Asian Street Food Festival at Novotel Manila with Chef Sau del Rosario

Street food reigns supreme in Asia. The best food is found not in fancy restaurants, but in the carts and stalls lining busy streets and quiet alleys. But of course, you’ve got to be wary of the food sanitation. It’s such a good thing that Novotel Manila understands this. Thus, they’ve come up with Asian Street Food Festival. They even made collaboration with celebrity chef and well-known Capampangan, Chef Sau del Rosario as they'd be featuring Asian Streetfoods with a twist at Novotel Manila's Food Exchange buffet spread.

From August 17 to September 3, 2017, the Food Exchange at Novotel Manila Araneta Center will be featuring cuisines from eight Asian countries through the Asian Street Food Festival. Spearheaded by Filpino celebrity chef and restaurateur, Chef Sau del Rosario, eight chefs from the region will be preparing street food and classic dishes from their respective countries and will be featured on the buffet spread of the restaurant.

Chef Sau del Rosario with Head Executive Chef at Novotel Manila Michael Schauss

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista graced the said media launch

Street food in Asia is something that supports the development of cities, provides quick snacks for people in a rush, and enables poorer people with fewer cooking tools at home to buy food that is full of flavor and cultural history. Some of the found recipes are those which have gained international popularity, but their origins are rooted deep in Asian culture, as well as disputes between countries claiming to have created them.

Gangnam Wings at Megastrip: Bringing Korea's Authentic Fried Chicken 'Just the way It Should Be'

GangnamWings at SM Megamall Megastrip (near Building A) welcomes its guests with colorful facade

The messiest food craze to hit the Philippine shore has to be Gangnam Wings’ juiciest and tastiest spicy wings. Said to serve ‘how Korean fried chicken should be’, it has the most authentic tasting Korean fried chicken in town. Just make sure you get plenty of tissues and a box for the bones. And if you're ordering the spicy variant, don't forget to ask for milk, Yakult or a huge glass of water beside you to 'extinguish' the 'fire that will surely dance on your mouth.'

Gangnam Wings' Sweet and Spicy drizzled sauce chicken wings

It’s crisp, juicy, and in some cases so chilli-drenched you’ll be at risk of hallucinating. They even let you order chicken wings with different dipping sauces so you can try all the chicken variants in a single order.

They’ve been fried not just once, but at least twice and sometimes three times, and licking your fingers is perhaps the best part. Nope, it’s not KFC, but don’t be surprised to find yourself licking your fingers in between eating a mouthful of Gangnam Wings. 

Order them in bulk with three different dipping sauces so you can try everything in a single order!

Korean fried chicken swept the Philippine foodie scene by storm and its appeal has been unstoppable thanks to its liberal use of sugar, chili, and the signature twice-fried technique to produce its thin, crackly and almost transparent skin. So what do I love about Gangnam Wings? For one, they’re never  greasy, always delicious, the finger-licking becomes a second course, so it’s nice to know that it’s always served with plastic gloves and a bin of tissues.

Repertory Philippines' Beauty & the Beast Children's Theatre at Onstage Greenbelt

Musicals come in many forms and can be singular experiences in different world cultures. We have had our own great traditions of musical theatre and many of our classical and folk theatrical forms are rooted in music and singing. After fashion, it may be said that our films are well-crafted musicals. Yet the idea of razzmatazz...the grand spectacle in musical theatre is similar to that from Broadway/West End that has proved to be incredibly successful. Its allure and extraordinariness are bankrolled and bundled in an 'experience' that must be had, that must be consumed. Repertory Philippines' latest offering for their Children's Theatre, staging Beauty and the Beast, the original tale by novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve. But of course, they also included some entertaining elements from the 1991 well-loved Disney film. Thus, this tale as old as time story also offers the same thrill and magical experience.

Sure, it may not be from Disney, but it's still as magical and awesome as I remember it to be. And as expected in any REP production, director Joy Virata, who is also the artistic director for REP, delivers a predictable, yet resounding spectacle, complete with spectacular sets, orchestrated lighting, choreography, and the works. 

The production is also distinguished by its cast. The main cast is solid. They are competent singers as well as actors, thus doing justice to the nature of a musical. The star of the show is clearly Cara Barredo who plays Beauty, but George Schulze, the guy who played the Beast, is fairly good too. Cara [as Beauty] seems perfect in her role.  

Mimi and Fifi [Beauy's sisters] with their suitors Pierre and Jacques

For REP's production of Beauty and the Beast, the story began with a merchant returning home from a failed business trip who sought shelter from a storm in a seemingly unoccupied palace with an enchanted rose garden. After the storm subsides, he plucks a rose from the garden to give to the youngest of his three daughters, only to discover that the palace and garden are enchanted and owned by a terrifying beast. The beast demands that the merchant send his youngest daughter, Beauty, to live with him in payment for the rose, a demand to which the brave maiden agrees.

Beauty with her sisters Mimi and Fifi

Schulze is one of the most articulate actors I have known and can deliver his lines with humour, irony or sarcasm as the case may be. The rest of the team, including the table, the chair, the roses, the candelabra, the silver rose—were all in their element. Quite remarkably, staging the said show can really be a challenge. The flip side though is that this is clearly an attempt, albeit a sincere one, to recreate the 'Disney live action' recent film [which had no less than Emma Watson (Harry Potter's Hermione Granger) as Beauty]. Comparisons in any case would be unfair. But could this REP version have been more challenging and persuasive? Perhaps. 

Cara Barredo plays as Beauty while George Schulze plays the Beast/Prince

I had almost forgotten this classic fairy-tale with its origins in France. When early in the show, Beauty gets exuberant about dreams and adventure, and being the 'odd' one in her family, I sat up. Aah, she brought me back to my childhood as I relish the 1991 Disney film inside my thoughts. Of course, she plies the familiar route eventually, but not before she has the guts to love a 'beast' and reveals that beauty need not be external. It's a perfectly acceptable moral by a spirited heroine for children to take home. Watch this production with your little ones, the bigger ones, or otherwise, and you are in for a captivating theatrical experience with the very capable and charming Cara Barredo leading the show.

Book and Borders Cafe Opens in Manhattan Residences, Araneta Center Cubao

Whoever thought to combine books and coffee was onto something. Just like Book & Borders Café, it takes every customer into a whole new level of experience. At this aptly named cafe, all the books face out from the shelves so you can digest their covers and gobble them up as you please.

This may be the ideal curl-up café: aside from an array of best-sellers, the store has cozy ambiance and comfy seats, while the balcony fronting the other buildings is a perfect spot to indulge in their ridiculously large number of food offerings (including, er, awesome pasta, sandwiches and sweet pastries!). But the walls inside this buzzing café are the highlight; the large colourful bookshelf reminiscent of London and Paris street scene with some of the best-selling books as well as new releases. And there is also a small space, which is used for local artists to perform.

Ribbon Cutting of Book & Borders Cafe Manhattan Araneta Center Cubao

Book & Borders executives: Ms. Mary Simisim, Ms. Nancy Go, Ervic Vijandre,  Book & Borders ambassador Benjamin Alves, Ms. Korina Sanchez along with other VIP guests during the grand opening.

This third branch of Book & Borders Cafe leads a double life: café by day, tapas bar by night… dealing in books on the side. Literally – one side of this café are filled with books, some rare, some can only be found at this café.  During their opening night, they had guests like Karylle who rendered a few songs, Shiela Valderrama, a veteran stage and musical actress and Bossa Nova singer, Sitti. I wonder if they could also feature open mic poetry nights which could draw in the hip young crowd who sit in the outdoor establishments to soak up the world’s literary greats—and some caffeine fix perhaps. 

It's Showtime host and singer Karylle Tatlonghari-Yuzon sings for the guests of Book & Borders Cafe opening

11th International Silent Film Festival 2017 at The Shangri-La Plaza Mall

'Tis the season to be merry if you're a film enthusiast. Save the date, guys and mark these red-letter days as Shangri-La Plaza Mall in cooperation with participating embassy partners present one of the much-awaited film festivals--The Silent Film Festival 2017! Now on its 11th year, they have awesome movie line up as always. Check these out: 

Alden Richards surprises Bacoor City's unsung and unrewarded heroes on their day-off sponsored by Snow Caps

The unsung heroes: street sweepers, traffic enforcers  and baranggay kagawads take their much-deserved day-off at BlueWater Day Spa courtesy of Vida Nutriscience Inc.

We see them often doing the things they do best. But most of the time, we tend to ignore those people with blue collared jobs, especially the ones who toil under direct sunlight--farmers, street vendors, traffic enforcers and street sweepers. So it's refreshing to see them enjoy an afternoon of pampering as lucky street sweepers, traffic enforcers and barangay kagawads [counselors] from Bacoor City in Cavite as they took sometime off from work. With a relaxing foot reflexology massage at BlueWater Day Spa's In-house 30-seater theater, they were all treated to ease their tired muscles from working too hard. 

Through the initiatives of Vida Nutriscience Inc., makers of MySlim and Snow Caps, and Snow Crystal White Tomato--selected street sweepers and traffic enforcers had a blast the entire afternoon as they all take a break from working for some awesome good time at the said spa. Little did they know that the people behind Vida Nutriscience Inc. had another surprise for them. They had a very special guest in the person of Snow Caps brand ambassador and 'Pambansang Bae' himself, Alden Richards. 

Special Occasions Made More Memorable by Hizon's Catering

The dream of a big wedding is a common one, complete with fine cars, gorgeous flowers, a lavish reception and hundreds of guests to come and enjoy your special day. Unfortunately, those big, ritzy weddings cost money. While it would be lovely to have a glamorous wedding to rival the local celebrities, there doesn’t seem to be much point beginning your married life in the poorhouse. After all, one of the major causes listed for divorce or annulment is arguing over money.

So why not start your marriage out on the right foot and plan on ways to save for your dream wedding. You’ll still be getting married in great style, but you can do it just as easily on a  budget and you won’t be starting out your married life with huge debts hanging over your head. Better yet, you can start scouting for a reliable catering services backed with years of experience and has a good reputation, a word of mouth from satisfied consumers--both corporate and private individuals. 

Hizon’s Catering

Established in 1987, Hizon's Catering is a full service catering company specializing in corporate events, weddings, and private parties. They can handle as many as 15,000 guests but can also handle intimate gatherings for 50 persons. They match their passion for food with their experience in expert event planning. Their executive chef has created menus that are built upon every cuisine that features the freshest food, ingredients and farm fresh produce. 

Hizon's Catering does ordinary occasions extraordinarily well and memorable at that! They have the top event planners on staff to guide you in selecting premiere locations and exceptional themes. Hizon's Catering has a reputation for professional service staff that embody the Filipino hospitality spirit which creates friendly and comfortable environment for the guests. The Hizon's Catering Team is dedicated to understanding every clientele's vision and producing a memorable occasion where you can trust them on every little details. 

Mr. Joseph Hizon of Hizon's Catering

Mr. Joseph Hizon of Hizon's Catering says,“We are not the cheapest but you get a lot for what you pay for, that’s what we’re known for, what we give you is of good value." 

Watson's Generics Introduces Collagen & Hyaluronic Products

Watson's Generics Collagen Drink

Watson’s Generics introduces the easiest way to get your much-needed collagen supplementation. You have three options to choose from: Hyaluron & Collagen Powder, Collagen Jelly, and Collagen Bottled drink. These collagen products from Watson’s Generics contain a patent formulation of active ingredients that aims to boost your body’s natural production of collagen and hyaluronic aid. The collagen drinks are proven effective to improve the way your skin looks and feels in as little as 30 days. 

Developed by leading Japanese scientists, Watson’s Generics Hyaluron & Collagen Powder, Collagen Jell, and Collagen Drink have been designed to provide a perfect ratio of active ingredients in order to create one of the most advanced, effective and bio-available skincare products and food supplements on the market today.

At the heart of our skins youthful beauty lie a number of vital functions; Hydration, nutrition, protection and regeneration.

They are key to normal skin function.

Age, stress and environmental factors can impair those vital functions and cause our skin to show visible signs of ageing.

To maintain normal skin function and hold onto your youthful appearance we must look beyond traditional skin care.

Traditional beauty products only function on the surface of the skin, but Watson’s Generics Collagen products works from the inside.

Watson's Generics Hyaluron & Collagen Powder

Snow Crystal White Tomato launches Marian Rivera as its endorser

Marian Rivera for Snow Crystal White Tomato

Snow Crystal White Tomato recently revealed their celebrity endorser, GMA Network's Primetime Queen, Marian Rivera-Dantes. She's the perfect personality to represent the brand because Snow Crystal White Tomato wanted someone who exudes confidence and beauty. Despite being a mom, Marian still makes sure she looks pretty much the same even before she had her only daughter, Zia. Thus, she's been hailed as another "hot momma" in local showbiz. 

During the recent press conference where she was officially introduced as Snow Cyrstal White Tomato's brand ambassador, Marian has recalled her humble beginnings in local showbiz industry. She had always wanted to become a teacher but somewhere along the way, she was lead to enter the colorful world of show business. Marian started out by joining beauty pageants in her hometown in Cavite. It was then that she was discovered to star in a TV commercial. From then on, she went on to do bit roles in television series until she auditioned for "Marimar," a role which had sealed her future. Since then, the rest is history. 

Snow Cyrstal White Tomato's latest brand endorser.

Unilab's Forti-D Capsule: The Answer to Vitamin D Deficiency among Filipinos

Have you ever wondered what will happen if you shut the sun out? I’ve once experienced taking care of someone in a hospital for days without almost seeing the sun and it made me felt so weak. It turned out, I had Vitamin D deficiency back then. An expert doctor once revealed that there’s an increasing number among Filipinos [particularly working professionals] who are becoming Vitamin-D deficient because of their lifestyle habits. 

Cases of Vitamin D deficiency in the country have risen in the past couple of years because of the way most of us lead our lives. Vitamin D is produced naturally through adequate sun exposure and since most office workers do not expose themselves into the sunlight than they need to be, they face a much pronounced risk of suffering from the said condition. Apart from staying indoors for long hours, corporate attire such as long-sleeved clothing and slacks or pants are most often required as uniforms. Others use too much sunscreen and eat barely enough of Vitamin D-rich foods as well as other environmental factors affect our Vitamin D condition.

One research says that 7 out of 10 Filipinos suffer from Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficient in infants can causerickets, delayed motor development, muscle weakness, aches and pains as well asfractures. Vitamin D is also equally important for breastfeeding mothers. If the vitamin D concentration is low in a mother’s breast milk, it can lead to rickets on infants.