Calamity season underscores need for readiness

The height of the wet season in the country isn’t getting much help from the spate of other natural disasters like earthquakes and a string of typhoons. While such upheavals may be considered normal because of our orientation along the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, there’s the even larger context of climate change whose impacts are felt all the way around the world. Climate change or global warming has become evident in recent years as regions experience extreme climates, from warm seasons hitting record-high temperatures to wet seasons exhibiting massive precipitation. This is precisely the reason why organizations from both the public and private sectors call for extra vigilance. As an advocate of safety and awareness, Eveready Philippines is taking an active stance in educating the public about being always ready when disaster strikes. “Now that we are at the height of what we can rightfully call ‘typhoon season’, Filipinos are again reminded to ensure that their family is always ready,” says Energizer representative Johanna V. Emata “This, of course, starts with awareness of certain situations and proper knowledge of which equipment and supplies are needed to be ready for any type of calamity.”

The first thing to do at the onset of any calamity is to keep watch over the situation regardless of whether you are located near disaster-prone areas or not. This means keeping constantly updated with breaking news about the progress of the storm and related developments over television or radio.

It also helps to be oriented on PAGASA’s Public Storm Warning Signals (PSWS) as well as their recently released color-coded rainfall advisory, which would help people be ready for any possible situations. While PSWS corresponds to increasing storm intensity from PSWS#1 to PSWS#4, the rainfall advisory tracks the level of rainfall that determines rising water levels.
 

Code Yellow means heavy rain that will deposit about 7.5 to 15mm of water—a situation that requires constant monitoring of the weather condition because of the possibility of flooding. Code Orange, on the other hand, means intense rain that will deposit about 15 to 30mm of water. This code requires people to be alert for possible evacuation due to threat of floods. Code Red, like any other red-alert status, means danger. With more that 30mm of rainfall, low-lying areas are to expect serious flooding that would require residents to immediately evacuate.

The 2nd OFW & Family Summit

On its second year, the OFW and Family Summit of the Villar Foundation and GoNegosyo once again attracted record number of participants. Overseas Filipino workers (OFW) returnees as well as their families once again trooped to the World Trade Center in Pasay City in full force for the one-day summit on November 22.

Senator Manny Villar and Cynthia Villar—Chairman and Managing Director, respectively, of the Villar Foundation— joined by a representative of Pasay City Mayor Antonio Calixto, GoNegosyo’s founding trustee Joey Conception and Executive Director Ramon Lopez led the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Concepcion and Mrs. Villar led the lineup of speakers and resource persons. The Former Las Pinas Representative emphasized the important role and contribution of OFWs in the country in her speech as she encouraged OFWs and their beneficiaries to handle their salaries and the remittances they receive very well by looking for business opportunities.

Balik Tanaw Kay FPJ: THE FIGHT CONTINUES

The man who was “FPJ” is gone, but his legacy lives on.

FPJ is "Da King" of Philippine cinema. His life story, as well was the stories that he tells in his movies, inspire, not only because they tell of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, which are conquered by pure and honest intentions and unwavering hopefulness in the goodness of the Filipino hero.

At an early age, FPJ’s father passed away, which forced him to drop out of high school, and carry the responsibilities of the head of the family. He started in the movies as a stuntman, and worked his way up to being the “bida,” and would eventually earn the title of being the undisputed “King of Philippine Cinema” or “Da King.”

Throughout his struggles, he never forgot his humble beginnings. He never forgot how it is to be poor and the poor always preoccupied his mind and ruled his heart. He was naturally generous-hearted. He did not only give, he lived a life of giving. He helped everyone, even those he barely knew. Whenever he can help it, he would shy away from the camera. This sincerity in giving a part of himself has endeared him to many, if not to all Filipinos. He is not just a hero in the movies, he proved to be a bigger hero in real life.

Peri-Peri Gill House in Greenhills Promenade

It is no secret how we Filipinos love chicken very much. But what if it is not the usual type of  crispy-icious and juicy-licious Pinoy recipe that we can never outgrow? That I personally took as a challenge and to be very honest it was hard to deviate from the gold standard chicken that I used to know- be it fried or not. Peri-Peri Gill House is a casual type of restaurant that is popular for its Portuguese style grilled chicken. Wherever you go there are all sorts of chicken recipe that are worth-trying for and this one from Peri-Peri comes with their signature hot pepper sauces that mainly use the African birds eye chili. So now let me share you my dining experience at their branch in my hometown San Juan City. Allow me to start with their core product- the legendary Portuguese style grilled chicken!

1 Whole Per-Peri Chicken (Lemon & Garlic)  PhP 490

1 Whole Peri-Peri Chicken (Mild)  PhP 490

Araneta Center's Dairy Queen Dress Me Up Fashion Event

I was invited by a blogger friend named Steph to cover and witness an event for Araneta Center's Dress Me Up: A Fashion Bloggers’ Event last November 10, Saturday. It teams up with Dairy Queen for an exclusive holiday fashion event featuring the fabulous Binibining Pilipinas 2012 winners! I was so unsure of my work schedule when she messaged me weeks before the event but I was so elated by the fact that this will be such a wonderful experience for me especially that I am an avid fan of DQ since time immemorial. Just a day before the event I confirmed my attendance and in no time I found myself inside the Gateway Suites Sapphire Ballroom.Certainly, I came in my most chic Black and Red attire to nicely blend with the crowd.

DQ Blizzard treats for everyone! For your information, the latest delectable treats from Dairy Queen are as follows: the Black Forest Blizzard, Black Forest MooLatte, Black Forest Blizzard Cake, and DQ Christmas Dilly Bar!

Starbucks Christmas 2012 Kick Off Party in Bonifacio Global City

Everybody was happily invited to the much-awaited Starbucks Kick-Off Party of the year. It was actually announced at the Starbucks Philippines Facebook Fan Page three days before the event. It was held at the open area in front of Starbucks Bonifacio High Street from 5PM to 8PM last November 3, Saturday.  Had it not been to my dear friend I would have missed this great event. As a coffeeholic I learned to appreciate Starbucks blends and its yearly Cheer Party and Nights of Christmas. Even though I was not yet a blogger then, I excitedly attended most of their public events provided that it is accessible to me. Of course I am always with my best buddy and some of my close friends.

My buddy and I were there at past 5PM and it was just after an hour that we finally got our orders. I went searching for a table and seats, while he tediously fall in line. Certainly, it was a successful event! Showing you above the queue inside the Starbucks store.

Pogi Points: The Not-So-Gentleman’s Guide to Looking Good

Just when you think you’ve read it all, a book like Pogi Points comes your way to burst your bubble. Soldiers of love, beware.

Stanley Chi, the genius behind the bestselling Suplado Tips series (read: over PhP2M worth of books sold in just one year) goes out of his comfort zone to write a “not-so-gentleman’s guide to looking good”, as the cover of his newest book, Pogi Points, announces brazenly.

Chi is out to prove he’s not a one-hit wonder after his first humor book, Suplado Tips, underwent reprinting five times in a year. The follow-up Suplado Tips 2 fared just as well, if not better, establishing Chi’s reputation as a legit writer who can sell books to people who don’t normally love reading.

Pogi Points is a collection of tips on how to get ahead in love through strategic behavior. It teaches the naïve boy how to act around his object of admiration (or obsession, whichever applies). 

Red Buffalo Wings and Pizza: A True Americal Original in Greenhills Town Center

I recently discovered a new and upbeat diner near my residence in San Juan City and it is called Red Buffalo Wings & Pizza. Yours truly was actually invited by OpenRice Philippines along with fellow food bloggers at this small yet attractive restaurant in my hometown that is just a stone's throw away from home. A type of American diner or a New York themed fast causal resto with a mixture of new and traditional American food styles, that is owned and operated by Ms Cheska Zamora herself. I asked her point-blank if she is in any way related to the incumbent Vice Mayor of San Juan City, Francis Zamora but she honestly answered me how she wished. So if ever you'll encountering her in the future, you already know the answer.

It has a cheerful ambiance that is very conducive for groups of people who enjoy hanging out late at night enjoying their set of comfort foods like burgers, pizzas, fries, pastas and milkshakes. So if you are from San Juan like me or anywhere near like Ortigas, Mandaluyong and New Manila, Quezon City and looking for certified true American meal, I must bet this is the right venue for you and your friends. No worries for the store schedule as it is open daily from 11AM until 12MN but closes at 2AM every Fridays and Saturdays. It has ample parking space as well. You cannot easily notice this restaurant as if you traverse Granada Street as McDonald's is the first thing that'll cross your eyes. It is actually located at the back part of Mc Donald's and my friend Yedy and I used the drive-thru to access the place easily.

This is the side view of the newest American diner in town. For the meantime, the management opted to run this very store first and hopefully soon they'll be opening another branch near you. So it is something we must watch out.

Village Tavern in Bonifacio High Street Central

It was my first time ever at this newest member of the Bistro Group of Restaurants called Village Tavern, located at the prime spot of Bonifacio High Street Central particularly at the second level. It is known to many as  the best in classic American cuisine served in a warm and inviting atmosphere. And did you know that this is considered the 11th Village Tavern restaurant here in the Philippines and also the first international store outside of the United States of America?  My curiosity was really piqued by those great information about the place and made me more interested in knowing their offerings and meeting new faces as well. So does VT met my expectation or not???!! I came from a pleasant job interview and offer that day so I guess it is but proper that my experience here is something that is congruent with how my day went.

The Village Tavern in Bonifacio Global City was built April of this year, but the brand was established in 1984 in North Carolina. As per my research, Village Tavern was inspired by the tradition of the Old World tavern treated as a hub for information, entertainment and nourishment. Hence, the heart and soul of the community.

Something Old and Something New at Chateau 1771

In-the-know food players understand that the key for loyal patrons to keep coming back are the new food offerings that regularly evolve—it’s like a nurturing long term relationship that will keep both parties constantly excited. While this is true, many will agree that there’s also always something charming about the old that deserves a big come back.

Like Chateau 1771, it has managed to keep up with a reputation of serving the finest No Borders Cuisine since the 80’s back when it was still in its original Malate home. Evoking the feel-good vibe of exquisite flavors of Swiss, Italian, and French, Chateau 1771 was able to make a winning concoction that kept foodies linger over the past two decades.

Now residing in its posh and upscale Greenbelt address, Chateau 1771 remained on top-of-mind for those who wish to experience only the finest in dining. Yes, Chateau 1771 is for people who understand that food is a crucial part of planning in every occasion that deserves a celebration. But of course, those who wish to make an ordinary day transform into something special, starting with gourmet food is the way to go. So before the year comes to a close and in preparation for Chateau's 25th year anniversary next year, Executive Chef Vicky Rose Pacheco rounds out the quarter with a new batch of dishes brining back old flavors, which will surely change the way a gourmet food is defined. Here’s a sample degustation menu that possess the gloss of luxury, an experience that’s packed with allure from all angles. 

For starter one shouldn’t miss the Salmon Pillows (PhP300 net, 2 pieces) showcasing salmon in whole new different light: bits of salmon flakes encased in golden puff pastry over mango cream sauce and basil flakes, this is a revival from the old menu wherein a more high tech way of baking it makes the waiting time shorter. Light, soft, and airy, the combination makes the texture exciting while salmon and mango makes a refreshing, palate-tickling sensation.

Sentro’s Sinigang na Corned Beef: A Tribute to Ten Years

With a little imagination, fresh ingredients, and the right kind of meat, Sentro 1771 was not only able to make a unique spin on Filipinos’ ultimate comfort food-- it’s a signature as dish certified every balikbayan’s favorite! 

A brainchild of Executive Chef Vicky Rose Pacheco of Chateau 1771 Group of Restaurants, Sinigang na Corned Beef is possibly the most creative take on the usual sinigang that everyone knows. In the Philippines where a full roster of vegetables and high quality meats are in play, cooking up anything is practically always in season for chefs. But there’s something so charming about an accidental dish, especially if it turns out to be quite historic. It’s like cooking at home, making sure each ingredient works from the little scraps and pieces and turn it into another dish you can call deliciously your own. 

Like Sinigang na Corned Beef, it’s one of the dishes that’s considered very special for its monumental discovery. While ever busy in the kitchen and thinking then of putting into good use excess corned beef broth from the first menu of Chateau 1771 then in El Pueblo, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Chef Vicky came up with an idea: why not make the corned beef broth into sinigang soup? All it needed was souring ingredient and the usual beef brisket could be substituted with beef cuts with sinews, fat and bones---these are what makes for a hearty soup. Well, the result is history, the dish not only came out to be Sentro’s signature favorite, it’s a heartwarming soup, flavorful and meaty, exactly what one craves for.