learned about table setting in general that I really felt the Flavors of Christmas starting to set in the air.

Lori Baltazar's CHOCNUT-QUESO DE BOLA CHEESECAKE

Lori Baltazar's BROWNIE-IN-A-COOKIE COOKIE

Wanda Chicken of Magnolia Chicken Station and Ropig of Monterey entertain the audience with their awesome dance moves

With the growing festive mood inside me, I found myself hungry. Fortunately, food was served to the media who attended the event. I ate heartily (which I only do when I am happy).

For me the important thing to bring home when attending food events such as this is to sample the products being showcased during the event – it doesn’t matter if you’re a blogger, a photographer or just a plain housewife. Maybe something that you have observed, tasted or heard can inspire you on your next home project.

And this is what I took home when I left the Flavors of Christmas event of San Miguel. I enjoyed munching on Edam cheese so much I told myself from now on I’m eating spaghetti with Edam cheese.

Chef Ed Quimson's Roast Jumbo Chicken With Grapes and Cranberry Jelly

I loved the corned beef on top of crackers that I went to the grocery the next day to buy one and reminisce the experience I had when I ate it at Mercato. And my final inspiration was to challenge myself to cook a whole herbed chicken for my family to enjoy this holiday season. Just like Julie Powell was inspired by her mentor, there were lots of inspirations one can bring home after attending the Flavors of Christmas.

Chef Ed Quimson's Christmas Ham

SMPFC's Culinary Services Manager Maricel Manalo opens the event by welcoming the attendees of The Flavors of Christmas

*Story by Ia Adam-Lim; photo from San Miguel Great Food Club

I wonder when will be the next flavour San Miguel will have its members take and I truly hope to be part of that event.

Have you been to any San Miguel Great Food Club event? Or are you interested to join one just like the Flavors of Christmas? We would love to hear from you by commenting below. Merry Christmas to all!

Weight will never be an issue for a girl as skinny as I. That is what others thought of me. But, like the majority of the crowd who attended the new Del Monte Fit ‘n Right launch last November at One Rockwell, I just don’t seem too happy with my figure. Good thing, I have met health and fashion experts to ask if what I’m feeling was normal.

🙂

As I went in the function room, Nicole warmly approached me and led me to 3 different booths: fitness, food and fashion. First, I had my weight, fat mass and body fat percentage measured. Then, I proceeded to the next booth were Rajo Laurel’s team took my figure measurement.

Science of Sexy

Sexy Chef Barni Alejandro

The last booth I went to was Sexy Chef’s. I told her that even if I ate a lot I still get my average weight. And, I’m not quite happy about it.

She told me that I must be happy because not all people can eat a lot and have their metabolism fast, like I’ve got.

“Frequent eating makes our metabolism fast.”, she added.

She actually recommended some of the food I need to include in my meals, like brown rice, which contains plenty of health benefits. She also mentioned that our age also has something to do with our metabolism. The older we get, the more our metabolism slows down. I wanted to chat with her more but lunch was ready, prepared by hers truly.

(L-R) Fit ‘n Right brand manager, Sexy Chef Barni Alejandro, Fitness Expert Raul Banzon, and Rajo Laurel

After all the tummies were filled with delectable food, the program started. The basic formula to fight fat was revealed by the experts. And the Science of Sexy Challenge was introduced.

(FAT= Calories consumed – Calories burned) / (Basic formula to fight fat)

To explain, fat accumulation is determined by the calorie content of the food you eat vs. the calories you burn through regular exercise. So, to lose weight and reduce fat mass, we need to increase physical activity to burn more fat, and/or eat fewer calories.

New Del Monmte Fit 'n Right

The recommended rate of weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week. This means working in at least 30 minutes of daily aerobic activity in our daily routine. Plus, daily rice intake by 1 cup (1/2 at lunch and another half at dinner).

Simple? Of course not without discipline, self-control and a help buddy, the discussion recommended the new and improved Del Monte Fit ‘n Right.

Fit ‘n Right now has the combination of L-Carnitine plus new GCE (Green Coffee Extract), a natural ingredient taken from unroasted green coffee beans. But don’t worry the taste was proven to be more of a fruit juice than a coffee.

The panel shared that GCE’s role is to block our body’s absorption of sugar. The less sugar our body absorbs, the less excess calories that can turn into fat. A clinical study shows that with daily consumption of GCE, there is significant reduction in fat vs. L-Carnitine alone vs. diet and exercise alone. Check out trial results below.

Trial Results

To be more realistic, 2 from the group of challengers were invited in the event.

(L-R) Hiroshi Okuda (loss -2.5% body fat) and Jana Fyfe (loss -1.2% body fat)

And to challenge the crowd, here’s the 30 days Fit ‘n Right Science of Sexy Challenge.

Fit 'n Right Science of Sexy Challenge Mechanics

Del Monte Fit 'n Right Prizes

Fit 'n Right Winners' and Runners up Prizes

For the top winner: 1 outfit by Rajo Laurel and a trip to Boracay for 2 including; roundtrip tickets and transfers, and 3 days/2 nights accommodation in Discovery Shores. And an outfit by Rajo Laurel for 3 runners-up, each.

(L-R) Group of already sexy bloggers; Earthlingorgeous, Krisified, Fashionista Commuter and ClumsyClariss dared to take the challenge and received a 1-month FREE membership at Gold’s Gym plus Fit ‘n right to follow

*Photos & Text by Clarissa Tubeo

Now after some insights on calories from the Fit ‘n Right event, I’m so excited for the results!

K-Pop, Koreanovela, K-fashion – Its official! The Korean craze has stormed the Philippines and many of their dwellers are seen left and right in the prime spots in our country. And now, the invasion continues – KBop Quick Korean is the place to be if you’re craving for delectable and affordable Korean flavors in a Pinoy setting.

KBop Quick Korean Restaurant

This Korean fast food place has a young and modern feel. With authentic Korean dishes and its distinctive spicy taste, it’s as if you’re embracing their culture, without having to leave the metro.

Born out of love for Korean food, business partners Jorge Wieneke (former owner of Potato Corner and Jap-OK) and Mel Gozum, executive of Solar Entertainment Corp. decided to open KBop for Filipinos who thrive for affordable, fun and quick Korean fix. With their business expertise and familiarity with Korean cuisine, they opened their first branch at Fort Bonifacio and it was a success with an overwhelming array of dishes.

KBop Pork Skewers

I was so excited to try their menu of Korean food. Spicy dishes were not among my favorites but KBop changed my mind then and there. We were first served the “Bokkumbop” (Kimchi Fried Rice, Php 50). It was spicy yet flavorful, specially when consumed with the sweet and tangy “KBop Chicken” (Korean Style Chicken Wings, Php 160)

Afterward, the “Chapchae” (Korean Glass Noodles, Php 100) became my favorite. The noodles were soft and sweet. We also tried the “Tomi Chim” (Steamed Fish, Php 100) and were a bit spicy but tender. Their “Chandolpakee” (Grilled Beef Steak, Php 250) is ideal for meat lovers looking for a healthier alternative. Pork Skewers (Php 130) is best partnered with beer.

KBop Chicken

For dessert, we were served with Mango Panna Cotta. I am a big fan of sweets and the mix of mangoes were just perfect to cap off the spice of the Korean dishes I ate.

With the right ambience and their accommodating staff, KBop is definitely a sure hit for the Korean enthusiasts and Pinoys who crave for their luscious and spicy dishes. Their branches are located at Venice Piazza, upper McKinley Road, McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio and at Sky Garden in SM North Edsa.

Mango Panna Cotta

To know more about KBop and their tasty offerings, you can visit their Facebook Page here.

* Text & Photos by Ria Hazel Lumandog

Korean Cuisines: Chap Chae (LL), Bokkumbop (UR), & Tomi-Chim (LR)

So what are you waiting for? Looking for a Korean cuisine that’s right for your budget and fits to your appetite? Then visit KBop Quick Cuisine now and be “Koreanized” too.

🙂

Giant Lady Bug

From December 1 to 4, bring your kids and family to a different kind of world as Candy Corner, in partnership with Wonka, opens the doors of an enchanted factory that harvests dreams and turns them into candies –The Wonka Imaginarium at the Atrium in Shangri La Plaza Mall.

The Wonka Imaginarium is a four-day exhibit that puts the spotlight on Wonka Candies, it allows everyone to bring their candy fantasies to life.

Wonka Imaginarium's Talking Tree

Wonka Laffy Taffy

Wonka Imaginarium's "The Magical Forest"

I got the chance to explore the Wonka Imaginarium the other day and it was a great experience. It brings back my  childhood days as I walked into the magical forest with giant bugs and talking trees.

Aside from the Magical Forest, explore the Tunnel of Lost Wishes and Forgotten Dreams; fly and fall from the sky and learn magic straight from a witch – all to find the rainbow (the dream that makes the happiest of all candies).

Wonka Imaginarium Raindow of Candies

“The Wonka Imaginarium is the first of its kind in the Philippines, and we’re happy to be doing this for the holiday season,” shares Ricky Andre, President of Candy Corner Philippines.  “More than just giving everyone a chance to get to know more about Wonka Candies, our main goal is to give people of all ages a great avenue to feed their imagination and find a different, unique activity for the whole family to share this Christmas.”

Candy Corner Philippines

Wonka Chocolate

A candy brand that uses licensed materials from Roald Dahl’s Charlie & the Chocolate Factory and its two movie adaptations, Wonka’s distinct packaging and colourful taste has propelled it to become Candy Corner’s flagship brand with best sellers such as Nerds and Pixy Stix just to name a few.

*Photo & Text by Marjorie Pineda.

The Witch

Wonka Gobstoppers

Candy Corner is the first outlet in the Philippines to combine traditional packaged and novelty sweets with the concept of having customers choose and combine their own selections of treats. Catch your candy fantasies at http://www.candycorner.ph/.

If you read this post in time, you might just be able to catch the last day of The Wonka Imaginarium.

🙂