Browsing Category

Lifestyle

Food, Lifestyle

JOIN IN THE CELEBRATION OF FATHER’S DAY WITH THE PERFECT WHISKY

A sip for every deserving father, according on his nature

Father’s day is fast approaching. A lot of us wonder what’s the ideal gift for our beloved father, as for me a perfect whisky will never be out of style. This Father’s Day, independent, family-owned distiller William Grant & Sons has launched a gift list offering a number of flagship expressions from Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, and Monkey Shoulder to make choosing the ideal gift for a worthy father a little easier. Either he’s your tough and stern father, an honorary father figure in your life, or your closest friend who recently became a new dad, take the time to recognize and appreciate them in June with a heartfelt gift that suits his style and character.

Each whisky, just like every father figure, has its unique personality. Instead of the standard socks, tie, or mug, use the guide we’ve created to help you traverse our whisky variety and select the ideal match for your father-figure based on what makes him tick, what he does in his leisure time, and what important to him.

All of the expressions are available in-store at S&R and online at the following e-tailers:

                  LIQUOR.PH  /  BOOZESHOP   /  BOOZY  /  CLINK  /  HURRYS.PH

GLENFIDDICH OUR ORIGINAL TWELVE 

For the affable dad who always challenges you to be the best version of yourself

He appreciates good quality, knows what he likes and sticks to it. He’s the kind of man who likes to do things properly, and is always more than willing to roll up his sleeves to help get the job done well. He always challenges you to be a better person.

His approachable nature matches the Glenfiddich Our Original Twelve. Boasting sweet, subtle notes of pear and oak, it’s a quintessential example of the Speyside style. With a long smooth and mellow finish, it is widely proclaimed the best dram in the valley that satisfies everyone from whisky novices to seasoned sippers. No less than the best for our #1 dad!

GLENFIDDICH OUR SOLERA FIFTEEN

For the bold, progressive dad who’s always looking to try something new 

He loves a side project and is always exploring, researching and experimenting with something new. When he walks into a room, people can feel his presence. They love to be around him and are inspired by his ideas. His pioneering spirit informs all that he does, similar to the inspired way the Glenfiddich Our Solera Fifteen was created.

Using a technique pioneered by Malt Master, Brian Kinsman, this expression is finished in a Solera Vat inspired by the sherry bodegas of Spain and Portugal. The result is a whisky that is satisfyingly rich with lingering sweetness, tasting of sherry oak, marzipan and ginger. Silky smooth and full bodied, the Glenfiddich Our Solera Fifteen is bursting with flavour that is guaranteed to spice up dad’s day. Together they inspire others by just being themselves – bold, confident, and innovative.

GLENFIDDICH OUR SMALL BATCH EIGHTEEN 

For the self-assured dad who holds his own in any situation 

A man with elegant taste, he is effortlessly stylish and appreciates the finer things in life. He is traditional, yet modern, complex, yet versatile and approachable. He knows what he wants and will not settle for anything less.

Renowned for its luxurious and silky finish, the Glenfiddich Our Small Batch Eighteen is a truly exceptional single malt, one that will live up to dad’s expectations. Produced in small batches, this expression is informed by knowledge passed down through generations. Its character comes from an intense marrying period, resulting in a warm, rewarding and distinguished finish. Remarkably rich and luxurious, with complex layers of dried fruit, candy peel and elegant oak, this delicately crafted, full-bodied dram is the perfect dram to delight dad with.

THE BALVENIE DOUBLEWOOD 12 YEAR OLD

For the dad who loves tradition 

He is quiet, thoughtful and values heritage and legacy. For the dad that appreciates simple handcrafted luxuries over fancy gifts, reward him with The Balvenie Doublewood 12 Year Old.

Handcrafted by craftsmen who have dedicated their working lives to the trade, The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old gains its distinctive character from being matured in two different wood types. The traditional casks soften and add delicate character, while the sherry wood brings depth and fullness of flavour. The long and warming finish will definitely give dad the finest experience of his life.

THE BALVENIE CARRIBEAN CASK 14 YEAR OLD

For the dad who never stops exploring 

He has always been a trailblazer, adventure seeker, and explorer. Today, he is ever-ready to try something different with you and is there with you every step of the way. For the well-travelled dad, take him on a journey with The Balvenie Carribean Cask 14 Year Old.

This single malt whisky has been matured in traditional oak whisky casks for 14 years before being transferred to casks that previously held Caribbean rum, giving it a taste rounded with vanilla and sweet oak notes, with a fruity character that develops with time. The result is the classic Balvenie flavour with a tropical sweetness, an ideal balance of familiarity and newness that makes it the perfect partner for adventure.

THE BALVENIE DOUBLEWOOD 17 YEAR OLD

For the dad who’s built a legacy 

Steadfast and discerning, he has forged his own distinctive legacy. Over the years he’s refined his palate and knows what he likes. The Balvenie DoubleWood 17 Year Old is the perfect gift, for the dad who deserves an extra special dram. Bearing distinct characteristics derived from the consecutive maturation in two different types of cask, The Balvenie Doublewood 17 adds a striking richness and complexity with his deeper vanilla notes, hints of green apple and creamy toffee. This refined legacy makes for the perfect companion for dad; both have stood the test of time and stay true to their distinctive character and heart.

MONKEY SHOULDER

For the coolest dad on the block 

Truly the crowd favourite, we all love the dad who is the life and soul of the party. If your dad dons his playful and cheeky personality like a crown, Monkey Shoulder is just the right companion for him. Here to inject fun and playfulness to what many see as a stiff and stuffy world of whisky, Monkey Shoulder is for the cheeky dad who loves to pull a prank or two.

Made from small batches of different speyside single malts expertly blended then married together, Monkey Shoulder has a richness and vibrancy which combines flawlessly with fruity aromas and mellow vanilla notes. Just like the life of the party, Monkey Shoulder stands out as the perfect 100% malt whisky made for mixing. So go, mix up a storm dad!

Share a glass of any of the finest whisky from William Grant & Sons, and celebrate the best way possible with the father-figure in your life.

 

June 11, 2021 by
Lifestyle, News

On TikTok, we’re celebrating compassion

TikTok attracts users from all over the world who want to be entertained and express themselves creatively. People detailing the sources of their distinct features through the mosaic trend to sharing their customs and traditional meals with #culturechallenge are just some of the things that make TikTok such a distinct place. Through the #ItStartsOnTikTok campaign last year, TikTok recognized creators, diversity, community, and culture on the platform that brought positivity and joy to life. We’re motivated by a desire to provide a friendly atmosphere for our global community, so we’ve added a number of features over the last year targeted at encouraging kindness and eliminating bullying.

Today we’re taking another step with the launch of #CreateKindness, a global campaign and a creative video series aimed at raising awareness around online bullying and how we can all choose kindness.

Promoting awareness around bullying

At TikTok, we value the trust of our community and work hard to maintain it by cultivating an inclusive atmosphere. Bullying behavior damages the trust-based nature of the app by harming people’s confidence in themselves. We’re mindful that although in-app interactions may seem harmless to some, the impact of people’s online experiences don’t always disappear when they close the app. This is why we greatly value the stories from our community about their experiences and why we invest in measures to help TikTok remain a place where kindness and compassion thrive.

As part of our ongoing commitment to promote online kindness, we’re launching on our @TikTokTips account an animated video series that tells the real and personal stories of six creator-animators whose distinct animation styles complements their diverse experiences.

Through their videos, these talented creators offer perspectives on how to counter bullying, show the unintended impact this harmful behavior can have, and remind us why it’s important that we work together to prevent it.

  • In “Block the Bullies” @milkymichii shows how to deal with unkind Duets.
  • Through the introspective “Why Would You…” @recokh illuminates how his insecurities are behind the desire to be unkind to others and how to navigate these feelings.
  • With “I Want to Hold On To” @kellyemmrich shares how to overcome negative comments by focusing on the communities that celebrate her.
  • In “Walk Away” @amyrightmeow gives advice on how they deal with people intentionally misrepresenting their thoughts.
  • In “Power of Words” @rosie.gif explores the impact that micro-aggressions can have and implores people to think before they post.
  • Through “What We Don’t See” @king.science encourages people to treat one another with care and compassion.

By using their distinctive animation styles and voices, and revealing themselves at the end of the videos, these creators drive home an important message: behind every account is a real human being who deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.

Spreading kindness on TikTok

TikTok communities thrive when kindness and care are at the forefront. Videos using hashtags related to kindness, including #love, #kindness have garnered over 400 billion views and generated almost 50 billion video creations around the world.

Heart stickers and creative effects are also among the most popular product features used on TikTok to celebrate kindness. These have been added to over 2 billion videos globally in the past year, with our communities in the US, Philippines, Indonesia, Brazil, and Mexico using them the most.

Fostering kindness on TikTok

We’re committed to promoting well-being and positive online behavior as we strive to make meaningful and enjoyable experiences possible for everyone. This includes working to remove content and accounts associated with harassment and bullying. Bullying is not tolerated on TikTok, and we work to combat it through our policies, features, and partners as we continue to champion comprehensive approaches to online safety.

In conjunction to these videos, we ask our audience to join the #CreateKindness hashtag challenge by making TikTok videos of heartwarming experiences and remarks that inspire you to promote kindness. We invite our community to select, celebrate, and generate kindness with one another every day through this campaign. Are you new to TikTok? To learn more, go to the Apple App Store, Google Play, or Amazon and download the app for free.

 

 

June 11, 2021 by
Lifestyle, News

GLENFIDDICH Accompanies WITH WHERE NEXT? CAMPAIGN TO INTRODUCE SOUTH EAST ASIAN CHANGEEMAKERS TOGETHER

Where Next, a campaign aimed at encouraging others to venture out of their comfort zones and embrace difficulties in order to achieve meaningful progress, has been launched by the World’s Most Awarded Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and, of course, the Philippines are all part of the campaign.

Glenfiddich has a long tradition of pushing itself to new heights, paving the way for others to follow, and always asking, “Where Next?” Mavericks, people who represent the changemaker spirit, everyday individuals who are daring enough to challenge themselves to build their own paths, generating change even when the odds are stacked against them, are at the heart of the Where Next campaign. Glenfiddich’s Where Next also features an intriguing collaboration with TEDx groups across the region, including TEDxSingapore, TEDxKL, TEDxJakarta, TEDxBangkok, and TEDxDiliman for the Philippines, by offering ImagineNext, a sequence of riveting lectures by local speakers throughout Southeast A

“Being the World’s Most Awarded Single Malt Scotch Whisky says a lot about how much we constantly push ourselves out of our comfort zone to be better. We believe everyone possesses this Maverick spirit – one that inspires them to always look at ways to improve, aiming for the next stage in their personal and professional growth,” said Brett Bayly, Regional Brand Ambassador for Glenfiddich in South East Asia. “It’s this ‘Where Next’ ethos that drives Glenfiddich, and our Where Next campaign celebrates the idea that growth can only come by continually embracing the unknown. Through reaching out directly to our community, partnering with TEDx-communities and collaborating with diverse Mavericks, we want to invite them to join us on a grand adventure of self-discovery across all important stages of their lives,” he added.

Explore introspection with Glenfiddich’s Where Next Instagram experience

To offer a first taste of the campaign to its community, Glenfiddich has launched a digital experience to encourage its community to start thinking about how they can challenge themselves and their norms. With the Where Next Instagram experience, the simple digital exercise allows thoughtful questions to be posed to its community and their friends, such as “Tag your role model. Why are they your inspiration?” and “What’s one thing you always wanted to try, but never dared to?” With this first step, Glenfiddich seeks to motivate more Mavericks to develop an unwavering spirit to improve themselves.

To access the digital experience, follow Glenfiddich on its Instagram page (@glenfiddichsea).

Brett Bayly, Regional Brand Ambassador for Glenfiddich in South East Asia using the Glenfiddich Where Next Instagram experience

Glenfiddich sponsors ImagineNext by TEDx-communities: Audacious transformations and inventive solutions that lead to bold new conversations and creations

To further bring the impact of Where Next to its community, Glenfiddich has sponsored TEDx communities across the region, TEDxSingapore, TEDxKL, TEDxJakarta, TEDxBangkok, and TEDxDiliman for the Philippines, to enable its first-ever collaboration across five markets in South East Asia, ImagineNext. The series of conversations brings together the pioneering maverick spirit of Glenfiddich and the TEDx community to explore deeper connections and inspire people across South East Asia.

ImagineNext spotlights each city’s Mavericks, visionaries and trailblazers of new paths, to iterate their take on the word ‘Imagine’, exploring the unique diversity within the region, bringing about bold new conversations triggered by audacious transformations and inventive solutions.

TEDxDiliman speakers Leeroy New

Veejay Villafranca

From TEDXSingapore’s discussion on the future of social entrepreneurship by Grace Sai, to TEDxJakarta’s talk on developing creative solutions to address the global food crisis by entrepreneur and Brand Director of KAUM Lisa Virgiano, the ImagineNext series aims to inspire the next set of trailblazers who can passionately contribute to the betterment of the world. The esteemed set of speakers have been selected to embody the vision of the Glenfiddich brand, to bravely be Mavericks, and to inspire others to become Mavericks.

Diliman: Imagine Kultura

TEDxDiliman will celebrate the rich history of Philippine culture and how the Filipinos are able to foster a bright future for the nation, inspired by the diverse cultures present in the country. Mavericks in Diliman will explore how cultures can be bridged together to take on the next 500 years.

One of the Philippines’ most exciting young contemporary artists, Leeroy New is an artist-designer who is among the youngest recipients of the prestigious Thirteen Artists Award, a recognition conferred by the Cultural Centre of the Philippines. He shares his unique perspective on the impact of the intersectionality of film, theater, product design and fashion. Veejay Villafranca is a lecturer at the Asian Center for Journalism and at the College of Saint Benilde. Having started out in journalism as a staff photographer for a national news magazine, he became a full-time documentary photographer. He shares his views on issues such as changing Filipino cultural practices.

To know more about the topics and featured speakers for ImagineNext, visit www.glenfiddich imaginext.com. Episodes are aired weekly and specifically for TEDxDiliman, the episode will be released on 10 June 2021, 8pm.

Delve deeper into the insightful minds of Mavericks

In addition to the ImagineNext talks, join Glenfiddich and TEDx Mavericks on weekly Clubhouse and Instagram Live sessions as the speakers explore what it means to be a Maverick in their experience, and have the opportunity to interact with them firsthand. More details will be provided on these sessions at a later date.

For more information, follow Glenfiddich on social (@glenfiddichsea) or visit https://glenfiddichimaginenext.com/

 

June 10, 2021 by
Lifestyle

Share your recipes on Tiktok and use #SarapMagingPinoy

TikTok and the Department of Tourism have teamed up to create the #SarapMagingPinoy campaign, which aims to encourage more locals to celebrate Filipino pride by showcasing cherished meals from all over the nation and encouraging the love of national cuisine among its residents across various platforms. This digital campaign aims to provide viewers with a one-of-a-kind experience of exploring the Philippines through a variety of food content, emphasizing the importance of food in our culture.

One of the best, and most enjoyable ways to learn about a culture is through their food. The tastes, textures, and flavors of a country’s cuisine reflect its rich heritage and history, and tell their own unique tales about every place, its people, and way of life. Here in the Philippines, we take such pride in our food that we have been recognized around the world as a culinary hub. Apart from being known as sociable people who love to gather around the table with friends and family, Filipinos also like to share our gastronomical delights online.

As TikTok’s official partner, the Department of Tourism believes in the great potential of the Philippines as a center of gastronomy, owing to its rich cuisine, it also reflects our history, cultural diversity, the stories of our destinations and way of life. By community food mapping, or associating food with culture and a specific destination, a more compelling story for travel is created, with food as an integral part of a traveler’s journey.

“On TikTok, hundreds of Filipinos have joined countless other foodie creators from all over the globe, who post about their native cuisine. Our food vertical showcases the history of our food, educating the new generation and others outside of the Philippines of how diverse and rich the Philippine culture really is. Because of this, browsing through the variety of food content on the platform can almost seem like a virtual culinary tour,” says Celina Tan, TikTok PH Marketing Manager.

According to Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, “Food has been cooked using recipes passed down through generations, creating cuisines distinct to each region, and flavors unique to each province. And because food has come to define a particular place, it has called out to visitors seeking to try new dishes and experience different tastes. The art of eating has become a powerful motivator for traveling and we, at the DOT, will make Filipino food an integral part of the traveler’s journey.”

Users can participate in the #SarapMagingPinoy campaign by sharing cooking videos featuring the best foods from their cities from June 1 to 15, 2021. Videos must include a brief introduction that informs viewers about the cuisine and its place of origin. The campaign’s core concept of exhibiting Filipino patriotism should also be included in the video beginning, as well as the important line, ‘Sarap maging Pinoy.’ Users must include the hashtag #SarapMagingPinoy in the video title, as well as a hashtag that shows your city of origin, in the format #Lutong(city), such as #LutongCebu or #LutongDavao.

Visit and learn more the #SarapMagingPinoy campaign page on TikTok. Lastly, celebrate Pinoy pride, and share your best #SarapMagingPinoy dishes on TikTok.

Don’t forget to download TikTok on your iOS and Android devices today.

 

 

 

 

June 9, 2021 by
Lifestyle, News

Grab Philippines and FoodSHAP have teamed together to improve meal delivery in the Philippines

Grab Philippines today announced new steps to enhance the level for food delivery sector safety, cleanliness, and quality standards in honor of World Food Safety Day. Grab Philippines has partnered with the Food Safety and Hygiene Academy of the Philippines (FoodSHAP) and taken extra steps to assure cleanliness, safety, and quality throughout the food delivery process. These initiatives are part of Grab’s larger GrabProtect program, which aims to set the bar higher for food safety and quality in the Philippines, offering customers peace of mind that their food orders are prepared according to strict safety and quality standards.

With more consumers relying on food delivery services for their everyday meals, their expectations on food delivery platforms have grown – placing a huge premium on safety and quality. As the industry leader in food delivery, Grab Philippines is taking the lead in effecting positive change. This partnership with FoodSHAP and new measures will further strengthen consumer trust in the Grab platform and in our partners, contributing to improved sales, and better livelihoods.

Grab Philippines will continue to leverage its platform and partnership with FoodSHAP to implement a range of measures and initiatives that will continue to raise the standards of safety, hygiene, and quality throughout the entire food delivery life cycle.

  • Food safety training for all merchant- and delivery-partners. Starting June 2021, Grab Philippines and FoodSHAP will conduct monthly food safety and quality training for its merchant-partners through the GrabAcademy Merchant platform and webinars. To ensure the safety and cleanliness throughout the food delivery life cycle, Grab Philippines will also conduct mandatory food safety training to its delivery-partners through the GrabAcademy platform – offering online courses developed by FoodSHAP.

    FoodSHAP is the Philippines’ first and leading educational institution at the forefront of food safety and quality with years of expertise in developing internationally-recognized certificate programs for top chefs, restaurant owners, and food handlers. FoodSHAP is the first food safety certificate program developer in Asia to be fully accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and is recognized by the Department of Health (DOH) and accredited by the Department of Education (DepEd).

Grab Philippines is the first platform in the country to offer food safety courses to its partners, and is also the first platform to collaborate with FoodSHAP in offering best-in-class learning experiences to merchant- and delivery-partners on safety and hygiene protocols, proper food handling, and food quality assurance.

  • Helping merchant partners enhance their service quality standards. Apart from the food safety and quality training, Grab Philippines will also introduce new measures to help merchant-partners continuously improve their service quality standards.

    Grab will provide its merchant-partners real-time consumer feedback focusing on food safety and quality, allowing them to address key consumer issues and enhance their service quality and performance. This will be done through the introduction of the Merchant Quality Score where performance against key performance indicators and customer feedback on food safety and quality will be shared directly with merchant-partners in-app. This aims to allow merchants to refer to detailed feedback, identify areas of improvement, and refer to tips on what to do to improve their business.

  • Conducting food safety and quality audits. Grab Philippines will hire an internal auditor to conduct food safety and quality audits to ensure that merchant-partners are able to continuously maintain the service quality and adhere to the food safety protocols.

 “As an advocate for food safety, we want to empower the public in promoting a positive food safety culture, making every meal we prepare and serve be safe for consumption. The organization believes that collaborative efforts are vital as Food Safety is everyone’s business. This partnership with Grab Philippines is something that we are proud of–we are looking forward to helping our countrymen in safeguarding their health especially during these times of pandemic. Let us all team up for food safety for a safe and healthy tomorrow,” says Elsie Gatpayat, Director of FoodSHAP

According to Greg Camacho, Head of GrabFood Philippines, “The food delivery industry in the Philippines has provided meaningful services to many of our kababayans, and as we continue to grow and serve the needs of our consumers, we should also continue to raise the bar on safety, hygiene, and quality to outserve their needs and expectations. We are committed to leveraging our platform to raise the safety and hygiene standards in the food delivery industry in the Philippines, and by doing so, we are able to provide consumers with greater peace of mind every time they order from our platform, contributing to the business of our merchant partners, and the livelihoods of our delivery-partners. Our partnership with FoodSHAP is a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts on food safety and quality, and we will continue to innovate and introduce meaningful initiatives to help meet the ever-changing needs of our kababayans.”

 

 

 

 

June 8, 2021 by
Lifestyle

Receive the first Safety Seal from Pasig City LGU: Estancia Mall

The highest safety standards that would help people shop safely during the pandemic is to give the shoppers an assurance that their safe and the local government of Pasig was recently conferred the safety seal to Estancia Mall.

Since the start of COVID-19 pandemic, Ortigas Malls have put in place protocols that have made malling a positive, stress-free experience, with the well-being and safety of shoppers of paramount importance. This includes the use of accredited contact tracing apps such as SafePass and strict implementation of IATF’s mandated safety protocols.

The Safety Seal Certification Program issued by the City Government of Pasig aims to assure the customers and the public in general of establishments’ compliance with the minimum public health standards set by the government in all private business establishments, selected public places, and government offices. The Safety Seal will be valid for six (6) months from the date it was issued. It’s renewable, subject to continued compliance with the given eligibility requirements.

“This Safety Seal showcases Ortigas Malls’ commitment to the safety and convenience of mall-goers as well as the greater community. It is also an assurance that we will continuously find long-lasting solutions to help mall-goers once again do things that they enjoy, such as shopping and dining out with their loved ones, all while giving them peace of mind,” said Arch. Renee Bacani, VP for Ortigas Malls.

Everytime you visit to Estancia, mall-goers can enjoy shopping and strolling, knowing that they’re being cared for. Head to Estancia at Capitol Commons with your loved ones for a safe, secure and fun-filled malling experience.

For more information, you may check their official Facebook pages – Greenhills,  Tiendesitas, Estancia, and Industria.

 

 

June 5, 2021 by
Lifestyle, News

Have you missed to get something from the store? GrabExpress Pabili allows you to place an order and have it delivered to you safely

Do you want specific tools to repair your broken faucet? Do you need to acquire some pain relief right away? Or maybe you’re planning a surprise party and need some party supplies? We’ve all been in that situation. You suddenly find you’ve ran out of something just when you need it. Fortunately, Grab, Southeast Asia’s most popular everyday superapp, has a trustworthy answer for such situations.

GrabExpress Pabili is a new on-demand shopping service from GrabExpress. Consumers can use the app to arrange delivery partners and place orders for a variety of products. It may be diapers for your child, personal care products for the entire family, equipment from the local hardware shop, or even candles and paper plates for a last-minute get-together. You can pay for the item using a credit card, a debit card, or cash when it is delivered.

How GrabExpress Pabili Works

Users can easily ask a Grab delivery-partner to buy items from any nearby store through GrabExpress Pabili. Here’s how to place a Pabili order on Grab:

  1. Open the Grab app and click on the Pabili icon
  2. Indicate the nearby store where your desired item/s can be bought
  3. Once directed to the Purchase Information tab, fill out the item/s you wish to order and indicate the estimated total price
  4. Click ‘Next’ to confirm your payment method
  5. Book your delivery and wait for a delivery-partner to accept your order

What Items Can You Get With GrabExpress Pabili?

Since its launch in 2020, GrabExpress Pabili has become a trusted and reliable solution for many consumers. The service now covers the entire metro, giving you and your ‘Kuya Grab’ access to many products. You can get your favorite snack from the nearest convenience store, a pot of succulents from the plant store or a lightbulb from the hardware store.

Here are some of the items consumers buy through the GrabExpress Pabili feature:

Health supplements

Health is wealth during these trying times, and it comes as no surprise that many Filipinos are re-stocking  vitamins to better protect themselves and their families. Some commonly requested items are multivitamins such as Conzace and Calciumade, and over-the-counter relief for minor ailments.

Pandesal

Almost no Filipino breakfast is complete without the inviting aroma of soft, warm,  freshly-baked pandesal. Whether eaten by itself, dipped into coffee, or finished off with your spread and filling of choice, pandesal is a classic snack to munch on and best enjoyed at the start of each day. If you find yourself missing the familiar taste of pandesal, there’s no need to wait – a delivery-partner can buy a bag and bring it to you in no time!

Paper plates

Filipinos are, by nature, very social people.  We enjoy throwing parties (safely, of course!) and pakain, especially when it means being able to share memories and laughter with loved ones over our favorite food. Paper plates for gatherings have therefore become a popular item on GrabExpress Pabili when people have forgotten to pick them up at the grocery, or ran into a shortage during time spent with friends and family.

Samgyeopsal

GrabExpress Pabili is no stranger to the Korean wave! With many Filipinos missing the experience of traveling to Korea, going to Korean barbecue joints with their friends, or just simply craving Korean barbecue from watching mukbang vlogs, cooking kits for the crowd favorite samgyeopsal, with its rich and delectable flavors, also lands in the top five most popular Pabili items!

GrabExpress Pabili ensures that customers can easily purchase their essentials without having to leave their homes, proving that when it comes to practicality, reliability, and everyday convenience, Grab is here to bring all your needs straight to you.

Users of GrabExpress Pabili may choose to pay through GrabPay, debit/credit card, or cash. Currently, consumers in the following locations can also enjoy the convenience of GrabExpress Pabili: Metro Manila, Bacolod, Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, GenSan,Iloilo, Legazpi, Lipa, Olongapo, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zamboanga.

Need a quick purchase but have no time to run to the store? Make the most out of GrabExpress Pabili today to get your hands on your everyday needs! For more information on this feature, visithttps://www.grab.com/ph/blog/grabexpresspabili/ and check out Pabili on the Grab app!

June 2, 2021 by
Lifestyle

The adventure of Jill Sandique in Cacao Industry

Jill Sandique is well known for her passion in innovating the cacao business not just here in the Philippines but also in the international market. A lot have seen how she wanted to help many people in this kind of field and her dedication to pursue this because of her childhood dream. Let’s discover the adventure of Jill Sandique from being culinary educator and consultant to being a great pursuer of cacao business.

A pastry chef’s cacao journey

Her work on chocolate for more than 25 years as a culinary educator and consultant has led pastry chef Jill Sandique back to a childhood passion. Chef Jill headed the board of judges at the 2021 Philippine Cacao Quality Awards (PCQA) which selected the winning entries to represent the Philippines at the Cocoa of Excellence (CoEx) Programme during the Salon du Chocolatin Paris this coming October.

Chef Jill has studied chocolate making abroad, eventually completing the Career French Pastry Program at Peter Kump’s New York Cooking School (now the Institute of Culinary Education) where she graduated with the most coveted BlueRibbon Award in 1992 (and later inducted into its Alumni Hall of Achievement). She witnessed the emergence of artisanchocolate making which nurtured her appreciation for the craft.

When she came back to the Philippines, she developed her signature pistachio sans rival and mango pavlova, beloved specialty desserts she became known for. Inbetween her duties as chef instructor and consultant, she worked with cocoa and chocolate manufacturers and distributors locally as well as in Singapore andIndonesia to develop recipes for them and her own clients.

Her longest collaboration at 17 years is with Commodity Quest, Inc., which exclusively imports the premium cacao powder and chocolate ingredients under the deZaanbrand.They invited Chef Nick Malgieri, her mentor and teacher at Peter Kump’s,forthe WOFEXtradeshowsto showcase chocolate recipes using deZaan.

Growing up with cacao

Chef Jill’s love for chocolate began at her family’sSto. Niño Farms back in her hometown of Makilala inCotabato. The family started with crops such as coconut, coffee, cacao, corn, and rice. The farm initially produced certified palay seeds before focusing on rubber and banana as its two major crops.

Her father, the late Epifanio Al. Sandique was an agriculturist by training. Mr. Sandique worked as a banker and did agricultural research at the farm. He was part of the Philippine Cacao Committee in the late 1970s that published The Philippines Recommends for Cacao 1979.

The farm served as chef Jill’s informal training ground to learn about how farmers grow food, an experience that would later influence her work as a pastry chef. Her parents instilled the value of hard work at the farm, teaching them the key steps in growing, harvesting and processing rice, coffee and cacao.

“For the cacao, they would teach us how the cacao pod is harvested and we actually did some of the basic steps—something that the hands of a child can do.” The Sandiques would expose their children to farm work such that it became an integral part of their childhood.

Selecting quality Philippine cacao beans

Chef Jill regularly upgrades her chocolate know-how through trainings abroad especially in South and Central Americawith its long history and tradition of growing and processing cacao. She has studied cacao post-harvest processing, chocolate making, andchocolate profiling in the U.S., Ecuador, Peru and Belizeas well as cacao bean grading in the Netherlands.She is the only Filipina who is a certified Level 3 graduate of the International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting in the UK.

She put to good use these trainings and her ability to discern quality cacao beans as a judge at the 2019 International Chocolate Awards (ICA)Asia Pacific in Taiwan, and at the ICA World Finals in Italy. Judges conducted a blind tasting of the chocolates from which Philippine chocolate makers won several awards.

Chef Jill also participated as a grand juror for the ICA Asia Pacific via remote online judging in 2020. Then came the opportunity to be closer to home as chairpersonfor the judging committee at the Philippine Cacao Quality Award from December 2020 to January 2021.

When selecting the best cacao beans, Chef Jill adheres to strict selection standards. She strives for perfection, a trait influenced by her training under Chef Nick Malgieri as well as her parents whose work as agriculturist and doctor respectively, relied on making the right decisions in the farm and in the hospital. Only the highest qualifiedcacao beans, cocoa and chocolate truly make it on her list.

What’s next for chef Jill

Her other work as the lead trainer and program director of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Manila Council of Chefsand key opinion leader of USDA Cooperators for the past 15 years has helped her mentor others in cooking and baking with quality U.S. ingredients.

When the Puentespina family of the MalagosCacao DevelopmentCenterin Davao invited her to help train seven farmer cooperatives from Davao Oriental on post-harvest processing of cacao beans, she gladly agreed. But she requested that the farmers also be trained on the business side of cacao as well as composting waste by-productsto fully equip them.

In a sense, this is Chef Jill going back to her roots. While she will still work with clients and share recipes on social media, she wishes to spotlight the next generation of chefs. “There are new chefs coming in, pastry chefs especially. I plan to step back a little and give them the place to shine because they’re all very good,” she says.

Her life’s work now brings her back to cacao to improve the competitiveness of the local cacao industry in the international stage.She hopes to share what she has learned about cacao bean processing and educate others who have little opportunity to be formally trained. “Majority of our plants here belong to the category of fine cacao in which there is great potential.”

This potential begins with growing good cacao.As the world takes notice of Philippine chocolate, chef Jill hopes to encourage local cacao farmers to aim higher in producing the finest cacao they were destined to grow. “I hope that every cacao farmer here will be able to ferment and process their cacao in a manner that is at par with international standards, which I think is achievable.”

She is not only someone who strives for great things in life, but she also goes out of her way to help others through her passions. From just a simple childhood dream until she pursues and mold this into bigger opportunities for many people. Indeed her dedication for cacao is truly exceptional for she innovates it to become a great product and inspire people. The journey she took is something that will reflect how she put her heart in all her crafts.

Visit Chef Jill Sandique Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ChefJillSandique for more updates and recipes.

 

June 2, 2021 by
Lifestyle

A Vaccination Center opened at Greenhills Mall by San Juan City

San Juan City’s municipal government has partnered with Ortigas Malls to establish Theatre Mall in Greenhills Mall as a vaccination location beginning June 1, 2021, in an effort to make immunization more accessible and convenient for its inhabitants.

San Juan City has immunized a total of 27,216 people in the A1, A2, and A3 categories, accounting for 32 percent of the target population, since the vaccine campaign began. The designated Cinemas 1 and 2 of the Theatre Mall at Greenhills Mall will be able to cater and increase immunizations up to 1,500 vaccines every day as a result of this agreement.

 “We chose to partner with the Greenhills Mall not only because it has always been supporting the local government for the longest time in terms of our COVID-19 response and interventions but also because we want to end our fight against COVID-19 right here where it started, which also happens to be our main commercial area and business district,” said Mayor Zamora.

With the rise of uncertainty due to the current situation, Ortigas Malls continues to provide comfort and stability through innovative solutions and partnerships. With its Feel Good Today, Enjoy Everyday campaign, Ortigas Malls wants to cultivate a mindset of positivity and hope amongst the community and its patrons.

“We are grateful to be chosen as a partner by the San Juan local government. The doors of Ortigas Malls will always be open and ready to provide comfort and hope to everyone. Our Feel Good Today, Enjoy Everyday campaign is about enjoying the now and bringing positivity to our mall goers and through this partnership, we want to be able to highlight that.” said Arch. Renee Bacani, VP for Ortigas Malls.

Starting June 1, 2021, the Cinemas 1 and 2 of the Theatre Mall at Greenhills Mall will cater to the A2 and A3 registered residents of San Juan City. Once IATF gives a go signal to inoculate those under A4, Theater Mall will convert into a vaccination center exclusively for registered A4 non-San Juan residents.

The Filoil Flying V Center will continue to inoculate San Juan residents under all allowed categories. The vaccination schedule will be from 9:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the afternoon. Registration for the A4 priority Group can be done at the San Juan City’s Vaccination Registration Online Portal at https://vaxreg.sanjuancity.gov.ph/vaccine_registration/public/ but with separate options for both the A4 subgroups of residents and non-residents.

 

 

June 1, 2021 by
Lifestyle

How about a spa day at home? Here’s how Speaks G can help you make it extraordinary

Beauty and wellness services may not be high on your priority list right now, but we could all need a break from the stress of the pandemic. It is more important than ever for us to engage in self-pampering on a daily basis. It is not only enjoyable, but it is also incredibly helpful to your health, particularly given that we spend so much of our day indoors.

This might appear like going to the spa is a form of luxury that is difficult to fit into your weekly budget, but trust us when we say that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to treat yourself to some fancy self-care time—and you can totally DIY it from the comfort of your own home!

As a skincare brand that makes every user experience the power of healthy and flawless skin, Speaks G is the perfect partner to recreate an at-home spa day session you long deserve to have.

Here’s how you can have a simple, stress-relieving spa day at home with Speaks G:

Jump in the shower and give yourself a good rejuvenating scrub                                                                         Dead cells can sometimes accumulate on the surface of your skin and lead to dull and dry skin. That’s why regular exfoliation is important to nourish the skin. Speaks G’s Whipp Relief Soap helps in eliminating dead cells and deeply cleanses the skin. You will feel instantly refreshed and lighter after scrubbing away those skin impurities.


Remove breakouts with a face peel                                                                                                                            Acnes can be caused by many factors including stress, lifestyle, the food you eat, and having dry skin. Treat breakouts with facial peels that slough off the top layers of your skin, leaving the surface smooth and clear. Speaks G’s Ultra Peel Soap revives your skin’s elasticity and can take off dark spots, whiteheads, blackheads, and other facial blemishes. Face peels will surely tighten your pores while keeping them soft and supple.

Let your nails breathe with moisturizing gel                                                                                                             Manicure is not the only spa treatment you can have for your nails, give them extra TLC by keeping your cuticles healthy and hydrated for good nail growth. Speaks G’s Aloe Vera Gel is a versatile product that can be used not only on your hair, face, and body; it also has moisturizing and nourishing properties to strengthen your nails, prevent brittleness, and helps in the regeneration of damaged nails. Just apply a proper amount of gel to your hands, gently massaging your fingers and nails until the gel is completely absorbed.

Level up your skincare routine with a gentle cream                                                                                                Keep dry skin and acne growth at bay by applying lotion or cream right after your shower routine. Speaks G’s Opulent Tawas Cream is an all-in-one cream that whitens dark spots, eliminates body odor, and minimizes pores—great with quick body massage and an easy way to add gentle care to your skin. Aside from its beneficial nutrients, it is also an antioxidant that protects your skin and calms skin inflammations. Creams can condition your skin and will surely give you a moist and bouncy look.

Try new beauty products and find the best one for your skin                                                                              There are so many products available in the market and often times we lean on products that are popular or those that you already tried. But as the world around us keeps on changing, so our skincare should, too. Speaks G’s newly launched product, the Sunflower Beauty Oil, can be considered as a beauty breakthrough and a holy grail for skincare that you deserve to try. This beauty oil can intensely moisturize your skin and address every skin problem with a single drop. With a gentle application of Speaks G Sunflower Beauty Oil, it can soften and soothe dry and irritated skin. Include it in your routine and experience youthful and glowing skin! And there you have it, an easy spa day at home tips we hope you’d try! Give yourself some ‘me’ time to be refreshed, recharged, and revitalized. To order Speaks G products, send them a message through their Facebook page www.facebook.com/speaksg.main or you may reach them at 0917 118 5363.

For more information, please follow Speaks G on their social media accounts: www.facebook.com/speaksg.main on Facebook, www.instagram.com/speaksg.main on Instagram, and official website at www.speaksg.ph.

About Speaks G
Speaks G Skin Essential Products Enterprise was established in 2013, a skincare company that aims to provide excellent and affordable products by using top-of-the-line materials and innovation that will change the customers’ perspective in beauty and wellness. Speaks G is a brand of all skin types, bringing products that renew, restore, and heal—keeping the skin young and healthy.

 

 

May 31, 2021 by