The Manila Hotel celebrates New Year via Virtual Countdown Party with a Cause this 2021

 

The Manila Hotel celebrates NY Countdown 2021 with a virtual party with a cause

The Covid-19 pandemic put a halt to many events this year, but life must go on! Join The Manila Hotel family as they host out LIVE Virtual New Year’s Eve Raffle Night and Countdown Party. With an awesome virtual raffle and special performances by popular artists and a night filled with music and fun, this event is sure to be one for the books. The live event will be broadcast via Zoom. Aside from joining our virtual party, you will also be part of our campaign to help displaced workers of the city of Manila through Manila Bulletin’s Bag of Hope. It will allow the Grand Dame to give its loyal guests back with something in return by pledging amazing raffle prizes. So let’s all ring in the new year with a bang! 

Popular artists like Lea Salonga, Kuh Ledesma, world-renowned soprano Rachelle Gerodias, Korean baritone Byeong-In Park, Richard Reynoso, UP Concert Chorus, and others join The Manila Hotel in a virtual countdown event to mark the coming of the New Year. 

International Filipino artist Lea Salonga will also grace the said virtual countdown

The Manila Hotel's valued guests have a chance to win exciting prizes! The raffle is open to all loyal guests of The Manila Hotel from December 16, 2020 to December 31, 2020. Exciting prizes are up for grabs! Get a chance to win fabulous raffle prizes which include the grand prize of an Overnight room accommodation voucher at the MacArthur Suite (worth P500,000.00 nett). 

Other major prizes are overnight accommodation to a Junior Suite (worth P60,000.00 nett) and overnight room accommodation to a Sunrise/Sunset Suite (P42,000.00 nett).

Kimbap Sa'yo: Affordable Korean Kimbap from the South

Kimbap Saýo along Tropical Avenue in BF Las Pinas is a must-visit

Gimbap (김밥) or Kimbap is a Korean dish made from cooked rice and vegetables which are rolled in gim or dried sheets of seaweed and served in bite-sized slices. I recently discovered this small grab & go store selling Korean Kimbap called Kimbap Saýo (Kimbap for You) along Tropical Avenue in BF Homes, Las Pinas. My husband & I were passing by that area and I decided to try it. I was after all on my quest in finding the best kimbap. I was intrigued if it can beat my favorite Mr. Kimbob.

With so many kimbap shops, their unique selling point was that they are affordable than most and they seem to be low in salt and fat so it is considered a healthy option. 

Blogger Purple Plum Fairy at Kimbap Saýo

Foodamn Philippines' Bawang Labuyo Chili Garlic Oil Product Review

 

Do you like getting some punch or kick of spice in your foods like I do? If yes, then you must be constantly reaching for chili flakes, chili powder, chili sauce, chili paste, gochujang paste, Tabasco sauce, or any condiment with spicy flavors. Born to a family who loves anything spicy (we are not Bicolano though), chili garlic oil is a staple condiment in our kitchen. We like having a little bit of heat in our food. It's a family trait I had inherited from my family. One holy grail in our spicy condiment list is a locally produced brand called Bawang Labuyo made by Foodamn Philippines' and sold by DSP Manila on Shopee PH.

Bawang Labuyo by Foodamn Philippines

I have many friends selling chili garlic oil, but each recipe I came across has its own uniqueness. Some are spicier, some have more garlic, others are different altogether. But Foodamn Philippines' Bawang Labuyo is a premium chili garlic that stands out on its own uniqueness. 

Bawang Labuyo by Foodamn Philippines is a potent chili garlic oil made with fresh chili, garlic, salt, pepper, secret spices, and vegetable oil. Be prepared to anticipate the garlicky flavors each drop has because you can get a whiff of the strong chili oil a few inches away from the bottle's opening. 

Dei Drei Essentials: Affordable Perfumes with Scent that Lasts

 

A person’s fragrance is a good indication of their personality, as one’s reasons for being attracted to certain scents can reflect a number of important character traits. The perfume was first used as a way to mask body odor, but now that we have deodorant to solve that particular problem the idea of spritzing yourself with a fabulous nice fragrance has become a luxury of self-expression. Men and women everywhere now purposefully select their fragrances according to personal preference and may even feel naked without a spritz of scent in place. In fact, people are best remembered by the perfume they wear. Some people make their presence felt by means of the perfume they wear. Speaking of such, I came across a really good perfume that I'd like to share with you. 

Deidrei Essentials in bubble wrap

I was browsing through Shopee looking for a decent gift for the holiday season. Then I came across this store called Dei Drei Essentials. The store sells not only affordable perfumes but also other household essentials such as hand soap, room and linen spray etc. The exciting thing about buying from Dei Drei Essentials is that they bring concepts of the abstract to olfaction--and crafts them into amazing fragrances. The results are fascinating scents at an affordable price. I bought two variants from Dei Drei Essentials' perfume line namely: Aurora Number 9 and Blodwyn Number 12. Both are rich, complex, and challenging compositions that everyone will surely love.  

Hope Fills the Christmas Season at The Shang

 

Shangri-La Plaza welcomes guests with entrances filled with butterflies among lighted gold and silver twigs.

Christmas amid the Covid pandemic can still be merry. 2020 is such a memorable year for everyone. From the Taal volcanic eruption to the Covid-19 pandemic and to Typhoon Ulysses--we have faced so many challenges. As the year comes to a close, we are also challenged at how we're going to celebrate the season even on quarantine and social distancing. But Christmas is all about HOPE. Shangri-La Plaza celebrates our most beloved holiday with the warmth of home filled with hope for a brighter year ahead. 

"After everything we've gone through, many of us may not be in as high spirits as before. But Christmas always brings joy and healing, and Shangri_la Plaza wants to put that at the center of our celebrations," says Joy R. Polloso, EVP of Shang Properties, Inc. "It's a choice to see beyond the current circumstances that we're facing to something much better. That's hope, and that's what Christmas is all about."

                        Shangri-La Plaza's 50 ft Christmas tree is located at the mall's Grand Atrium.

The mall is adorned with butterflies--symbolic creatures of transformation that reflect Filipinos' capacity to become resilient and to push forward, coming through plenty of calamities and other difficulties. Cebu-based fashion designer Axel Que's magnificent gown that stunned at the Ms. Universe-Philippines pageant is also one of Shang's decor centerpieces. 

Holiday Gift Ideas for your Loved Ones: Sekaya Botanical Tea and Raw Actives

 

Christmas gift under the tree

Christmas is almost here. Complete your Christmas gift list by putting a small twist to your usual holiday gifts by choosing something that gives back to nature. Grab a Sekaya product for your loved ones. Sekaya products are made from high-quality plant-based products that are backed by science and tested by tradition.

By doing so, you are helping the Cordillera Conservation Trust, an organization committed to providing sustainable solutions to our mother nature's problems. A purchase of Sekaya Prescribing Nature Gift Packs gives one Philippine endemic tree seedling (either Benguet Pine, Dipterocarp or Mangrove) will be planted to contribute to the organization's reforestation projects. The trees are also reflected in packaging and wonderfully illustrated by Cynthia Bauzon-Arre, a known botanical artist and conservation advocate. 

You may get these limited edition Prescribing nature Gift Packs at Sekaya on Facebook and Instagram. You may also send them SMS messages or via Viber to order and for inquiries at 0917-SEKAYA (735292). They are also available at S Sentials store on Lazada. 

Make your Holiday Spread Extra Special and Memorable with these time-trusted recipes from The Maya Kitchen

Christmas dinner dilemma? Read up and learn new recipes.

Christmas dinner dilemma? Read up for some new recipes and delight your family with your prepared meals for the holiday dinner. Check this article out. 

So what if it's less than a week before Christmas lunch and you haven't totally decided on what foods to serve during Noche Buena? You - the disorganized non-cooker - need not fear. You've got The Maya Kitchen team to help you. 

 Here's a selection of carefully chosen time-trusted recipes from The Maya Kitchen for your festive feast this Christmas eve. 

For starters, try to whip up and recreate this Marseille Seafood Soup. It is a light and flavorful French soup that’s versatile enough. You may include your favorite seafoods--be it shrimp, squid, clams, mussels or whatever kind of seafood your heart desires! The Maya Kitchen's take comes out with a cheery ochre color from the saffron powder. 

Marseille Seafood Soup

Marseille Seafood Soup

INGREDIENTS

 4 pieces tomatoes

 3 mugs fish broth

 1 mug fish fillet, sliced into chunks

 1 mug seafood (you can use shrimps, clams, squid or whatever you prefer)

 1 teaspoon Pernod alcohol (you can use a teacup of diced fennel as a substitute, but

unfortunately, no local alcohols has the same taste)

 1 piece small onion, sliced

 1/3 teaspoon saffron powder

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Choose a combination of your favorite kinds of seafood and fish. Just make sure to remove the

bones, skin and shells.

2. Peel tomatoes. Slice them into four wedges.

3. In a large pot heat your broth and bring to a boil. Set a handful of seafood aside. Add tomatoes,

fish chunks and the rest of your ingredients to your broth.

4. Reduce heat to low and cook for 30minutes without covering your pot to allow your liquid to reduce.

5. After 30minutes, remove from heat, and pour the soup in a blender (you might have to do this few times depending on the amount of soup). Blend well on full power until soup is smooth.

6. Pour soup back into the pot through a fine strainer. Use a wooden spoon to help press the soup through the strainer, allowing all the liquid through.

7. Set the fleshy residue that is left in the strainer aside. Add the rest of your seafood into the soup, along with the Pernod, and pepper to taste. Stir and allow to simmer for 15 minutes. Serve hot.

RECIPE NOTES

To increase the number of servings, simply multiply the measurements of the ingredients by the number of guests.

Ordering an entire roasted lechon may not be practical for a small family, but who says you can't prepare your own Lechon Belly with Bacon Saffron Rice Stuffing? It combines the juicy tenderness of pork belly minus the bones and with its mouthwatering crispiness, your family will definitely love it!

Lechon Belly with Bacon Saffron Rice Stuffing

Lechon Belly with Bacon Saffron Rice Stuffing

INGREDIENTS

 2.5-3 kilos boneless whole pork belly slab

 2-3 tablespoons rock salt, enough for rubbing

 2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped

 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

 1 ½ tablespoons freshly pan-roasted black peppercorns, crushed

Rice Stuffing:

 ¼ cup olive oil

 200 grams picnic bacon, cut into small cubes

 2 pieces medium-sized onions, finely chopped

 1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped

 5 cups cooked rice (sticky or Japanese rice)

 2-3 small sachets saffron powder

 1 teaspoon salt

 2 tablespoons curly parsley, finely chopped

 zest of 1 lemon

 annatto oil (heat up ¼ cup annatto seeds in 1/3 cup in 1/3 cup olive oil)

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large tray, lay flat the pork belly skin side down then prick or cut all the meat portion using the tip of a sharp knife then season or rub the meat on both sides with rock salt, garlic, ground pepper, and freshly pan-roasted crushed whole black peppercorns.

2. Place and chill in the refrigerator 1 to 2 hours without cover. Remove seasoned belly from the refrigerator and sew up both ends of the belly using an over-sized needle with the use of butcher’s twine or any kitchen twine until it looks like a body of a “lechon”.

3. Place again inside the refrigerator until ready for stuffing.

To make rice stuffing:

1. Heat oil in a pan and pan-fry bacon until golden brown.

2. Add in onions and garlic and pan and sauté until aromatic.

3. Toss in cooked rice and give a few stir until the rice is fully covered with the sautéed ingredients.

4. Season with saffron powder, salt, parsley and zest of lemon.

5. Continue mixing the rice until the lemon is aromatic.

6. Turn off heat and cool the rice. Set aside for later use.

To assemble:

1. Get the sewn pork belly and stuffed with the prepared bacon saffron rice stuffing.

2. Enclose both ends of the stuffed pork belly with foil and cover the entire top of the pork belly with foil.

3. Arrange in a roasting pan and roast in a preheated oven 350°F/177°C for about an hour then turn up heat to 375°F/190°C removing the foil on both ends, every 30 minutes’ brush belly with prepared annatto oil.

4. After an hour turn up heat again to 400°F/204°C and continue roasting until the skin of the pork belly gives a crackling sound when knocked.

5. Remove belly lechon from the oven and rest for 10 to 15 minutes before chopping.

RECIPE NOTES

Yield: 10-15 servings

To finish off your Christmas feast, why not prepare a medley of Mini Bibingka? Be adventurous and go beyond the traditional bibingka. Make your bibingka with ube, buko pandan, coffee, or chocolate flavors. You can even take some of your bibingka up a notch by topping it with leche flan for a sweet, creamy finish or slices of salted egg for a savory kick.

Assorted Bibingka

Assorted Mini Bibingka

INGREDIENTS

 4 pieces eggs

 1 pack MAYA Original Fluffy n’ Tasty Hotcake Mix 200 grams

 1/4 cup sugar

 1 tablespoon rice flour

 ¼ cup fresh milk

 ¼ cup coconut cream store bought

 ¼ cup coconut milk store bought

 1/4 cup butter melted

 Different flavorings and toppings as desired ube flavoring, buko pandan flavoring, instant coffee

powder, leche flan, chocolate ganache, etc.

 salted egg sliced

 cheese sliced or grated

 banana leaves for lining of pans (optional)

 grated coconut optional

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350⁰F/177⁰C. Line mamon molder or 6-holes 8oz muffin pans with banana

leaves. Set aside.

2. In a bowl beat eggs, then add hotcake mix, rice flour, sugar, milk, coconut milk, coconut cream,

and melted butter. Mix well. Fold in desired flavors.

3. Fill up to ¾ of the mamon molder or muffin pans with the bibingka mixture. Bake bibingka for 10

to 15 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

4. Note: In the middle of baking, around 5 to 6 minutes of baking, gently take the half-baked

bibingka and top it up with sliced salted egg and sliced or grated cheese. Then put it back in the

oven to completely bake the bibingka.

5. Serve with butter on top and grated coconut on side.

RECIPE NOTES

Yield: 8-10 pieces

With a delicious Noche Buena spread and the quality of time you spend with your loved ones, Christmas this year will be as memorable as before—and maybe just a bit more meaningful.

Like and follow The Maya Kitchen on Facebook @MayaKitchen and Instagram @TheMayaKitchen1.

7-Eleven launches its #711Bayanihan campaign to keep the holiday spirit alive

 

Starting December 14, you can run to your neighborhood's nearest 7-Eleven store to shop for your day-to-day needs and holiday essentials at budget-friendly prices!

In these uncertain times, we find comfort in a familiar face, a warm hug, and a hearty laugh. Although we cannot share all these things at the same time (just yet), we can always bring joy to a home by sharing a loving gift that says, "The pandemic too shall pass; let us keep you in good health through the holidays--until we see each other again." 

With the recent calamities and the effect brought about by the Covid-19 virus that has affected us all, we were worried about what Christmas will be like for everyone. But Filipinos will still celebrate the holidays no matter what. Our classic holiday celebrations will certainly look different this year. We are determined to stop the virus from stealing all our Christmas cheer. The challenge of 2020 makes it especially important to celebrate Christmas, even during pandemic. To make things easier, our friendly-neighborhood convenience store, 7-Eleven is here to bring its community even more convenience with its Bayanihan Savings and Selections via #7ElevenBayanihan initiative.

With #7ElevenBayanihan, 7-Eleven now has more product selections--from everyday essentials to Noche Buena preparations--in even more affordable prices!

Beginning December 14, you can run to any 7-Eleven store nearest you for your day-to-day needs and holiday essentials at budget-friendly prices! And yes, that includes all the basic ingredients you will need to prepare all your Noche Buena and Media Noche must-haves. 

Holiday Bazaars at The Shang that's worth checking out

 

Plantitos and Plantitas would be happy to know that plants will also be available

It's the most wonderful time of the year and it is also known as the season of giving. Are you still wondering what to give your loved ones this Yuletide season? Fret not! Come and visit Holidays at Shangri-La Plaza Bazaar where you could shop for almost everything you'd want to gift your family, friends, and even yourself. 

Check out Celebrity Fest 2020 where popular celebrities like Julius Babao, Zara Lopez, Nene Tamayo, Chx Alcala, EB Babe Hopia, Ahwel Paz, Jem Estrada, Jan Marini, Pearl Palace, Styled Pop-up Store, Tintin Babao, Bianca Lapus and Vlogger friends gather for a different food festival from November 26 to 29 at the Level 1 of Main Wing. 

Peanut Butter Bottles

SKY encourages their subscribers to Share their Idea on How to Spark Joy this Season

 

Things may have been so different the past few months, but there's one thing that won't change: The Christmas season remains to be the most hopeful time of the year when you gather 'round the table with your loved ones enjoying a spread of eats and treats that have been made from the heart. SKY hopes to have the same festive emotions for everyone. Through its holiday initiatives, SKY subscribers are encouraged to pay it forward and truly be the spark of hope and joy to others this holiday season. 

2020 has been a challenging year for all of us, but now more than ever, we need to feel the spirit of Christmas in our hearts. Now is the season to kindle the warmth of caring, friendship, kindness, and concern to those around us.

This Christmas, SKY invites its subscribers to share ideas on how they can #BeTheSpark of hope and joy to others, and bring inspiration, light, and love this holiday season.

Royale's Immuno Boost helps boost your immune system against COVID-19 Virus

 

Eating nutritious food helps prevent sickness

It had been said time and again in the vernacular, "Bawal magkasakit." It is especially true in this day and age because we are in the middle of a pandemic--the spread of Covid-19 virus is something that we should all avoid at all costs. Thus, it is important that we eat healthy and nutritious foods. 

There's an old adage that says, "An apple a day keeps a doctor away." It may have a grain of truth behind it after all. Eating nutritious foods rich in certain vitamins help us to strengthen our immune system to fight off illnesses. 

Eat foods rich in Vitamin C—Known as the biggest immune system boosters of all-time, Vitamin C deficiency can actually make you more prone to sickness. The good news is we can get vitamin C by loading up our body with oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, calamansi (Philippine lemon), strawberries, bell peppers, spinach, kale and broccoli—all of which are rich in Vitamin C. Regular intake of vitamin C is essential for one’s health because our body doesn’t produce or store vitamin C. 

Oranges are naturally rich in Vitamin C that prevents illness

Vitamin B6 is also equally important as it supports biochemical reactions to our immune system. Vitamin B6-rich foods include chicken (that’s why we are often served with chicken soup when we get sick) and cold-water fish like salmon and tuna. It can also be found in green vegetables and in chickpeas—the main ingredient in making hummus.

Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant to fight off infections. Consume nuts, seeds and spinach—they are also helpful because such foods are rich in vitamin E. 

While vitamins and supplements can help fill in the gaps in your diet, the best way to load up on essential nutrients is to get them straight from food. I once read that we had to create a wide variety of foods in our plate. It should be a must to make every color of the rainbow to be well-represented on our plate. Not only will our food look enticing enough to eat, but we will also be receiving the necessary nutrients with the health-boosting vitamins possible. 

Taking regular food supplements or vitamins may also help boost our immune system. One great example would be Royale's Immuno Boost. Immuno Boost contains the necessary Beta Glucan (β-Glucan) which has been tested and proven to protect against various infection, bacteria, viruses and harmful pathogenic microorganisms. It also contains cancer prevention and progression because of its synergestic anti-tumor effects with monoclonal antibodies and cancer chemotherapeutics.

Royale's Immuno Boost helps boost immune system

Japanese Animation Classics to be showcased in the 14th International Silent Film Festival Manila

 

Calling all film and animation enthusiasts: Japan's film line up includes the oldest Japanese short film from the archive of the National Film Archivers of Japan (NFAJ) collection. Thankfully we don't need to go to the land of the rising sun to be able to watch it. The Japan Foundation Manila pays tribute to the foundations of Japanese animation by featuring its classic animated works in time for the upcoming 14th International Silent Film Festival Manila. Get ready to watch at the comforts of your own home as the International Silent Film Festival Manila is slated to run from December 4 to 6, 2020 and will be available online through www.iwatchmore.com. 

For this year, there will be six (6) unique animated short silent films to be featured and at the same time taken from the Japanese Animation Classics Collection--all digitalized and subtitled in English for your convenience by the NFAJ. Featured this year's silent film festival would be including the four-minute animation classic film entitled "The Dull Sword" by Junichi Kouchi and produced in 1917--the birthyear of domestic animation in Japan. 

Larvicidal Efficacy of Natular DT against Aedes aegypti

 

 Dengue is the fastest spreading vector-borne disease creating a million infections annually extending over more than a hundred different countries around the globe. Dengue still has no treatment as of this writing but the disease can be early managed if diagnosed at an early stage. Dengue virus is known to be transmitted by day-biting of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.  It can be asymptomatic but usually, the most common symptoms include high-grade fever, joint pain, and pink/red rashes. It is most common in tropical countries like the Philippines where dengue is considered an endemic across all its regions. While most patient cases recover without any serious complications, others may lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever which can lead to death. 

I was once a dengue patient a few years back and I remember I was even in denial about acquiring it. I used to lather my skin with insect repellent products and would wear long pants to prevent mosquito bites. My mom would also regularly clean our surroundings to make sure no mosquito larvae would be able to live near our household to keep us safe from dengue hemorrhagic fever. I never thought I'd be having dengue, but I did and it's not easy to have it. So as parents, we'd like to make sure that no one in the family would have to experience the same thing that we had gone through right? 

So what is the best and most effective way to prevent dengue and kill mosquito larvae? Larvicides are used and highly recommended by experts because they help destroy bacteria that destroy larvae and genetic modification of mosquitoes to reduce their fertility. 

Luckily, UPL Philippines Inc. recently introduces Natular DT Larvicide. What's so nice about it is that it is environment-friendly. It is an easy-to-use, bi-layer tablet that prevents mosquito larvae from biting adults. Natular DT is made specifically to address the common breeding sites around residential properties that serve as breeding ground for mosquitoes. 

Natural DT is a patented tablet from UPL Philippines Inc. 

Doc Paolo Bellosillo epitomizes the Filipino Resilience

 

Doc Paolo Bellosillo

Most people say it is during the most trying times in someone's life that true character is revealed. It is during these times when we are being tested to our limits and what we make of ourselves are the ones that unleash our true selves. Doc Paolo Bellosillo has been helping people because it is part of what he had embraced early in life. In fact, he learned and studied naturopathy with the same vision. So it is but natural for him to lend a hand especially during these crucial times of pandemic. He has proven to be a model citizen with his charitable acts of service. 

An international specialist of St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital, Doc Pao was proclaimed Most Outstanding Private Citizen by the Philippine National Police. Bellisillo clearly epitomizes the true Filipino resiliency. He did not allow the pandemic to prohibit him from touching people's lives and making a difference by helping his fellowmen. 

Indefatigable Doc Bellosillo tried to aid those who are in dire need and showed his utmost support towards the frontliners. He chose to stay out in the field so that the others can stay home safely. 

Salmon HQ's Sushi Bake for Christmas? Why Not!

Christmas is upon us. While we may be having a different kind of celebration this year than the past years, food will always be a part of every gathering--regardless if it's online/virtual or offline. Of course, there will always be stapled Filipino comfort foods like Pancit, Caldereta, Adobo, Igado, Embutido etc., that will be served during Noche Buena. But it's also nice to welcome other comforting dishes that most of us had discovered during the community quarantine. Sushi bake is one of the latest gastronomic trends that has spread like wildfire online amongst gourmet and foodie aficionados. 

For those who aren't familiar with it, Sushi Bake is a deconstructed version of the original Japanese rolled Sushi. The good thing about it is that it is good for serving. Thus it's a great idea to bring it to intimate family gatherings this holiday season. 

At Salmon HQ, they've got several flavors to choose from Uni and Scallop Sushi Bake, Aburi Scallop, Ebi Sushi Bake, and Crunchy California Sushi Bake. If you'd prefer something healthier, worry not, they've got you covered! Salmon HQ also offers Salmon Poke, Tuna Poke, Aburi Salmon Poke, and Aburi Tuna Poke. They've got them all served healthy and light. 

You've also got to try their Salmon Cake with Ikura and Scallops, Premium Salmon Ikura Cake, Akami Tuna Cake, and the Naked Salmon Cake. They're made from the freshest ingredients and they're guaranteed to make you order back again for some more. 

So for a change, welcome Salmon HQ into your holiday menu, your tummies will be happy and they're guaranteed to make you feel full while keeping your family healthy and safe.

What Expert Doctors really say about Steam Inhalation as Health Remedy

 

"To steam or not to steam? That is the question."

While most Filipino doctors may agree that suob or steam inhalation has its benefits as it may provide temporary relief from the usual symptoms of colds and other upper respiratory infections, it won't actually make your infection go away any faster. Suob or steam inhalation will never be a cure. Why is that so? "Steam inhalation doesn't actually kill the virus responsible for the infection," explained Dr. Earl Louis Sempio, an expert pulmonologist and biochemist who was the main speaker at the recent Zoom lecture on Steam Inhalation conducted by Unilab, the country's leading pharmaceutical company through its AlagangUnilab campaign. 

Unilab Inc. (Unilab), through its “Alagang Unilab: HealthierPH Series,” launched a virtual symposium that talked about the pros and cons of steam inhalation. "At best, steam inhalation might make you feel a little better as your body fights your cold. But it will never cure the infection," added Dr. Sempio. 

Dr. Earl Louis A. Sempio

The main benefit of breathing in moist warm steam may help ease the feelings of irritation and swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages. It might also help thin the mucus in our sinuses which allows them to empty more quickly. By doing this, it can allow your breathing to return to normal, but only for a short period of time. So basically, the effects of steam inhalation are only temporary relief. 

Travel Asia Mini-Series Book by Paula Cabildo Book Review

 

Paula Cabildo's first published book Travel Asia Mini-Series

Reading about a certain place gives context to the place you are visiting and helps make everything have logical sense. Reading about one particular country's rich historical culture and background somehow gives framework and structure and it makes perfect sense which also gives one a bird's eye view on what you can expect when you actually come for a visit in that country. If there was one piece of advice I have for the young ones today, then I'd have to say that they must experience the joy in life when they get to see and expore the world and be able to travel more. When one sets an adventure, it is a journey to a place you've never gone before and with an open mind, it will let life show you what opportunities have long been waiting for you that you couldn't have even imagined before. It's always best to travel while you're young, fearless and had all the zest in life. That's why, when I came across Paula Cabildo's first ever published book entitled Travel Asia Mini Series, published by Ukiyoto Publishing and can also be available online thru amazon.com, I knew I was in for a personal & guided tour by Paula Cabildo herself across the four countries she visited in Asia. 

Travel Asia Mini-Series by blogger Paula Cabildo

As we all miss to go out and travel these days, I think the safest thing to do if you’ve been missing to travel is to read travel books such as this one from one of my favorite bloggers, @paulapinkikay. Also known by her real name as Paula Cabildo, she recently published a compilation of her many travels in Asia where she has shared her wonderful experiences as well as personal reflections and thoughts, thereby baring her soul on her very first book. Reading her book, Travel Asia Mini Series, Cabildo brought me to places I never knew I’d be interested to visit someday soon (when all the borders have opened and it’ll be safe to fly again). It felt like having a personal tourist guide or accompanied by a friend on your tour in four different Asian countries. Cabildo will make you feel as if you were there with her in person upon reading her book. So be prepared to imagine and unleash the wanderlust in you!

Taiwan Excellence: Showcasing Taiwan’s best products and manufacturing practices to the world

 

A highly developed country, Taiwan is known for its clever technology which is why it comes as no surprise if the country is also recognized for its manufacturing and exporting products. The kind of technology they offer are things that help improve the lives of people and their community.  Taiwan Excellence began in 1993, with its mission to introduce what Taiwan can offer to global innovation and eventually made the country one of the most progressive countries around the world. 

Taiwan Excellence's goal is all about strengthening the pneuma of innovation and unleashing creativity in most industries which includes machinery, building materials, infrastructure, medical and health care, Information and Communications Technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, smart technologies, and others.

According to Leonor Lin, President, and CEO of Taiwan External Trade and Development Council, Taiwan Excellence is dedicated to look for outstanding products based on its research, development, design, quality, marketability and strong spirit of innovation. 

Awarding products with the Taiwan Excellence Award seal is synonymous with displaying superior world-class quality and high-end technology that can help attract the attention of a global audience and market. 

Taiwan Excellence jumps on the aggressive campaign to showcase Taiwan's industries. While we are still in a pandemic, where face-to-face is not yet allowed, Taiwan Excellence continued its campaign by means of giving a series of webinars where industries and enterprises presented their products to potential clients as well as international media for them to see first-hand what these products had to offer. 

Taiwan continues to be the benchmark in terms of managing the pandemic. With Taiwan's expertise and experiences, Taiwan Excellence has collaborated with local artists like Filipino rapper, Gloc-9 and Indie singer/performer Keiko Necessario in creating a music video which shows Taiwan as a good role model on innovation and how they are coping with the crippling pandemic global crisis as well as their vision for further progress. 

The Taiwan government also improved its trade promotion policies where it closely monitored changes and market tendencies. They also helped other industries that were highly affected and lend a hand to restore their business activities to reopen. Surviving this pandemic may not be easy, but multiple approaches based on new business strategies and connecting them to other business partners around the globe made it possible. Taiwan Excellence provided trade support by means of insurance, a professional marketing approach to reduce costs, diversify export reach, using digital transformation, and other breakthrough concepts that may help them in international marketing.

Live-Action Mazinger Z-inspired movie kicks off the Japanese Film Festival 2020 Digital Edition

 

Japanese Film fanatics would surely be delighted to know that despite the pandemic that we are currently experiencing, The Japan Foundation Manila is still pushing through with its annual Japan Film Festival to give in to the clamor of its loyal fans. 

This year would surely have changes of course due to the need for social distancing as well as health & safety protocols. Thus, the people behind the Japanese Film Festival thought of having its very first digital edition of the Japanese Film Festival (JFF) by coming up with a drive-in cinema experience at the parking lot of the SM Mall of Asia. Their banner movie this year would be giving an ode to a manga and anime classic, the live-action Mazinger-Z inspired movie. 

AVON Philippines' Fundraising Activities for the Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The month of October is known worldwide as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Annually, Avon Philippines is doing its part to help increase awareness of breast cancer. The goal is to show every woman that her life is equally important and to ensure that every woman has an access to education, screening, treatment, moral support, and hope. Avon had always been an advocate of breast cancer. 

BOOBWatch shirt

Avon Philippines recently concluded its 2020 campaign against breast cancer dubbed as BOOBwatch. The said campaign was all about educating women on the importance of early detection. Avon has initiated three major fundraising events which were all mounted online. In order to be able to reach out to more people, Avon has made a line-up of activities all meant to generate more people and create awareness on a grander scale. The fundraising events were for the benefit of the Philippine Cancer Society. 

Dr. Rachel Rosario of the Philippine Cancer Society

Former fashion editor Myrza Sison was the event's host

New Mom and TV host Dianne Medina

Avon Brand Ambassador Daniel Matsunaga

Singer Morisette Amon

BOOB talk was a breast care lecture with social media influencer and mental health advocate Dr. Gia Sison, Avon Ambassador Daniel Matsunaga, Philippine Cancer Society's Dr. Rachel Rosario, and TV host Dianne Media with fashion icon and former fashion magazine editor, Myrza Sison who hosted the said event. Held last October 10, the online information chat had a fruitful conversation about breast cancer viewed by more than 6,200 netizens.

Social Media Influencer & Mental Advocate  Dr. Gia Sison

Breast cancer survivor Franz Tolentino

Franz Tolentino, an Avon representative and herself a breast cancer survivor also shared her personal experiences in her battles with the Big C. She was an inspiration for most cancer patients who can relate well to her stories. "Pwede kayong sumali sa mga breast cancer support groups katulad ng Avon-PGH Breast Cancer Group. Malaking tulong ang magkaroon ng mga kaibigan na alam ang pinagdaraanan mo. Mayroon kang makakausap na nararanasan o pinagdadaanan din ang mga pinagdaraanan mo."

In the US alone, there are more than 270,000 new cases of breast cancer and nearly 42,000 breast cancer deaths annually. Breast cancer remains to be the most common cancer and the second most fatal in women.