Tuesday, February 28, 2017

It is so common to see foreign brands dominating different industries and it feels so good to know that a local brand is thriving in our own country.  

I have been supporting local companies to be able to help our own countrymen by patronizing our own. So for the good news..
Bo’s Coffee, the country’s all-Filipino specialty coffee shop, has opened its 93rd outlet at the UP Town Center with the goal of catering to the caffeine loving drinkers in the area.

My personal favorite is the Iced White Chocolate Mocha.
Photo credits: https://www.facebook.com/boscoffee

“There has been a growing demand to open more cafes so we selected UP Town Center, which is strategically located in a bustling community that’s full of individuals from all walks of life, to address those needs,” Coochy Mamaclay, Bo’s Coffee VP for Brand & Marketing, said.


Photo credits: Vance Madrid of  http://www.purpleplumfairy.com

“We want everyone to feel the Bo’s Coffee experience as they look for a nook and haven where students, friends, and families can study, bond, and share stories in a cozy and feel-at-home atmosphere over their favorite local brew,” Mamaclay noted.

With the inauguration of each new store opening, Bo's Coffee is introducing awe-inspiring rewards to its loyal partners. Free coffee for the first 100 customers,  with the first in line getting 365 free cups. That is a whole year’s worth! For the 2nd in line, they will be rewarded with 6 months’ worth, the 3rd will get 3 months, while the 4th up to the 100th will get a month’s supply of Bo’s Coffee. For UP Town Center, the grand opening date is set at March 18th, 2017.



Filipino hospitality can truly be felt in Bo's Coffee. Addressing customers by name is great but there is something even better than that. Customers are treated as partners and served with a smile. Now that's genuine Filipino trait!

If you look closely at Bo's Coffee's surroundings, you'll notice that it houses local artistry and craft. The chandeliers are designed by the famous Kenneth Cobonpue and the chairs are colorfully upholstered by ANTHILL Fabric Gallery, just to name a few.
“Each coffee shop serves as a window and platform for our homegrown partners, whose quality products may be unfamiliar to some. Among them are Tsaa Laya, Bayani Brew (iced tea and beverages), and Theo and Philo (chocolates).”

“In our vow to share the great Philippine coffee experience, every cup you sip also nurtures and cultivates social enterprises and builds communities, a commitment and advocacy we take seriously” she explained.
As “Your Homegrown Brew”, Bo’s Coffee’s point of pride is that all of its coffee beans are sourced locally from highland farmers in Sagada and Benguet in the Mountain Province, Mount Kitanglad in Bukidnon, Mount Apo in Davao, and Mount Matutum in Tupi, South Cotabato.
“We serve coffee-to-cup freshness using only quality coffee beans from these local and sustainable sources,” the Bo’s Coffee official said.


The expansion plan of Bo’s Coffee is going well and is showing no signs of stopping. She disclosed that there are plans to roll out more branches and that Bo’s Coffee was eyeing to have its 100th store in the 1st quarter of 2017 and that the brand’s first international outlet will open its doors within the year.


VIP Party held last February 28th, 2017

Bo's coffee has branches in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. For information on specific locations and menu, you may visit www.boscoffee.com



Interested in free coffee for 1 year at Bo's Coffee?  Watch this.


How about learning how to be a coffee taster?



About Bo's Coffee



We are homegrown. We are proud of our roots. We put the spotlight on Philippine Coffee. Our Coffee Origins is a story of our culture. We make it our business to support local coffee farmers. We make it our mission to create positive social impact by empowering social enterprises. It is at our pursuit to deliver unparalleled hospitality and a complete homegrown experience to our patrons.
We are Bo’s Coffee, Your Homegrown Brew.

Sunday, February 26, 2017



          What started as a small selling business now grew into a well-known spot for the best baked mussels in the South area.  Tahong Island offers fresh mussels, shrimps and fish dishes created in a way that is perfect for Filipinos' taste buds.



Back in 2014, power couple Edward Guttierez and Trish Aguilar started their business by selling their baked mussels in their offices during the holidays. It was a big hit, and after a few years, they were able to save up to rent a place in Pilar Village, Las Pinas.




Cheesy Garlic:Best seller made from Tahong Island's very own sauce
"The feedback from the local communities was overwhelming. I am very thankful to our customers who remained loyal to us ever since we started the business. Even if we transfer to several locations, they did not stop ordering from us," said Gutierrez.  Tahong Island's dishes are all his original recipes. With no professional training, Gutierrez runs the business with his passion for cooking and entrepreneurship.


Shrimpy Shrimpy: shrimps cooked in Tahong Island's tasty special sauce


Shrimpy Garlic: Classic buttered garlic shrimps

"I love doing Tahong Island," mused Aguilar. She handles marketing, accounting and finance for the business. "It was something we both loved doing together. When we were just selling our products in our offices, I never expected Tahong Island to branch out into a full-fledged business. Now, I am glad that we are reaching more people, and that more people love what we do as well."



Boneless Bangus: Oven baked bangus stuffed with tomatoes and onions



Now, Tahong Island is located at El Grande, BF Homes Paranaque to reach more customers. What started as a take-out stall in Las Pinas now caters to dine-in customers in their new location.  Their best-selling dishes include Cheesy Garlic Baked Mussels, Garlic Shrimp and Shrimpy-Shrimpy. The store also delivers around Las Pinas, Paranaque and Muntinlupa areas.



Saturday, February 25, 2017


COLOR MANILA AIMS TO HELP CLARK IN GROWING THEIR
SPORTS TOURISM AGENDA


REGISTRATION STILL ONGOING AT WWW.COLORMANILARUN.COM



25 February 2017 - MANILA, PHILIPPINES: COLOR MANILA, currently the most aggressive ‘concept fun-run’ organizer in the country today, is setting its sights on its next  big event at Clark, Pampanga on March 19, 2017.  The last event of COLOR MANILA at Clark, Pampanga saw a sold-out event with 6,000 participants.  The upcoming CM Challenge Run, which will be held at the Clark Parade Grounds, will have the runners this time go through obstacles, color stations and mazes.

Justine Cordero, VP for COLOR MANILA says, “We would like to invite runners and non-runners alike to join this exciting event, the CM Challenge Run.  We have customised a unique race route just for this run, with obstacles and challenges to make it more exciting, apart from being very colorful.  Of course, participants can also look forward to the after-party; we have invited DJ Franco Zarate to spin for us.”

Cordero continues, “We are targeting thousands of participants again for this fun-run.  We are also developing Clark as one of our bigger event sites outside of Manila.  Our recent event in Manila, which celebrated our 5th anniversary, saw 12,000 participants and we would like to eventually have a fun-run as big as this at Clark, Pampanga.”

“The last time we were at Clark, we saw participants from nearby provinces such as La Union, Baguio, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and Tarlac.  We  also had some foreigners from other Asian countries and the United States who flew in just for that run.  We would like to consistently do this, along with our local partners, such as Clark Development Corporation, so we can help in our own way, in terms of growing the sports tourism agenda of Clark, Pampanga”, says Cordero.  

Participants can choose between the Deluxe Kit and the Trooper Kit.  The Deluxe, which is at Php 650 includes the singlet, sunglasses and color packet.  While the Trooper Kit, which is priced at Php 1,050, comes with an added drawstring bag and headwear.  Runners can also choose between the 3K, 5K or 10K routes.


Sponsors for the CM Challenge Run include Clark Freeport Philippines, Toby’s Sports, Runner, Anytime Fitness Angeles, Pascual, 100 Plus, Starbucks Coffee, SM Tickets and Runnr.  Registration is still ongoing at www.colormanilarun.com


***

ABOUT COLOR MANILA:


COLOR MANILA encourages everyone to run, and to illustrate to non-runners how enjoyable the sport is, we bring out the real fun in the ‘fun’ run, through a color festival.  We are the paintbrushes, and You are the Paint. We carry the palette but You make your own Strokes. You become the human canvas, as we literally bring out your most energetic and happiest hue.

You are the Color, the human Canvas. You are the bits and pieces of this kaleidoscope. Because life is not a competition. Rather, it is a race where you run at your own pace, where you throw high-fives to people, where you carry all the colors of your experiences. We make this as the most exciting fun run ever, that you’d want to do it over and over again. We want to give you that unique kaleidoscope experience every time!


Visit www.colormanilarun.com for more information.

Friday, February 24, 2017



Light Network channel 33 is achieving greater innovation as it begins its official broadcast on Digital Television this coming March 2017! Through this exciting breakthrough, viewers in Mega Manila will soon be able to experience a clearer and highly-improved video and sound quality of Light Network in their televisions. Once official broadcast begins, people can now watch Light Network anytime and anywhere because not only will the channel be available on digital boxes and digital-ready televisions, but it could also be accessed through handheld devices such as tablets, smartphones and other gadgets.

The “digitalization” is the process of converting our current Analog Television broadcasting into Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), which simply means that our existing television technology will be transformed into an upgraded, higher quality of broadcast system. Through this digital improvement, Light Network will soon be available on multiple digital viewing platforms—broadening its horizon among the television programming sphere.

In an interview with Engr. Antonio Soriano, the Vice President of Technical Operations for Light Network, he said that he is excited for the upcoming Digitalization of Light Network, because the channel had long since been prepared for this huge digital switchover. “Tayo ang unang nag-convert from Analog to Digital transmitter. Wala nang test -broadcast. Official broadcast na agad.” He also said that not all channels are ready to make the digital “switch”, making Light Network the first channel in the  Philippines to migrate to the exciting domain of Digital TV, while maintaining its frequency on Channel 33.

According to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), once the innovative technology of Digitalization is fully implemented, it would not only deliver better image and sound quality to our television channels, but it would also be able to provide features such as datacasting, multi-channel platform, One Seg, and most importantly, the Emergency Warning Broadcast System (EWBS), which is used to transmit nationwide warning announcements in times of earthquakes, tsunamis, or other high-alert disasters.


Engr. Antonio Soriano further stated that these features are just few of the many benefits of Digital TV. According to him, through the other upcoming advancements in Digitalization, television will finally regain its essential standing in the lives of people, as compared to the rising media usage for mobile devices. “Yes. Maibabalik ang TV bilang prime Media tool,” he concluded.

Wednesday, February 22, 2017


          Not long ago, I had the oppportunity to see a Filipino adaptation of Sarah Ruhl's Eurydice which is based on the Greek myth of the love between Orpheus and Eurydice. It was performed at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Little Theater in Manila. I was curious about how tiny the space could be and true enough, the stage was zoomed in. The crowd encircles the little stage almost touching the cast. Being so close to the actors, their facial expressions can clearly be seen making it more engaging.




The set had improvised leaves and branches made from twisted wires hanging from the ceiling. Also there was an elevator which rains inside to get someone to the underworld and a platform that served two different purposes all throughout the play: as a rooftop and room. Letters were dropping from the ceiling through manually-controlled empty soda bottles which moves through levers, making it amusing to see.



The story is about the myth of Orpheus from the point of view of Eurydice who is his wife. It has numerous scenes and the play is consisting of three movements. On the eve of Eurydice's marriage, a stranger appeared claiming that he has a letter from her dead father. In her pursuit of getting the letter, Eurydice tripped from the stairs and died.  The story revolves around two choices: to return to Earth with her husband or stay with her father who is in the underworld. Eurydice enters the land of the dead using an elevator which rains inside. She meets her father but forgets about him and her past. The dead are not allowed to speak in human language or remember their past life but her father successfully makes her remember everything despite the interference of the three stones: Little Stone, Big Stone, and Loud Stone. Overcome with grief, Orpheus writes a letter to Eurydice and her father delivers it to her. He sends another letter and travels to the underworld to find her and bring her back to life. Hades gave permission to Orpheus to bring Eurydice back to the surface of the Earth to enjoy the light of day. Eurydice must walk behind him as they ascend to the upper world, and Orpheus is forbidden from looking at her or else she dies. With the insistence of her father, Eurydice agreed to follow Orpheus. In the original myth-storyline, Orpheus gave in to his desires and looked back at his wife but in this version, Eurydice called Orpheus' attention and he looked back. This caused Eurydice to die for the second time. Eurydice came back for his father but she was too late. He decided to forget all his memory and language by dipping himself in the river.  Hades returns and orders Eurydice to be his wife but she declined. She instead wrote a letter addressed to Orpheus and his next wife. She decided to dip herself in the river just like her father so she can forget about everything. Orpheus dies, returns to the underworld and finds his wife's letter to him. Since Orpheus has been dipped in the river too, he is not able to read it.





Performance of each actor is noteworthy, however, the main characters were outstanding. Eurydice was played by Lhorvie Nuevo while Marco Viana played Orfeo. Comedic lines were delivered with perfect timing and their acting skills are exceptional. Personally, Hades was the most entertaining one. He gathered the most laughs due to his costume and funny lines.





Loy Arcenas, the director of Eurydice, has successfully assembled an awesome show with fluid scene changes. Each role is given importance.


Moreover, the effects of lighting has clearly provided drama to the scenes and emotions are expressed more vividly. Costumes are uniquely tailored, it perfectly suits each character group and everything complements each other.




Seeing this play is greatly recommended. If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of city living into a magical place in Manila, then come out and support these talented actors.




Eurydice will run at the CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater) from February 17, 2017 until March 5, 2017, at the following times, Fridays at 8PM, Saturdays at 3PM and 8PM, and Sundays at 3PM.


Tickets are at 1,500 and 1,000. Tickets for students are at a discounted price of 750 and 500. Subscriptions and group discounts are also available through Tanghalang Pilipino at +632-832-1125 locals 1620-21, 822.2920 (direct line) or through Ms. Lorelei Celestino at +63915-607-2275 or +63908-894-1384

So, you have finally decided to get your Culinary degree. Next step would be the second most crucial decision you would have to take. Which institution will you pick?




Creating breathtaking courses and mouthwatering dishes takes talent, but establishing and keeping it as a profitable business would need a whole new set of skills altogether. Teaching such skills is what Moderne Culinaire Academy is all about. Based in the City of Taguig, MCA specializes in helping its students understand the more technical and business side of the hospitality industry, all the while encouraging their culinary talents.







This year, MCA is taking its dedication a step further with the announcement of its partnership with the prestigious KDU University College and Berjaya University College of Hospitality in Malaysia. Both highly-renowned for their culinary programs, these institutions can now be a part of every MCA student’s journey towards being a successful professional in the culinary and hospitality industry. Established in 1983, KDU University College boasts an impressive 96% employment rate for its students upon graduation in top-tier hotels and establishments, both in Malaysia and abroad. Graduates of Berjaya University College of Hospitality similarly enjoy a high level of opportunity since the university is under the famed Berjaya Group, a multi-national corporation with a stellar portfolio in the food-service and hospitality industry.




Those enrolled under MCA’s Higher Diploma in Culinary Arts and Kitchen Management program now have the option to go to Malaysia after their two-year certificate course and continue their studies further on either campus. Upon completion of the additional two years, they will be rewarded with a Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts Management while adding another year would allow them a Master’s Degree. The programs cover a high level of business entrepreneurship training (with classes on marketing, accounting, and operations) alongside intense hands-on learning (butchery, pastry- and bread-making) — education perfect for aspiring executive chefs and restaurateurs.

Maui Ahi Tuna Poke
Marinated Tuna in soy sauce and sesame oil on avocado

Bouillabaisse
Traditional French seafood stew of Provence

Cheese Cake
Combination of Purple Yam Cheese Cake

Cuisses de Poulet Farci Aux Marsala
Stuffed Chicken Leg with Marsala Sauce


Moderne Culinaire Academy is located at 155 Diego Silang St., Phase 1 AFPOVAI, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. For inquiries, you may visit http://www.moderneculinaireacademy.com , the MCA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ModerneCulinaireAcademy/ or contact the Administrator's office at +63 2 843-8071

Monday, February 20, 2017


          If you can’t wait ’till Summer, then don’t. All you have to do is leave the stress in the bustle city and pack your bikini to the Coast Boracay where fun meets the sun!
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Located at a beach front in Boracay, Aklan, Coast is a charming 71-room resort nestled on the powdery sands of Boracay Island’s White Beach. The beachfront resort is set to redefine your stay and gastronomic experience.

Funshine Room!

Choose from an array of five room types that evoke fun and comfort. Our 71 rooms are equipped with five star bedding so luxurious, it begs you to stay, SMART TV, and Wi-Fi access.

Beds are comfortable – Disneyland Hotel comfy!

Coast only uses Sealy beds – the only beds used by Disneyland Hotels that have an engineered feature for full body support.


Popcorn starts popping 4PM Daily!

Rooms also features a flat screen TV, coffee & tea facilities, complimentary breakfast, complimentary bottled water, free WiFi, a mini bar, rain shower, bath amenities, a private terrace and a room safe. This boutique hotel showcases the world-class boracay beach in a secluded, private and bungalow-style experience that offers luxurious, modern accommodation just a step away from the white beach, award-winning restaurants and nightlife destinations.

For inquiries & reservations, email inquiry@coastboracay.com
Check out Coast Boracay’s Official Website: http://coastboracay.com/
and like Coast Boracay on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coastboracay

Saturday, February 18, 2017


On June 1, 2017 from 10AM to 3PM, another Asia Leaders Forum in Real Estate will be launched in Davao this time with the collaboration between Yupangco Electronics Corporation (Distributor of Yamaha Sound and Audio Technology) headed by Jose Mari L. Yupangco and TAG Media and Public Relations headed by Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas. Robert L. Yupanco is one of the country’s business tycoon, an eligible bachelor and owns one of the biggest companies in the Philippines. He is also the grandson of our former president Jose P. Laurel. Just last month, January 31, 2017 at Misono Japanese Restaurant in Makati, the first of its series for this year under Asia Leaders Forum has been launched with speakers that includes Dr. Elton Tan of E-Hotels, Robert L. Yupangco of Zoomanity Group, Engr. Ben Co of BSC Construction, Mario Berta of Flyspaces, Congressman Prospero "Butch" Pichay of Surigao Del Sur, Koo Kwan Kon of Global Morning City Development among others. Attended also by representatives from SMDC, ProFriends, DMCI, DibZ and Megaworld. The subject matter experts are trail blazers in their fields. Participation at Asia Leaders Forum will give you the competitive edge you need to beat the myriad of other real estate participants chasing deals. These experts will share with you their strategies. For this year of ASEAN 50th Anniversary and the chairmanship of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, all eyes are focus to the Philippines as the hosting country, it's time to showcase the skills of the Filipinos and the Philippines products and services. Asia Leaders Forum is just one way to promote the backbone of any organizations and our world class infrastructures and talents. The objective of the Asia Leaders Forum is to promote the Philippines as the premier business hub in Asia and to share to participants the updates with regards to the real estate landscapes in the Philippines & beyond, technology & digital marketing and the government mandates and initiatives to improve the real estate sector in the country. For more information, please contact grace@tagmedia.asia or call 09166299381.




          A new Korean food stall located in Madison Commons, Kapitolyo Pasig City  has recently opened. This is the perfect place to chill if you work nearby. It won't matter what day it is, be it Monday or the weekend because once you try dining at YeongYang Hansik, I guarantee that you will be back for more and your stress will literally go away.  Here are the reasons why you should eat Korean dishes and why try it there.


1. Korean Food will help you lose weight. 

    Ever wonder why most Koreans are slim? It's because their food is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. 




2. Everything's all natural, making it naturally delicious.

    Below is a dish that uses Ginseng. Not just one but five different kinds. What makes this dish unique is that rice is inside the chicken when served. The meal is so tasty and is a complete meal and is ideal for people who are into high-protein diet like body builders.



    
3. The price is right.

    Yes, their food is affordable but the taste is premium. You don't need to shell big bucks in a fancy restaurant just to taste Korean food. Since the servings are generous, you can share your meal with friends.



4. Even the coolers are guilt-free.
 
    Take your pick from Mango-Orange, CucoMoringa, and Raspberry Lychee. They're sweetened naturally. and you can be sure that everything in your glass does not have artificial sweeteners. Refined sugar is addictive, if you must know.

 

5. You want something new.


    Eating the same dish over and over is so boring.



Have you tried Lechon Bibimbap? You better do!!!










So there you have it. The true test is in the tasting, Why don't you try it for yourself? Oh and if you're looking for their Facebook page, here it is

>> https://www.facebook.com/pg/YeongyangHansikKoreanCuisine/


Friday, February 17, 2017

          


          I have been using Plantronics headsets since I started working in the call centers. The sound quality is unmatched as well as its durability. That's why I still use it for home-based work. It is even suitable for listening to music and watching movies because of the full bass sound. Plantronics headsets are absolutely ergonomic and lightweight. It is like not wearing anything on my head at all. Plantronics is a pioneer in the audio and wearable technology and they have created new trends that allow people to communicate. The continuous discovery of innovation is not limited to creating technology but also represent social responsibility to its consumer. A half marathon is event happening on May 28, 2017 at Bonifacio Global Center presented to you by Plantronics Philippines. The race is open to sports enthusiast, people with active lifestyle and young professionals with 5K | 10k | 16K | 21K category.

Aside from supporting the running community, it will also benefit the KYTHE FOUNDATION INC.  a non-profit, non-stock organization aimed towards improving the quality of life among hospitalized children with cancer. In celebration of its 25th years of giving hope through simple sharing and togetherness.

Practicing hands-free driving is a strong compaign by Plantronics and it supports Government RA No. 10913 Anti-Distracted Driving Act that which penalize drivers who use mobile phone and electronic devices while driving. Runners who will register online will get special limited offer of Plantronics ML15 worth 995.00 Php. ML15 is a Mobile Bluetooth headset that allows user to enjoy mobile call without holding the phone.

The race is not the usual running event, runners will also have the chance to enjoy extra ordinary on-ground activities and after party concert. Watch out for the performance from the most interesting up-and-coming bands in the music industry and guest DJ.

The ultimate summer run party is coming very soon!

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