The Manila Hotel and Montesa Medical Group Forge Partnership

 

Partnership forged between The Manila Hotel and Montesa Medical Group

The Manila Hotel and Montesa Medical Group (MMG) officially sealed their partnership through a contract signing ceremony held at The Manila Hotel on August 8, 2024. The ceremony was led by the president of the Manila Hotel, Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., and vice president for administration, Elaine Santos. Representing Montesa Medical Group were president and medical director, Dr. Anna Marie Montesa, and managing director, Dr. Christine Marie Montesa, alongside key figures Lovely Rose Sherani and Christine Shea.

 

Contract signing at The Manila Hotel's Sampaguita Hall

This agreement marks the beginning of a new chapter for Montesa Medical Group, as they are set to open a state-of-the-art aesthetic clinic within the health and recreational facilities of The Manila Hotel in November 2024. The clinic will offer a comprehensive range of dermatological and wellness services. These premium services will be available to both in-house and non-in-house hotel guests.

 

(L-R) Dr. Christine Marie Montesa, Dr. Anna Marie Montesa, Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., Elaine Santos

Montesa Medical Group considers it an honor for MMG to be housed in the iconic and national heritage The Manila Hotel.

2024 DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair Concludes with Record-Breaking Success, Championing Sustainability and Local Innovation

 

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) successfully wrapped up its 2024 Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair (NTF), leaving a lasting impression of the nation' s dedication to

sustainability, innovation, and the promotion of high-quality Filipino products. Held at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City from August 21 to 25, the event, themed 'Go Green! Go Local!' drew in thousands of visitors and generated impressive sales for participating micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Organized by the DTI through the Bureau of Market Development, Promotions and OTOP (BMDPO), this year’s NTF brought together over 270 exhibitors from across the regions, showcasing a diverse range of artisanal and non-food products crafted from sustainable raw materials such as bamboo, natural fibers, and native grass. In addition, the fair featured unique food items, Halal products, coconut-based innovations, novelty items, holiday decor, and home furnishings, providing a comprehensive showcase of Filipino craftsmanship and ingenuity.

A major draw of the event were the special pavilions that featured curated selections of sustainable and innovative products. These included:

The Philippine Sustainability Pavilion, highlighting eco-friendly products made from bamboo

and natural fibers.

 The Coconut Philippines Pavilion, showcasing innovative coconut-based products.

 The Obra Pavilion, displaying creative outputs from design scholars.

 The KAPEtirya Coffee Pavilion, celebrating the rich coffee culture of the Philippines.

 The RAPID Growth Project Pavilion, promoting products from farmer-beneficiaries of the

DTI’s Rural Agro-Industrial Project for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth)

project.

Additionally, the Innovation and Services Cluster provided an information hub for both the

MSMEs and visitors, offering free consultations by government agencies and private sector

partners.

Key Accomplishments

 Record-Breaking Sales and Attendance: The 2024 NTF was not just a showcase of Filipino creativity but also a resounding success in terms of sales and attendance. Attracting almost 28,000 visitors, the fair generated an impressive Php72.377-million in cash sales, booked orders, and orders under negotiation for participating MSMEs, demonstrating strong consumer interest in locally- made, sustainable products.

Business Matching and Networking: The event facilitated numerous business matching

and networking opportunities, further broadening the market reach and collaboration

potential for local entrepreneurs. This fostered an environment conducive to growth

and expansion for MSMEs.

 Promotion of Sustainability and Innovation: The fair successfully highlighted the Philippines' commitment to sustainability and innovation, showcasing products made from eco-friendly materials and featuring cutting-edge technologies. This emphasis on

sustainable practices underscores the country's dedication to responsible and ethical

business practices.

 Empowerment of MSMEs: By providing a platform for MSMEs to showcase their

products and connect with potential buyers and partners, the NTF played a crucial role

in empowering local entrepreneurs. The event offered valuable opportunities for

business growth and development, contributing to the overall economic progress of the

country.

DTI Acting Secretary Cristina A. Roque expressed her gratitude to all participants, exhibitors, and partners, underscoring the fair’s significant contribution to the growth and development of MSMEs in the Philippines. “Let this fair be a reminder that together, we can do great things. Together, we can create a future where sustainability and prosperity go hand in hand, and where Filipino products are celebrated not just here, but around the world,” she stated.

Further, Roque reiterated the Bagong Pilipinas development agenda for MSMEs: “The government, the private sector, and the entire nation stand with you. We are committed to providing you with the support, resources, and opportunities you need to thrive.” 

As the 2024 NTF closed, the theme “Go Green! Go Local!” resonated strongly, leaving attendees inspired by the rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit that characterize Filipino craftsmanship. The DTI looks forward to building on this success in future events, continuing its unwavering support for the growth and prosperity of Filipino businesses.

For further information about national domestic trade fairs and other DTI initiatives, please follow the social media pages @BDTP on Facebook, @DTI_BDTP on X, and @dti.bdtp on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Aspiring entrepreneurs interested in participating in future DTI-BMDPO fairs can contact their local DTI office or email Director Marievic Bonoan of the Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP at BDTP@dti.gov.ph.

Solaire Resort's Waterside Restobar Showcases Filipino Culinary Heritage with its Salu-Salo Feast

 

Waterside Restobar at Solaire Resort and Casino

Solaire Resort & Casino recently treated guests to a culinary journey through the Philippines with a sneak peek of its upcoming Salu-Salo menu at Waterside Restobar. The event showcased a delightful selection of both contemporary classic Filipino dishes and six forgotten dishes meticulously curated by renowned Chef Alfred Santiago.

My husband Michael Jason Ramos and the author, Purple Plum Fairy

Waterside Resto Bar takes a proud look at provincial flavors and showcases some popular regional recipes with a touch of decadent flair. It does a stellar job at elevating local household recipes to level up into world-class. 

The special tasting dinner hosted by Solaire was not only a treat for our taste buds, but also a feast for the eyes. Waterside Restobar incorporates the best recipes throughout different regions in the country.

This feast brings everyone together to explore unique dishes from various Philippine regions, offering a sophisticated take on traditional Filipino dining—The Solaire Way. Indulge in a wide selection of contemporary creations by Waterside’s Chef de Cuisine Alfred Santiago available for dinner every Saturday starting on September 21.

Feel the spirit of Filipino culture as you dine and enjoy vibrant entertainment featuring traditional Filipino music and dance performances, adding an authentic touch to your experience. An array of vibrant dishes is set-up like a “boodle fight” where everyone can feast and enjoy the night together. Be welcomed by a refreshing aperitif like guava-passion fruit infused lambanog or a citrus-guava mocktail. Pair it with unique Filipino appetizers like embutido stuffed inasal wings, glazed banana liempo lumpia, pusit isaw or squid skewers, hibe ukoy bao or dried shrimp fritter steamed bun, and kilawin isda sa ube at ampalaya or vinegar cured bitter gourd and fish.

Savor on your favorite Filipino main dishes or “ulam” (in English means viand) including inihaw na pampano or grilled fish, suwam na mais or Filipino fresh corn soup, tinola halaan sa kawayan or clam soup, crispy pata or crispy pork leg, and chicken adobo sa gata or chicken in coconut milk. Discover the authentic taste of the Ilonggo’s Lauya—a flavorful soup with very tender pata, unripe langka or jackfruit, and vegetables. Try the Tiyula Itum from Davao, which is black soup with beef and goat pieces, and burnt coconut meat. This dish is usually served during Muslim weddings or is called “food for royalty”. 

Their dishes go through an evolution. Some of the dishes they've given a tweak and find new ways to do it. They've given diners a different dining experience in terms of flavors, the combination of flavors that's out of the ordinary. As a foodie, I love that the dishes they serve here aren't overwhelming or intimidating. It's more about the comfort of flavors. Once you taste them, you get familiar with its flavors and tastes right away. Unexpected but not totally unfamiliar--these could also be said about the presentation of dishes. Diners can take a closer and intimate taste of Filipino food. 

The forgotten dishes featured in the Salu-Salo menu included:

• Lauya (Iloilo origin soup): A hearty and comforting pata soup with a rich broth and tender meat. The taste is similar to classic Beef Nilaga but it has more ginger in terms of taste. 

Lauya

• Tiyula Itum from Davao: A savory and slightly sweet stew signature black soup made with pork, coconut milk, and spices. It looks similar to Dinuguan but this one has coconut milk. Tiyula itum is a Filipino braised beef or goat soup or stew dish originating from the Tausug people. The dish is characteristically black due to the unique use of charred coconut meat.

Tiyula Itum

• Pancit Puso from Cavite: A unique rice noodle dish wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.

Pancit Puso from Cavite

• Nilatik na Kalabasa from Iloilo: A sweet and creamy dessert made with squash and coconut milk.

Nilatik na kalabasa

• Pagulong and Pasayan from Sorsogon (shrimp-based): Two distinct shrimp dishes showcasing different cooking methods.

Pagulong at pasayan

• Kinilaw na Langka from Cebu: A refreshing and tangy dish made with raw jackfruit and vinegar.

Kinilaw na Langka

In addition to the forgotten dishes, guests were also treated to a variety of other delectable Filipino dishes, such as:

• Glazed Banana Liempo: Sweet and savory pork belly glazed with banana.

Glazed Banana Liempo

• Burong Hipon: Fermented shrimp with a tangy and slightly spicy flavor.

Burong Hipon

• Kilawing Isda sa ube at ampalaya using King Fish: A refreshing ceviche made with king fish, purple yam, and bitter melon.

Kilawing Isda

• Tinolang Halaan: A flavorful soup made with clams and vegetables.

Tinolang Halaan

• Halabos na Hipon at Alimasag: Steamed shrimp and crab.

Halabos na hipon at alimasag

• Lechon: The quintessential Filipino roast pig.

Lechon is the star of every Filipino gathering

• Crispy Pata: Deep-fried pork knuckles.

Crispy Pata

Adobong manok sa gata

Grilled pork, squid and pompano fish

Pinipig lollipop 

Leche Flan

A medley of native desserts to cap off our meal

Salo-Salo sa Waterside

PHP 2700+

Appetizers – pampagana

Buro “surf &turf” (fermented red rice with pork mask) 

Embutido stuffed inasal wings 

Glazed banana liempo lumpia (spring roll) 

Pusit isaw (squid skewers) 

Hibe ukoy bao (dried shrimp fritter steamed bun) 

Kilawin isda sa ube at ampalaya (vinegar cured bitter gourd and fish) 

Main dishes – ulam

Inihaw na pompano calamansi brown butter 

Suwam na mais 

Tinola halaan sa kawayan 

Inihaw na Pusit

Crispy pata 

Inihaw na liempo 

Chicken adobo sa gata  

Longganisa stuffed lechon manok 

Lauya-Iloilo

Tiyula Itum-Davao

Vegetable – Gulay 

Tortang talong

Pagulong at Pasayan- Sorsogon

Nilatik nga kalabasa-Iloilo

Rice and noodles 

Pancit puso- Cavite

Plain rice

Garlic rice 

Condiments – all set on the table

Atchara (pickled papaya)

Banana ketchup spiced

Pinakurat (spiced vinegar)

Toyo (soy sauce)

Chicken oil

Patis (fish sauce)

Bagoong (shrimp paste)

Sukang paombong (palm sugar) 

Ensaladang talong

Kinilaw na langka-Cebu

Ensaladang mangga

Desserts- panghimagas

Pinipig lollipop 

Buko pandan

Minatamis na saging con yelo

Tupig

Leche flan 

Fresh fruits

The Salu-Salo menu at Waterside Restobar celebrates Filipino cuisine, showcasing classic and forgotten dishes. Chef Alfred Santiago's passion and expertise shine through in every dish, creating a truly memorable dining experience.

Enjoy delicious Filipino desserts like the Buko pandan, a cold dessert made of jelly cubes, coconut, and sweetened cream infused with pandan flavor, minatanis na saving con yelo, or banana with caramel sauce, leche flan or creme caramel, and pinipig lollipop.

It’s always a feast at Solaire Resort Entertainment City, and Salu-salo sa Waterside is the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience.  For inquiries and reservations, dial (+632) 8888 8888 or visit solaireresort.com. 

Big Bad Wolf Book Sale: A Literary Feast for Bookworms

 

Are you a bookworm eager to expand your library without breaking the bank? Look no further! The highly anticipated Big Bad Wolf Book Sale is back, and it's bigger and better than ever.

Purple Plum Fairy visits Big Bad Wolf in Filinvest Tent, Alabang

Big Bad Wolf has officially landed at Alabang for the very first time! In pursuit of its mission to reach 1M new readers in 2024, Big Bad Wolf takes the world’s biggest book sale to the South at the Filinvest Tent in Alabang from August 23 to September 1, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 MN.

The Big Bad Wolf Filinvest Book Sale is part of Big Bad Wolf’s broader campaign to promote literacy and nurture a love for reading among people of all ages. The Filinvest book sale is the latest in a series of Big Bad Wolf book sales, dedicated to making books more accessible to more people across the country.

Co-founders Jacqueline Ng and Carol Chuaying expressed their excitement about this new location and their commitment to making books accessible to all. The sale represents another significant step in their broader campaign to inspire reading and personal growth through affordable books. Attendees can look forward to more surprises and exclusive offers throughout the sale, which aims to provide a memorable experience for book lovers in the South.

“We have always been passionate about igniting a love for reading and to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to quality books,” said Big Bad Wolf Books Co-founder Jacqueline Ng who was present at the Big Bad Wolf Filinvest Book Sale VIP Day. 

Ng added, “It’s our first time in Alabang, and this marks another significant step toward our goal of bringing 1 million new readers into the fold. We believe that books have the power to change lives, and we are even more committed to making books available to as many people as possible.”

Big Bad Wolf Books Philippine Managing Partner Carol Chuaying echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of Big Bad Wolf’s mission to promote literacy. “We believe literacy is the foundation of learning and personal growth,” said Chuaying. “At every book sale, we are not just selling books. We are opening doors to new opportunities, knowledge, and a brighter future for everyone. We are more than thrilled to be bringing the book sale to Alabang finally and to continue expanding our reach to more people.”

Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines Dato' ​​Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino and Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon, together with Filinvest Alabang, Inc. First Vice President Don-Don Mari S. Ubaldo; Filinvest Corporate City Association Inc. General Manager Engr. Kristine P. Triviño; Festival Supermall, Inc. Vice President and Head of Corporate Marketing Denise Rae O. Lagayan; Festival Supermall, Inc. Assistant Vice President and South Cluster General Manager Engr. Christian Wesley D. Villanueva; joined Ng and Chuaying to celebrate the opening of the Big Bad Wolf Filinvest Book Sale.

What to Expect:

• Massive Discounts: Enjoy up to 80% off a wide range of books, from bestsellers to classics.
• Diverse Selection: Find books on various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, children's books, and more.
• Rare Finds: Discover limited edition and hard-to-find titles.
• Comfortable Shopping Experience: The spacious venue at Filiinvest Tent ensures a pleasant shopping experience.
• Play Area for the kids: You can browse on all the books that you like while your kids will be busy playing on the giant slide and ball pool. 

The Play area where kids can play

Why You Should Visit:

• Affordable Reading: Stock up on your favorite books at unbeatable prices.
• Support Local Authors: The sale features books from local authors, giving them a platform to showcase their works.
• Discover New Reads: Explore new genres and authors and expand your reading horizons.

Whether you're a seasoned reader or just starting your book journey, the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale is an event you won't want to miss. Mark your calendars and head to the Filiinvest Tent in Alabang from August 23 to September 1 to indulge in your love for books.

South wolfies, ready to howl? Visit the Big Bad Wolf Book sale at Filinvest Tent, Alabang, open from August 23 to September 1. Doors open daily at 10:00 AM to 12:00 MN! Grab your pack and get ready for an adventure you definitely shouldn’t miss! We’ll see you there!

For more information regarding Big Bad Wolf’s current and upcoming Book Sales, you can visit their website or check out their social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram)