Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Holiday bonding over Jolly Spaghetti Family Pan


Time for some holiday bonding with the cheesiest, meatiest, sweet-sarap family favorite.




The holiday season is fully upon us—and there’s no better way to celebrate Christmas than with family. Bonding time can be made extra special with the cheesiest, meatiest, sweet-sarap family favorite Jolly Spaghetti, but there’s a bigger and better way to enjoy and share the experience with those who matter most—through the Jolly Spaghetti Family Pan!

With its unique sweet and savory flavor profiles, the Jolly Spaghetti has captured the hearts of countless Filipinos generation after generation. This best-selling classic is made with freshly prepared spaghetti noodles, covered with a generous serving of the inimitably sweet-sarap spaghetti sauce with real ground beef and juicy hotdog slices. Finally, there’s the sprinkling of creamy grated cheese to seal the deal and complete the delightful experience delivered with every forkful!


“Jolly Spaghetti has always been a favorite among Filipino kids and the young-at-heart,” said Cathleen Capati, Jollibee’s AVP for Flagship Category. “And with the Jolly Spaghetti Family Pan, there’s simply more to love and more to share. Imagine the sweet-sarap smiles that will greet you when you come home bearing the Jolly Spaghetti Family Pan, and the delightful meal you’ll share with every member of the family to make the holiday season feel even more special!”

Celebrate your holiday bonding time the sweet-sarap, Jollibee way! You and your family can enjoy the Jolly Spaghetti Family Pan dine-in or bring home the joy via take-out, delivery, or drive-thru in all Jollibee stores nationwide for only Php 199.00*!

For more information on Jollibee’s products and promotions, like Jollibee Philippines on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Studios on YouTube, and follow @Jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Citi Philippines wins best foreign bank for 20th consecutive year


Citi was awarded Best Foreign Bank in the Philippines for the 20th  year in a row in the Finance Asia Annual Country Awards for Achievement. The annual awards recognize the best financial services firms in Asia. 


Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed with the award   (2nd  from   right)   celebrates   with   (from   left)   Treasury   &   Trade   Solutions   headArlene   Nethercott,   Markets   &   Securities   Services   head   and   country   treasurer   PaulFavila, Consumer Bank head Manoj Varma and Corporate Banking head Vikram Singh.

Monday, December 10, 2018

Going the extra mile for that extra smile for my son


The most beautiful thing in the world is a child’s smile. The next best thing? Knowing that you are the reason behind it.

November 2,2002. It was my son's 1st birthday, it is a very important part and very happy part for any parent. Thing is, his father's wasn't there. No, he is not an OFW working in a far away land. He's working here in the country. It's just that he chose to womanize, and even lived in the house of his woman. Yes, my son's father was a no-show. That broke my heart into a million pieces (probably more). I did not let that stop me. With or without him, I am going to give my son the best birthday ever! And wow, did that happen. We celebrated, we went on, and I know that my son was very happy that day. I'm sure. He knows all about it. :) 

As expected, I became a single parent. I was working at a telco during that time, and thankful that I can make ends meet. Thanks also to my mom, cause she took care of Raine (my son) during those trying times. My mom lives in Leyte, I worked in Cavite. I'm sure you can imagine the long distance we all had, all I can do is call them, listen to their voice, and hearing them, hearing my son, gave me the strength to overcome my sadness of being alone, it gave me strength to work harder, during long mall hours, to give my son what he deserves, a happy life.

*Photos straight from my mom's album in Leyte 😍 





And so came his 7th birthday, I told him I had to work and wasn't gonna see him. I won't forget the look on his face when I arrived at my mom's doorstep! I had me mailed via express delivery! I am just kidding of course (about the express delivery)! I had been planning to go to Leyte (scheming with my supermom, yeah) to surprise my baby boy. :) We prepared for his special day, decors, food to serve and all that, invitations, we were happy! Because we made that day together! 

The year was 2013. This can be a nightmare to anyone. A brain tumor struck me, meningioma. My life flashed before my eyes, the feeling you get when you know that death is knocking at your door. My kids, who will take care of them? What will happen to them when I'm gone??? I am forever grateful to our Lord for blessing us and extending my life (5 years now), and to all the people (friends and family and good samaritans) who went out of their way to help us in whatever way they can. 

My son Raine, is no longer a child, not yet a man. I was no longer working, at first I was joining contests from the radio, aiming to win prizes to help my family. I am not used to doing nothing. One thing led to another, and I was introduced to writing, (blogging if you may). That is how I managed to make another memorable moment for my son! His 16th birthday, we surprised him! All his friends were in on it, too! Of course my mom was there! Raine was not expecting because he understands the situation, but I refuse to just accept, not when I can do something! So every token I had (from events), every GC I had, I mustered, and all that "diskarte" worked out! I got to book Jollibee for my baby boy (yeah, baby boy). Let me show you how he looked like. Mabuti na lang pinalaki ka ni Mommy gamit ang Hapee Kiddie toothpaste iyan kasi ang sikat sa lugar nila. Ang ganda ng smile mo pati ng ngipin mo, Kuya 😁
Kuya, always share your smile to the world . It's a symbol of peace and friendship







Because of your smile you make life more beautiful, iba talaga ang batang laki sa Hapee... Maganda ang ngiti.



It was all surreal for him. He couldn't believe that it was really happening, his high school buddies were there, he was HAPEE, what more can I ask? Priceless.

* Too bad can't retrieve the original video on my YouTube channel that captured that precious smile of my son. We were all teary-eyed then...but good thing I had it uploaded (private) on Facebook. Thank you technology and smartphones 😍






I love my son’s smile! it makes me feel that I am loved and blessed with the best gift that I could ever ask!

Sunday, December 9, 2018

Mang Inasal Pork Sisig definitely a must-try!


The leading Filipino restaurant that serves the No.1 chicken inasal, Mang Inasal is the go-to place for people seeking to satisfy their craving for a truly delicious Pinoy fare.


Aside from its flagship offering of the 2-in-1 sa Laki, Nuot sa Ihaw Sarap Chicken Inasal, Mang Inasal also offers Pinoy favorites such as Pork BBQ, Palabok, Lumpiang Togue, and Halo Halo. 

And since Sisig is one of the most popular Filipino dishes, Mang Inasal added it in its menu as well a few years back, to provide more choices to the restaurant’s ever-growing number of customers. The fastfood chain even improved the dish’s serving and taste throughout the years. 

A homegrown fare that traces its origins in Pampanga, Sisig was first defined in a Kapampangan dictionary in 1732 as a green fruit mixed with vinegar, salt, pepper and garlic. From being just a salad, Sisig has evolved over the years into a main dish with sizzling plate and chopped meat as its defining elements.

The Mang Inasal sizzling meaty sarap Pork Sisig is made of a generous serving of flavorful, tender and juicy pork chunks with yummy crunchy chicharon and tangy white onion. Offered as one of the fastfood’s Paborito Meals (PM) for only P99, Mang Inasal Pork Sisig comes with a cup of rice, and an option to have unlimited servings of rice.

Mang Inasal Pork Sisig is perfect both as solo meal and for sharing with your family or barkada. Andif you are more into seafood, there is also the Mang Inasal Bangus Sisig for you.

Probably the most scrumptious and affordable Sisig in the Philippines, Mang Inasal Pork Sisig mightjust be the ultimate Pinoy comfort food you are looking for. Definitely a must try!

Friday, December 7, 2018

Fat Fook Opens 5th branch at BGC



Fat Fook, the fast growing Taiwanese chain, opens its newest branch in the heart of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. This marks the company's 5th location in the country. Located at The Globe Tower, 32nd Street, the restaurant brings favourite dishes the diner has been known for and made them extend branches in just two years. Some of its all-time favorites dishes are Chicken Chops, Pork Xiao Long Bao, and Taiwan Beef Noodles. 


Fat Fook at BGC 
The expansion in the CBD of Bonifacio Global City is part of the brand’s development plans for this year. The first branch opened in SM North EDSA in 2016 then followed by Robinsons Galleria in 2017. A branch in SM Megamall and also in Glorietta opened both in 2018. It also looks forward to opening two or three more shops by the first quarter of next year.
 
Owned and managed by the same group that operates Ramen Nagi, this Taiwanese restaurant is conceptualized by the group’s executive chef, Rachel Kao, who was born in Taiwan and grew up in the Philippines. 

Fat Fook modern authentic Taiwanese dishes 

Fat Fook stems from the Chinese word for “Fa” (gaining”) and “Foo” (Taiwanese term which means prosperity or auspicious). It can be literally translated to “Increasing luck.” 

Fat Fook remains modern authentic to suit the Filipino millennial palate. It is quite an innovator when it comes to their food. They make sure to add something new, making it more appealing to the local palate and to the style and taste of the millennial, yet you can still find the essence of home cooking. In some of its dishes, Fat Fook guarantees to be close to Taiwanese versions because the owners go to Taiwan regularly to taste and source ingredients. 

Fat Fook Asian appeal interiors 

Fat Fook’s cozy and inviting dining experience is an entirely value-for-money—from its warmly lit interiors to the appetizing Taiwanese meals with a twist meticulously prepared by its resident chef. The restaurant itself exudes a modern vibe but still maintains touches of Asian appeal with chromatic cherry architectural accents and porcelain bowls used as light fixtures. 

Fat Fook house specialties 

Fat Fook is known for their house specialties like their best-selling Chicken Chops, Pork Xiao Long Bao, and Taiwan Beef Noodles. Sophisticated palates will appreciate how Fat Fook’s Chicken Chops aroma wafts up and bursts in the mouth. The crunch of the special breading, alongside the crunchiness and juiciness of the chicken, make for an exciting mix of textures. It will definitely be love at first bite; with just the right amount of breading and seasoning. With their Chicken Chops, you’ll really get to savor the unmistakably Asian flavor. 


Another Fat Fook house favorite is the Oyster Omelette. This classic Taiwanese street food has a lot of great flavors coming from the oyster, Taiwanese petchay, and the thick egg wrap. The savory sauce drizzled on top of the omelette provides an added sweet-savory umami taste and all the more makes the dish beautiful to look at. 


The traditional Pork Xiao Long Bao is definitely impeccable. It surely does not disappoint. In the steaming xiao long lie broth-filled steamed pork dumplings oozing with rich and warm flavor. 


Another classic Taiwanese must-try dish would be the Taiwan beef noodles. Though looks like a simple dish, the ingredients are made sure they are in their best state. The noodles are light and cooked firm but remain chewy and sweet, while the beef fork-tender almost melt-in-your-mouth with its intense flavoring. 




Other interesting dishes on the menu are Taiwan Sausage, Tofu Century Egg, Beef Tendon, Black Pepper Beef, Pork Radish Soup, Oyster Misua, Truffle Xiao Long Bao, and String Beans with Minced Pork. 

Fat Fook dining experience 

The dining experience in Fat Fook is likewise leisurely and unhurried, just as it should be when you want to have an enjoyable meal. It also saves one the hassle of spending for airfare, lodging, and other expenses that go with traveling just to eat modern authentic Taiwanese food. Taiwanese food is made easily accessible through Fat Fook. 

More than its modern authentic food, Fat Fook is also proud of its take out counter which offers Taiwan’s famous street food. Everyone can always grab a bite of sumptuous to go food especially if they are in a hurry. And to go with their street food are their famous milk tea choices. And speaking of milk tea, Fat Fook has an exciting news for all its followers and patrons. Its milk tea will be updating its look and packaging, thus there is something to watch out for in a few months. 


You may visit Fat Fook at The Globe Tower, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Opens from Sunday-Saturday, 11AM-10PM. 

Follow them on social media on Instagram @FatFookManila and on Facebook (FatFookManila). 




Thursday, December 6, 2018

Changing the game



The 2018 Top Leaders Forum with the theme: “Changing the Game: Building a Culture of Resilience Through Public-Private Partnership” was held recently at the SMX Convention Center, Manila. Top Leaders Forum brings together the country’s top executives and leaders from the National and Local government, private sector, academe and science community, to discuss concrete actions in achieving disaster resilient communities. Highlight of the 2018 TLF was the launch of SM Prime’s Business Continuity Program (BCP) for its small and medium enterprise (SME) tenants as part of its Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) efforts for its business partners and stakeholders. 


Seen in photo (middle, seated) are SM Prime’s Hans Sy, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Disaster Reduction Mami Mizutori (seated, sixth from left) Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana (seated, eighth from left) and officials of UNISDR, National Resilience Council, ARISE Philippines, government officials and private and public sector partners. 

Top Leaders Forum is organized by the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) and ARISE Philippines, in partnership with SM Prime Holdings and the National Resilience Council (NRC).  

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Discovery Shores Boracay reopens with a sweet treat

Living and Dining Areas - Signature One Bedroom Suite         


Bedroom - Signature Two Bedroom Suite

Following   an   extended   hiatus brought   about   by  the   closure   and   rehabilitation   of   Boracay Island, Discovery Shores Boracay, the award-winning resort that offers the finest in  island hospitality, is raring to reopen its doors once more this October. Waiting in the wings is a warm homecoming for our dear friends and guests—with a special treat in store!

Enjoy a special and irresistible homecoming rate—valid until 31 December 2018, with a stay period of 30 October 2018 to 31 March 2019—of PHP 11,000++ per night in a Junior Suite inclusive of breakfast buffet at Sands Restaurant and round trip Caticlan Airport transfers for two.

Also, for the past couple of months, Discovery Shores Boracay has been quite busy sprucing up the property, with refurbishments done in all guest rooms for a fresher, modern, yet invitinglook that is sure to delight guests. Similarly, the popular dining outlets of Discovery ShoresBoracay—Sands and Indigo—were also given a makeover, along with the front office receptionarea.Discovery Shores Boracay reopens with a sweet treat.

Now if you think that that’s all there is to it, then you’re in for something extra special: the Signature Suites, offering new levels of luxury never before seen or experienced on the island,bringing unique services and unparalleled experiences to the island’s most discerning visitors.
And it does not end there.  Discovery Shores Boracay is also thrilled to introduce an all-newdining outlet called Forno Osteria that serves scrumptious Italian fare in a friendly, relaxedatmosphere as well as a rooftop lounge that offers breathtaking views.

Return guests and loyal patrons will also be pleased to know that the warm, familiar, andattentive staff that has taken extra care of them each time will all be there upon reopening,after they were momentarily reassigned to other Discovery properties to allow them continuousemployment.  The Discovery Group is proud that no  jobs were lost throughout the island’sclosure, with staff all eager to be of service again.

Discovery Shores Boracay is accepting reservations for stays in November 2018 onwards. 

For more details, call the Manila Sales and Reservations Office at (632) 720.8888, 719.6692 to 6695 and 6697 or email reservations@dsb.discovery.com.ph.

Monday, December 3, 2018

Rebisco is ready to take on the world



Legacy snack maker is bringing Filipino delights to a global market


There’s nothing like food to make you feel at home.

For millions of Filipinos living or working all across the globe, a familiar flavor or a well-loved taste can instantly bring back fond memories and rekindle that warm, fuzzy feeling of comfort.

While most Filipino dishes can be recreated in any kitchen, some Pinoy staples require a bit more effort to find.

This is where Rebisco comes in.


The snack food giant has been doubling down on its international business, ‘invading’ key markets armed with delightful sweets and treats.

“Wherever there are Filipinos, we have a market for Rebisco products because our snacks represent a piece of home,” Rebisco President Jonathan C. Ng said. “At the same time, the shared love for food is a universal language that transcends boundaries, languages and cultures. While we bring our diverse portfolio of products to a wider market, we also want to put the Philippines on the global map as a maker of world-class snacks.”

Spreading the love for Filipino-made snacks

Rebisco has been in the export business since early 2000, with key markets including China, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and Myanmar. Among their top export brands are local favorites like Ding Dong, Hansel, Fudgee Barr, Rebisco Sandwich, Doowee Donut, Cupp Keyk and Choco Mucho.

According to Rebisco International Business Group Head Jonnel Mangubat, main consumers vary per export market. “For countries such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, Canada, USA, and Taiwan the main consumers are our overseas Filipinos as these countries are top OFW and Filipino migrant destinations,” he said. “As for China, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Myanmar, we primarily cater to the mainstream aka local consumers. Thus, our products could be found in their supermarkets and wholesalers where local consumers go to.”

Winning over local snack lovers

Marketing strategy varies, depending on the market. “We localize our portfolio and promotions based on the unique consumer needs per country,” Mangubat explained. “While some distributors directly approach us due to our company’s popularity, we mainly enter new markets through participation in international trade missions and food exhibits. As soon as we see market potential and product acceptance, as indicated primarily by consistent orders, we follow through with significant investment in sales and marketing initiatives in order to maximize the business potential.”

Manufacturing is a key success factor for Rebisco’s international business. In 2015, the legacy snack maker opened its Vietnam manufacturing facility, complete with a sales and marketing force. Mangubat added, “Vietnam’s strategic location in the region makes it an ideal manufacturing hub for businesses that want to penetrate the ASEAN markets. Its free trade agreements also make the country more attractive to investors because of the fewer tariffs and restrictions.”

The Vietnam plant produces cakes, biscuits, wafer and cream paste, for domestic and top export markets like China and Myanmar. Rebisco Vietnam has also recently begun export shipments to Hong Kong and Singapore. Mangubat noted that the total operations in Vietnam have steadily doubled its sales in the past five years, with the top-selling brands including Doowee, Krim Stix and Rebisco Extreme.

More reasons to celebrate

As Rebisco celebrates its 55th anniversary this year, the homegrown manufacturer of snack time favorites sees a bright future ahead for its international business.

Ng noted, “We’re optimistic about the sustained growth of our international operations. We continue to evolve with the changing needs of the market—both locally and globally. Good food never goes out of style. Regardless of where you’re from, there’s always a good reason to sit down and enjoy a snack.”


Saturday, December 1, 2018

A legacy of living well with Asset Master


Imparting the legacy of a life well lived is almost every person’s aspiration. With this inmind, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s top insurance companies, organized recently apanel discussion to introduce its latest product and inspire its Filipino clients to think aboutcreating a legacy for the future, free from financial worries.

Asset Master is designed as a single-pay, investment-linked insurance plan that allows a person to build a diversified investment portfolio of local and global investments — a solid foundation on which to build a financial legacy.

AXA Philippines President and CEO Rahul Hora and chief customer officer Amor Balagtas


“Asset Master is your gateway to truly diverse global investments. We want you to leave a lasting legacy for your loved ones so they can continue to live well after you’re gone,” says Rahul Hora, AXA Philippines president and chief executive officer.

True to the affair’s theme, guest speakers were invited to talk about the importance of leaving   a   lasting   legacy.   Entrepreneur   Nico   Moreno   of   homegrown   watch   brand   Ibarra Watches,   third-generation   jewelry   designer   Janina   Dizon,   and   renowned   artist   and   glasssculptor Ramon Orlina — each highly successful in his/her field — shared their insights andpersonal experiences during the panel discussion. 

Ibarra Watches CEO Nico Moreno


A physicist by training, long-time watch aficionado Moreno thought of creating the first Filipino watch brand. “The scientist in me fell in love with the art of watchmaking,” Morenosays. “And, being a staunch nationalist and an admirer of Dr. Jose Rizal, I thought of the brand Ibarra (the main protagonist in one of Rizal’s famous novels, Noli Me Tangere).” 

Janina for Jul Dizon CEO Janina Dizon



Dizon comes from a family of well-known jewellers and designers. Jewelry making is in her DNA. “It runs in my blood. My grandmother was a jeweller, a trade she passed on to my mother so I’m the third generation now,” says Dizon. “My mom would let me sit next to her inher shop, let me interact with her clients. I would also sort stones and count diamonds.”

 
Renowned glass sculptor Ramon Orlina
Orlina is a licensed architect and practiced architecture before moving on to art.  “When there was a decline in my architectural practice in the ’70s, I began to pursue art, which hadalways interested me. I started with painting on glass because modern architecture is steel andglass,” he says.

For these accomplished individuals, living well means being happy with what you do, having peace of mind, and enjoying a fulfilling family life.

Moreno says, “A happy worker enjoys what he’s doing,” while Dizon thinks, “Living well is having the luxury of time as well as being secure in whatever the future will bring.” For hispart, Orlina says, "I’m pleased to have a happy married life, a wife who has been supportive, and kids who excel in their fields.” 

To ensure that their respective legacies are preserved for the future, Moreno has a 10-year plan for his business, while Dizon feels it is vital for her children to carry on her mother’s legacy, especially now that the firm has marked its 40th anniversary. Orlina, on the other hand, opened a museum in Tagaytay City to showcase his works and those of other sculptors.

To learn more about Asset Master, visit axa.com.ph today.

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