Happy Bread Day everyday at Gardenia

Around Philippines, Filipinos or not, are bread lovers. The nutritional value, cost and convenience are just one of those many advantages and benefits we are receiving from eating bread not to mention giving us energy to succeed in our daily life. Wherever we are, it’s easily for us to grab and take a bite without a hassle. So truly, having the Largest manufacturing facility and most modern, Gardenia Bakeries Philippines Inc. is truly a blessing.

The Laguenos are proud once again to have Gardenia Bakeries Philippines Inc. located at Binan, the city which is known as the “Trading and Commerce Center of the South”; “Home of the Famous Puto Biñan and Kakanin”and under Mayor Len Alonte. Binan, one from the 5 cities in Laguna is happy having Gardenia Bakeries Philippines Inc. not only because it gives pride to the province but because it gives opportunities and jobs for the residents of Binan and nearby communities.

Official Happy Bread Day poster of Gardenia Bakeries Philippines Inc.

Thousands of bread lovers and their whole family visited a fun filled “Happy Bread Day” 2012 event under Gardenia Bakeries Philippines Inc. at Eastwood City Mall Open Park in Libis, Quezon City last October 20, 2012. This event happened every year around the world as a meaningful and symbolic humanitarian act which is mostly every October 16 to celebrate “World Bread Day.”

World Bread Day celebration happened

every October 16

At the events entrance, a delightful registration booth surprised everyone upon signing with a Happy Bread Day Passport in which if one visited the booth and tasted the sample products with gardenia bread, the passport will received a stamp and along the way if received 5 stamps, there’s a claiming booth for a prize. Another surprised was received, a Php 30.00 worth of PLDT card for a free wifi connection which could be use anywhere with a PLDT wifi connection then a Gardenia crew welcomed everyone for a Gardenia Taste Surround 3D ( Delightful, Delicious, Delectable) Experience. In this booth, different LCD screens were showing the biggest bread plant and their modern facility which is the first in the Philippines and located at Binan, Laguna. The plant is open for group tour/organization from Sundays to Fridays between 7am to 4pm to view in actual and experience the largest and most modern bread factory in the Philippines and only at the heart of Laguna.

 

Happy Bread Day Passport

Different booths that was divided into four corners like Healthy corner for figure conscious and health conscious bread lovers, Savory corner, Beverage corner for the thirst quenching treat, Bread corner and Sweet corner for the sweet indulgence and provided everyone with a selection of treats using Gardenia breads which comprises mostly the support of different companies to Gardenia Bakeries Philippines Inc. like Yakult, McCormick, Sony, Goya, Nissin Yakisoba, Lipton, Lady’s Choice, Argentina Corned-beef, CDO Bibbo Hotdog, Claraole, Century Tuna, Ovaltine, Nescafé Classic and Cheezwhiz Eden.

Bloggers came to experienced this fun filled Gardenia Bread day celebration

A stage was installed for the games and entertainment for the whole family with celebrity host Regine Tolentino and a participation of Drew Arrelano who was delighted when a group of Gardenia personnels asked for a photo opportunity after signing the Gardenia wall. Truly the event was memorable to everyone who attended this enjoyable one of a kind bread experience.

According to the President and General Manager of Gardenia Mr. Simplicio Umali Jr., ” We made sure that “Happy Bread Day” fair will not just be an enjoyable bread experience, but memorable as well as it aims to help the less-privileged kids. This has been our responsibility, our commitment to build a strong nation through nutrition and health.” Gardenia Bakeries Philippines Inc. sold different varieties of breads that time and as the companies Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the portion of the profit from the loaf sold will be shared to our unfortunate brothers and sisters to help improve their lives.

  

Kids enjoyed the so many characters at the

Happy Bread Day event 

Last October 20, 2012, I made sure to be at the “Happy Bread Day” celebration of Gardenia Bakeries Philippines Inc., the event truly not just to have fun but a celebration of sharing. As a Lagueno, I am truly thankful and grateful for having Gardenia Manufacturing plant at Binan City, I could bragged anywhere that the most modern and the largest bread plant is located just 45 minutes away from where I live. I salute Gardenia too for the effort of giving to the children with the CSR to give a portion of profit from the loaf sold from the event.

“Happy Bread Day” from Gardenia

It's more fun in Laguna!

Around Philippines, there's Laguna, a province with 25 municipalities and 5 cities with the sweetest tropical fruits, tons of science parks, hot spring resorts, posh earth friendly communities and historical landmarks are just some of the reasons why tourist; foreign or local are flocking to this province to experience these adventures and just some of the reasons why the Philippine Information Agency under the Presidential Communication Group dubbed Laguna as the Number 1 Province in the Philippines.

Laguna Tourism folder for everyone

Last September 26, 2012 from 9:00am to 5:00pm, Laguna Tourism, Culture, Arts and Trade Office (LTCATO) of the provincial capitol of Laguna which is located at the Municipality of Santa Cruz under the Provincial Government led by Governor Jeorge "ER" Estregan Ejercito treated 20 local and national media men that includes writers from Kliping Times, Philippine Information Agency CALABARZON, Ronda Balita and Bloggers from Laguna and Manila to a one-day Laguna heritage tour in selected historical landmarks with the endorsement of the 2nd district Board Member Andrew Neil Nocon and was organized by Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas for the First Laguna Blogging Summit (1LaBS) volunteers and media sponsors.

The tour was started with a miryenda sponsored by Chowking Santa Cruz, SM Santa Rosa under Pam Peters and Gardenia. Chowking also provided lunch meal for the group.

Chowking Santa Cruz Laguna branch managers

Gardenia breads are manufactured at Binan, Laguna

LTCATO friendly and energetic tour guides led by Ronnie Mora and Yvann Pamilacan accommodated the group and brought them to five municipalities using the very colorful provincial La Laguna bus.


First stop was the town of Lumban, known as Embroidery Capital of the Philippines. Two types of handmaid works are done here; Embroidered and Hand painted Barong. Bloggers and mainstream media were all amazed with the delicate and intricate works done by the locals who are striving to make this major means of living to be alive, they are also helping the native folks by making it as their livelihood program.


The owner of this embroidery facility even treated the whole group with their native rice cake (Puto), rice porridge (lugaw) and Gulaman.

Provincial media coordinator under the Philippine Information Agency Allan Ortillano at Lumban checking the paint designing

At Lumban famous for the "burdahan ng barong."

Colored thread for a Barong

Lumban puto for all the Laguna tour participants

Second stop was Lake Caliraya, a man-made lake situated in the municipalities of Lumban, Cavinti, and Kalayaan. The man made lake, created in 1939, has developed into a popular spot for water sports and outdoor recreation including fishing and a backdrop to multiple movie films. In here, participants maximize the beauty of the surroundings.



Third was the town of Paete, home of the sweetest Lanzones, wood curvings and paper mache products.
According to Allan Ortilliano article under Philippine Information Agency CALABARZON who was also present as one of the participants in the Laguna tour, here, participants and other travelers were treated to an ice sculpture, fruits and vegetables carving demonstrations led by Willie Fabrig, a veteran in this field who has been given international recognition. After viewing the demonstration, LTCATO personnel led the group to St. James Church where a tourism officer gave a brief history of the church.

Ice curvings at Paete, Laguna

Paete Church

Fourth stop was the Underground cemetery at Nagcarlan. The Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery holds 36 crypt and literally beneath the church. The tourism officer under the National Historical Institute said that the underground cemetery was declared a national historical landmark by the National Historical Institute(NHI) in 1978 and that only those known, privileged or came from powerful elite catholic families were buried here. 120 plus more crypts welcomed everyone facing the marvelous entrance gate above the underground cemetery which was built and designed for funeral mass in 1845 by the Franciscan priest Fr. Vicente Velloc.

Lastly was the town of Liliw, best known for a huge shoe industry for export in the South. Affordable prices of slippers and shoes are available for everyone. Sweet Lanzones fruits are abundant in this part also with prices ranges from Php 50.00 to 70.00 a kilo.

At Liliw, we met up also with two representatives from SM Supermalls. Santa Rosa SM Mall Manager Pam Peters and Calamba City Public Relations Officer Em Mabesa provided the group again with miryenda. They came all the way from SM just to meet the participants.

Line of Liliw famous shoes and tsinelas stores

After the tour, Governor Jeorge "ER" Estregan Ejercito treated everyone with a sumptuous buffet dinner at Asia Blooms hotel located at Santa Cruz under the management of Ms. Check Lo. Asia Blooms Hotel with more than 30 rooms is your home away from home with WIFI connection, swimming pool, conference center that could cater up to 200 people and good food rolled into one with the friendliest attendants ready to serve you with affordable hotel room rates for everyone.

laguna.gov.ph

It's more fun in Laguna!

Gastronomic overload at Angeles City Pamangan Fiestang Kapampangan 2012

Around Philippines, don't miss an emerging tourism destination in North Philippines. Situated in Pampanga, the gourmet capital of the Philippines, Angeles City is a melting pot of cultures, center of world class entertainment and home to a cosmopolitan mix of heritage, history and attractions for visitors of all ages. Enjoy the laid back country life in the convenience of the city, all year round. Discover many things to like about Angeles City!

Eat your way through the city's GASTRONOMIC FIESTANG KULIAT in October as Angeles City observes it's twin fiestas, the Feast of Our Lady of Our Most holy Rosary of La Naval and Piyesta ning Apung Mamacalulu or the Feast of Our Lord of Mercy. The month long calendar is divided into culture, culinary and community events. La Naval Fiesta is held every second Sunday of the month in commemoration of the Virgin of the Holy Rosary, whose intercession saw the victory of the Spanish fleet over the Dutch invaders. The city celebrates fiesta with traditional religious programs while homes display the finest traditions of hospitality by entertaining guests with their best cooking ang most extravagant food spread.

Mayor Ed Pamintuan sent a coaster for few friends last week October 7, 2012 to have a heritage tour at Angeles City. First stop was at Museo Ning Angeles which is located just across of the Holy Rosary Parish Church and was the old municipal building (town hall) built in 1920, a historical landmark and with aim now to provide a relevant and dynamic center for the rich culture and history of Angeles and its people. And today, “BALIKDAN”, presenting a short narrative of the chronological account of events through photos, illustrations and memorabilia can be seen by the public and details is well explained by the city friendly tour guide Kim.

Museo Ning Angeles

The Museo Ning Angeles is the home also of the Reynaldo Alejandro Library which is situated at the ground floor level to pay tribute to a leading exponent of Filipino arts and culture in America. Ronnie, as he was fondly called was a Manila born of a Kapampangan mother, brought attention to the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines with his more than 40 books focusing on Filipino dance, cuisine and history notably the award-winning Lamesa: The Filipino Table, The Adobo Book, Fiesta! Fiesta! Festival Foods of the Philippines to name a few. The library has an array of culinary books he donated.

At the second floor of the building is where The LIVING KITCHEN (or the DEMO ROOM) is located. This is the area for regular lectures on food, cooking and tasting sessions. Yes, tasting sessions and the kitchen exhibit.

Dining area at Museo Ning Angeles

 The Kitchen exhibit in the turn of the century kitchen and dining for the Illustrado family, The Ilustrados constituted the Filipino educated class during the Spanish colonial period in the late 19th century.The Illustrado were the middle class who were educated in Spanish and exposed to Spanish liberal and European nationalist ideals. The Ilustrado class was composed of native-born intellectuals and cut across ethno linguistic and racial lines—Indios, Insulares, and mestizos, among others—and sought reform through “a more equitable arrangement of both political and economic power” under Spanish tutelage

The main event of the tour is Lunch time. Mrs. Miniang Pamintuan (wife of the Mayor) invited us to taste all the local authentic food at the buffet table that includes whole Lechon (Roast pork), Asadung dila, Kare kare, fried frogs, Cricket sisig (which I tried actually), Pork sisig pisngi at balugbug babi, Barbeque Chicken, Fried Hito, Ensayladang Paku with salted egg, Paksing Demonyo, Tiltilan, Tocinong Kabayo, Tosinong Baboy, Imbutido and different array of desserts like Maha blangka, lansones, rambutan, banana and some more.

Lechon

Fried frogs

Fried crickets

Tocinong Kabayo

Ensayladang Paku with salted eggs

Asadung dila

Imbutido

Mrs. Miniang Pamintuan, Andria Nicolas, Kim and Wyatt Belmonte

Wyatt Belmonteis the one who organized the heritage tour

Dine Racoma, Mayor Ed Pamintuan and moi

The very hospitable tandem of Mayor Ed and Mrs. Miniang Pamintuan will surely be missed, and yes, a gastronomic experience. Sa uulitin!

Sweetened or sugarfree Makapuno from Philhybrid

Attended the Digital Influencers Marketing Summit at SMX and one thing that made the event more memorable is having 3 bottles of Philhybrid Puro Makapuno  which is 100% pure glutinous coconut meat. Filipinos love desserts, we all have sweet tooth and nobody can stop us by tasting delectable and sweet products. So having these 3 bottles of Macapuno is like heaven.

The product is packed in 200 ml fancy glass bottle with gold cap and safety label. Label includes company name and address, product net weight, and nutrition labeling. It contains no preservatives and has a maximum shelf life of one year.

According to it's company website, PhilHybrid Inc. is a company engaged in the production and marketing of embryo-cultured true-to-type Makapuno seedlings and started it's operations in August 2004. It was founded to implement the vision of the late Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives and Agriculture Secretary Ramon “Monching” V. Mitra, Jr. Speaker Mitra was committed to produce, promote and expand the production of Makapuno in the Philippines by making embryo-cultured Makapuno seedlings more accessible to as many interested growers as possible.Philhybrid owns the biggest pure embryo-cultured Makapuno plantation in the country. It also has an Embryo Culture Laboratory located at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Science and Technology Park, College, Laguna where embryo-cultured Makapuno seedlings are being cultured. It is the PhilHybrid Laboratory Center.

Processed Makapuno strings in sugar syrup is truly heaven. My hubby finished all three bottles and craving for more. My kids tasted this no preservatives product and it became their favorite dessert after every meal.

From the seasite.niu.edu, The macapuno fruit looks like the regular niyog except that it is bigger. Farmers have a way of knocking on the nut to determine if they have macapuno or niyog. The macapuno meat is as thick as the niyog but softer, making it easy to grate. Macapuno is cooked with sugar, sometimes with dayap for flavor, and served as a dessert.

Philhybrid Inc.

info@philhybrid.com 

Three Central: The most posh property at Makati

Posh properties are on the rise. Condo units are much on the basic need this time to all hardworking and successful business moguls and even those start up families for the location, location and location. We are on the look where we could stay like our home away from home and Megaworld Corporation, one of the premier developer we have in the Philippines is ready to provide us with the right space at the right location.

From an online review, Megaworld Corporation is a real estate company in the Philippines. It is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange Composite Index.
The company is primarily engaged in developing large-scale mixed-use planned communities, incorporating residential, commercial, educational, and leisure components. Additionally, it engages in activities such as project design, construction oversight, and property management. Among its landmark projects is Forbes Town Center, a 6-hectare commercial and residential district in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila.Another project by Megaworld is the 45-storey Petron Megaplaza office skyscraper, which was the tallest building in the country upon its completion in 1998.

Megaworld’s most luxurious property in Makati Central Business District to rise in 2015 is THREE CENTRAL located along Valero Street in the financial side of Salcedo Village. According to their sales personnel, “Soaring 50 stories awaits your newfound stature in life. From afar, it’s sleek modern facade stands out. And inside, a high-ceilinged lobby with a centerpiece reception counter makes an elegant statement.”

Three Central: Perspective Design

THREE CENTRAL offers an advantageous proximity to the busy thoroughfares of Ayala and Gil Puyat avenues. It has immediate access to the headquarters of some of the country’s top corporations and

multinational companies, allowing residents to be right at the heart of the corporation action.

 

Eneretic host at the event; Tim Yap and Ms. Tessa Prieto-Valdez 

 

King and I main cast made the event more luxurious

with Leo Tavarro Valdez and Monique Wilson

During the luxurious event last September 19, 2012, Mr. Eugene Lozano, Head of Sales and Marketing for Makati CBD, Megaworld Corporation detailed why choose THREE CENTRAL – experience what true luxury living actually means. Mr. Lozano said “With Three Central, we are giving to the word ‘luxury’. Form it’s location to five-star amenities and features, this Megaworld property is the TRUE luxury in Makati”. He also add- “We are offering more than a luxurious place to live in. We will address the lifestyle needs of our sophisticated residents. This is what luxury of lifestyle convenience is all about”.

THREE CENTRAL

Three Central is a 50-storey building boasting of a sleek, modern design – an urban framework reminiscent of the world-famous International Financial Center (IFC) Tower of Hong Kong. It opens to a grand, spacious lobby with high-ceilings and sophisticated furnishings, more than what routinary luxury can provide.

Units availables are:
Executive Studio
1 Bedroom
2 Bedroom prime cuts (have balconies where residents can enjoy down timw along or with the family after a long day).

Each unit is pre-furnished with amenities that include:
air-conditioning unit
21′ LCD TV
refrigerator
washing machine (with dryer)
microwave oven
dining table set
sofa
bed frames with mattresses

The Megaworld – Habitat Partnership

 And there’s more than providing true luxury for its Three Central residents, Megaworld gives back by partnering with Habitat for Humanity. It says that for every unit sold at Three Central, part of the proceeds will go directly to this organization that helps provide quality homes to less fortunate Filipinos. Buyers will be given special certificates to signify their donation to Habitat for Humanity.

Prospective clients flock at the Manila Peninsula to get a detailed specifications of Three Central units 

It’s always about location and with the premier location and premiere developer we have under Megaworld Corporation THREE CENTRAL, there’s no better way to spend our relaxing and convenient place to reach every destination but at THREE CENTRAL. We could spend our lifetime in this luxurious condominium units at the heart of the perfect location which is Makati.

Lunching at Fish & Co. seafood in a pan

If you are craving for the tastiest Fish and Chips, there's no better way to satisfy your craving but at Fish & Co. seafood in a pan from Bistro Group, the company that owns different Restaurant Brands like TGI Friday's, Italianni's,Flapjacks, Pig Out, Krazy Garlik, The Stock Market Cafe, Bulgogi Brothers, Ma Maison and Village Tavern. In 2006, Bistro Group brought in Fish & Co. seafood in a pan restaurant in the Philippines, a Singaporean based restaurant chain with restaurants in Asia Pacific. Today, Bistro Group of Restaurants operates 13 TGI Friday's, 14 Italianni's, 5 Fish & Co., 4 Flapjacks, 1 Pig Out, 1 Krazy Garlik, 1 The Stock Market, 1 Bulgogi Brothers, 1 Ma Maison, 1 Village Tavern and counting.

One of the posh community must be Ayala, Alabang which is 30 minutes drive from Makati using the South Luzon Express Way (SLEX) and also 30 minutes drive from Calamba City, Laguna. Ayala Alabang is an outer suburb of Metro Manila in Muntinlupa city district in the Philippines around 13 miles (21 km) from the center of Metro Manila. The upscale neighborhood was created in 1981. Large portion of it came from Barangay Alabang. The only mall with designers store at this part is Alabang Town Center (ATC) where one of the branch of Fish & Co. is located.

A relaxing ambiance at Fish & Co. Alabang Town Center

Fish & Co. with their friendly crew and managers will surely captivate your heart and with the menu and asian fusion dishes they have for you, for sure you will get hooked. Located at the ground floor and corner between Rustans Department Store and Cinderella, Fish & Co. is easier to find.

Fish & Co. Introduces the "Happy Lunching" package with four affordable complete three course meals for everyone that will starting from Php 395.00. It started last August 15, 2012 and will end on November 30, 2012 according to it's branch General Manager Eldie Gonzales.

Happy Lunching Menu

Four delicious menu to choose from; Poached Fish, Pork Roulade, Chicken Skewers and Tenderloin Slivers 

Fish & Co. goal is to provide a unique dining experience for her customers, so they serves all food in a unique style - in a pan! According to it's website, This was an inspiration drawn from the simple practices of South African fisherman; who caught seafood fresh from the seas and cooked them immediately in the pan. This method of presenting freshly cooked fish & seafood meals delights the customers and further enhances the relaxed, friendly and engaging environment which the founders have set out to achieve.

The Bistro Group invited When In Manila to taste one more time these delectable and mouth watering food with warm ambiance and nautucal theme. 21 people who are friendly, efficient and always ready to help makes every experience an enjoyable and memorable one and  are joined toether to bring the freshest fish and seafood as well as natural ingredients.

Expect friendly and efficient service from Fish & Co.

For starters

Pasta and shrimp salad  Php 445.00

Pasta and shrimp salad: shrimp & chilled spaghetti in sesame mayonnaise, on a bed of assorted greens

Mussels- garlic & lemon butter sauce Php 495.00

 Mussels- garlic & lemon butter sauce: mussels cooked in garlic lemon

butter sauce

Calamari- grilled or fried Php 435.00

Calamari- grilled or fried: your wish is our command 

Main Course

The best Fish & Chips in town Php 435

The best Fish & Chips in town: a fish & co. classic!

coated with a light and crispy batter

topped with our signature lemon butter sauce 

 BBQ Pork Ribs full rack  Php 1,395 half rack Php 750.00 just for me Php 495.00

 

 BBQ Pork Ribs: marinated and basted with our own bbq sauce

served with onion rings and waffle fries

Seafood Curry Php 650.00 

 Seafood Curry: our take on the spicy favorite!

mixed seafood slowly- braised in spicy red coconut curry sauce,

served with steamed long grain rice

Desserts

Hot fudge choco cake Php 190.00

Hot fudge choco cake: a rich moist chocolate cake with a scoop of

vanilla ice cream

Creme Brulee Php 175.00

Creme Brulee: vanilla flavored egg custard topped with hardened caramel 

 Rustic fresh fruit salad with vanilla sabayon  Php 220.00

Rustic fresh fruit salad with vanilla sabayon: fresh fruits covered with rich

vanilla sabayon, topped with a scoop of ice cream and smothered with

chocolate sauce

Panna cotta Php 245.00

 Panna cotta: soft and creamy pudding on a bed of vanilla sabayon, garnished

with mango puree

  

Fish & Co. restaurant is good for family bonding with its relaxing ambiance.

When In Manila, we will surely drop by to any branches of Fish & Co. to have a taste one more time of these delectable and fresh delights.

 

 A unique way in serving in a pan and an enjoyable feast for the family to share

Fish & Co.
Alabang Town Center, Barangay Ayala Alabang
Open weekdays 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
10:30 am-11:00 pm Friday- Saturday
10:00 am-10:30 pm Sunday