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Lifestyle

ORTIGAS ART FESTIVAL 2019 FOR THE SECOND YEAR AT ESTANCIA

Long weekend and if you love painting, photography & sculpture visit Estancia Capitol Commons. Definitely you will amazed by the exhibits of the over 100 artist who just joined the Ortigas Art Festival 2019. Since it was successful turnout last year, Ortigas & Company launched the 10-day Ortigas Art Festival to assert their commitment to bringing arts and culture closer to the people.This year’s approach brought individual artists to the spotlight, showcasing their creative individuality and placing them at the forefront of the art scene.

It was the idea of Renato Habulan, renowned social realist painter, to tap the various groups of artists from all over the country and give them a venue to exhibit their works. Ortigas Malls was receptive to the idea of promoting grassroots participation in the art scene. No gallery representation – just artists working together; no admission charge for the viewers – walk through the art for free.

Photo shows (from left): Peter Sutcliffe, watercolor artist, The Guild; Joselito Jandayan, Team Leader, AgawXena; Benjamin Cabrera, featured artist- print making; Richard Buxani, featured artist- sculptor; Atty. Mike Abundo, VP of Ortigas & Company; Arch. Renee C. Bacani, VP of Ortigas & Company; Ms. Maritess Ortigas, Ortigas Family; Renato Habulan, renowned social realist painter; Jaime E. Ysmael, President of Ortigas & Company; Helen Mirasol, leader of the Guild; Davee M. Zuniga, VP of Ortigas & Company; Bern Wong, featured artist- photographer; Darwin Guevarra, featured artist- oil painter and sculptor; Jonamar Salvosa, Team Leader-AgosKulay Maynila; James Sanorjo, Team Leader- Group Artists of Taytay and Macouy Gonzales, Team Leader-Himbon

HERE ARE THE FEATURED ARTISTS:

  1. BENJIE TORRADO CABRERA– Among the featured artists is master engraver, the only engraver in the country specializing in this laborious, centuries-old medium. His works, which are complex in detail, are inspired by his interest in cosmology, with geometric shapes and spheres that signify the universe.
  2. DARWIN “JAPAT” GUEVARRA– Another one to look out for a self-taught artist inspired by the works of masters and his peers, showcases works that reflect his concepts of life and social realism, expressed through his mastery of the paintbrush, sculpting, photography, and experimenting with scrap and molded materials.
  3. BERN WONG– Also in the spotlight is photographer with her camera that has captured the most moving meditative and breathtaking landscapes she has seen encountered in her travels. Her works express the minimal, abstract, and even the surreal aspects of places she visits.
  4. RICHARD BUXANI– Make sure to check out the works of an architect who has since harnessed his talent to create sculptures made out of metal. Inspired by Ronald Castrillo, Richarddiscovered a natural fondness for bending, crafting, cutting, welding and molding materials – which will be showcased at the art festival.

Some of the exhibits at Estancia

Also joining the art festival are artists from all over the country, whose works mirror the great talent of Filipino artists. The roster includes AgawXena, Agos Kulay Maynila, Banta Artist Initiative, Himbon, Biskeg, The Guild, Group Artists of Taytay, Association of Pinoy Printmakers, Hilaga, and Westgrove Fine Arts.

To create a more interactive and immersive art experience, various activities have also been lined up, which visitors can join for free. On February 23, master engraver Benjamin Cabrera shows his prowess in print-making. For those interested in watercolors, watercolor artist Peter Sutcliffe will hold tutorials on February 24 and March 2. On March 3, Renato Habulan introduces guests to Print Alla Prima with the Master. Throughout the festival, the public is also encouraged to participate through the “Comment Areas” where they can share their thoughts and opinions to let the artists know how their works are perceived.

The rapidly-evolving festival has already grabbed the attention of various artists from across the globe, including some from New York, Los Angeles, and Singapore who want to become part of this movement– a sign that bigger and better things will come about in the coming years for Ortigas Art Festival.

“Ortigas & Company is delighted to see that support for contemporary Philippine art has been growing. As part of our commitment to the arts, we are holding the second run of this art festival in the hope that this will increase appreciation for the creative individuality of artists. By holding this in Estancia, we are also making art accessible to Filipinos, especially for our mall patrons and the Capitol Commons community,” concluded Arch. Renee Bacani, VP of Ortigas & Company.

For updates and more information on the Ortigas Art Festival, connect through its Instagram and Facebook page and use the hashtag #OrtigasArtFestival.

Lifestyle

THE PARTNERSHIP OF RICOH PHILIPPINES AND PHOENIX PUBLISHING

Last  week I was able to witnessed the partnership of Ricoh and Phoenix. It was held at the headquarters of Phoenix Publishing House in Quezon City, Ricoh Philippines turned over its donation of multifunction printers and projectors that are deemed to be of great help to the recipient schools. Present at the turnover ceremony were representatives of the recipient schools including Rev. Fr. Elmer Jose Dizon, superintendent of the Archdiocese of San Fernando Educational System, Msgr. Mauel Bravo Jr., superintendent of the  Archdiocesan of Lingayen Dagupan Catholic Schools, Rev. Fr. Alain Manalo, superintendent the Diocese of Imus Catholic Educational System, Inc., and the Msgr. Michael Feliciano Veneracion, superintendent of Cabanatuan Catholic Educational System (CACES). Rev. Fr. Alain Manalo of Imus, Cavite shared that the donation will go a long way in improving the quality of education in their schools.

The partnership ot the two through the Alagang Phoenix program is an opportunity to usher in the development of schools in several communities and dioceses in the country. Also it is in empowering learning and development of various mission schools in the country.  With a commitment to continuously improve the quality of Philippine education and the quality of life of educators, the Phoenix Publishing House established Alagang Phoenix, the company’s CSR arm that conducts training and workshops for the academe. With the ultimate goal of aiding students to be successful in their chosen fields, the Alagang Phoenix program helps in promoting development and learning initiatives with the latest trends in the global education system.

Ricoh Philippines, on the other hand, is determined to help materialize a sustainable society. Driven with the company’s sustainability message, Driving Sustainability for Our Future, Ricoh pursues its sustainability goals through a balance of 3Ps – Prosperity (economic activities), People (society), and Planet (environment). Also the advocate of environmental protection and conservation through its Eco-Action Campaign, an annual global initiative focused on caring for the environment. Also part of the company’s CSR initiatives is its Adopt-a-School program.

Carlos Vibal of Phoenix Publishing House

 “We have found through the Alagang Phoenix initiatives that we share common goals and aspirations – the betterment of society through the activities of the businesses that we run. It is also for this reason that this partnership is very close to my heart.  And I hope that with this joint program we may make some impact on our youth and on our country,” said Eric Sulit, president and CEO of Ricoh Philippines.

Eric Sulit, President and CEO of Ricoh Philippines

At the ceremony, Phoenix Publishing House was led by company president Lynda R. Vibal, and executive vice president Penny Vibal-Balbin. “We are truly grateful to Ricoh Philippines for this partnership. These devices will be of great value to the recipients and will help modernize the schools’ systems,” said Ms. Vibal.

For more information about Alagang Phoenix and Ricoh Philippines’ programs, please visit www.phoenix.com.ph and www.ricoh.com.ph.

Lifestyle

6 HACKS TO SURVIVE COMMUTING IN METRO MANILA

Do you commute everyday? Are you taking public transportation? Do you live in urban areas?  Once in a while I commute and use the public transportation. You know how challenging and downright agonizing it can be to commute on a daily basis and while there’s much to improve with our transport system that we can rant about.  There are ways for us to at least make the experience easier for ourselves, more pleasant even. So I’m sharing with you 6 sure hacks to survive commuting in the metro.

1. CHOOSE RIGHT, PACK SMART

First and foremost, always ensureyou bring a bag that can be fully and securely closed such as those with zippers. Tote bags may be convenient for you, but remember you’re not the only one who will have easy access. If you change bags frequently, get a bag organizer to easily transfer all your things from one bag to another. If you’re a gadget junkie, use a cord organizer for tangle-free earphones and chargers while you’re on the go.

2. WEAR THE COMFIEST SHOES

Trust us, your daily travel can be a whole lot easier and much less tiring simply by wearing the right shoes. Ditch the heels, obviously. Go for something reliable and tested like Skechers GOWalk—said to be the number 1 walking shoe in the U.S., it’s also worn by travelers in airports all over. The latest Skechers GOwalk Evolution makes you feel like you’re walking on clouds, giving a bounce in every step no matter how long and tiring the lines or walks are. Well cushioned, lightweight and breathable,this shoe is a must-have travel and commute companion!

3. USE STORED VALUE CARDS- Save time & money, grab limited deals!

Skip long lines atticket stations by purchasing  beep™ stored value cards. Aside from saving time lining up, it also saves you money as it comes out cheaper than buying single rides in LRT1 and LRT2. This January, you’ll want to watch out for a new limited edition Skechers beep™card—a special co-branded card that can be used anywhere on MRT3, LRT1, LRT2, P2P buses, BGC Bus, and anywhere beep™cards are accepted. In the spirit of Christmas and to make commuting a better experience for everyone, Skechers is giving out a P500 discount voucher on GOwalk shoes with each purchase of a Skecher beep™card (P50). No limits on number of cards you can purchase so if you want to share the gift of comfort and convenience to friends and family this season, a Skechers beep™card with GOWalk discount voucher is a great way to go!

Skip long lines at ticket stations by purchasing stored value cards. Aside from saving time lining up, it also saves money too as it comes out cheaper than buying single rides. This December, you’ll want to watch out for a new limited edition Skechers Beep card—a special co-branded card that can be used anywhere on all MRT and LRT trains, select P2P buses, and anywhere Beep cards are accepted. In the spirit of Christmas and to make commuting a better experience for everyone, Skechers is giving out a P500 discount voucher on GOwalk shoes with each purchase of a Skecher Beep card (P100). No limits on number of cards you can purchase so if you want to share the gift of comfort and convenience to friends and family this season, a Skechers Beep card with GOWalk discount voucher is a great way to go!

4. BRING A COIN PURSE

Oftentimes, journeys require us to take 2 or more modes of transport. So while stored value cards make our lives easier on trains and some modern bus lines, we still need to rely on cash for jeeps, tricycles, and taxis. It helps a lot with both safety and convenience to have a separate coin purse handy on short rides so you don’t have to bring out your main wallet which carries your cash and cards. Also, you won’t have to worry about not getting enough change back when you can give the exact amount!

5. KEEP HYDRATED

Instead of buying bottles of water every day, we suggest that you bring your own water tumbler instead. This way, you’re not just saving money, but you’re saving the earth by reducing single-use plastic as well. The water will help you stay fresh throughout your commutes especially in our typically hot and humid weather. Place it in an easy to reach, outer part of your bag so you it’s easy to hydrate whenever and wherever you are.

6. NO MORE SWEAT

If you have a big meeting or event coming up and you don’t have space or time to pack extra clothes, prevent sweat marks by putting liners inside the sleeves of your clothes where your underarms are positioned. Of course, it’s always good to bring a hand fan or a portable battery-operated one for hassle-free cooling to avoid sweating in the first place.

There you have it! 6 hacks and I hope it can help you make the best experience possible out of your challenging city commutes! Limited edition Skechers beep™Cards will be available for purchase this January 2019 at selected P2P stations. One P500 discount voucher will be given with each Skechers beep™card purchased.

Skechers GOWalk Evolution is available in stores and online atwww.skechers.com.ph

For more information on Skechers GOWalk, visit  skechers.com.ph, like Facebook.com/SkechersPhilippines and on Instagram @SkechersPH. 

Skechers GOWalk is available at Glorietta 2, Trinoma, SM North Edsa The Annex, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, Gateway Mall, Robinsons Galleria, Ayala Malls The 30th, SM East Ortigas, Market! Market!, SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Place Manila, Lucky Chinatown, Alabang Town Center, Festival Mall, SM Southmall, SM Bacoor, SM Dasmarinas, Robinsons General Trias, SM Lipa, Fairview Terraces, SM Fairview, SM Pampanga, Marquee Mall, SM Clark, Vista Mall Bataan, SM Cabanatuan, Robinsons Place Ilocos, Ayala Malls Legazpi, Ayala Center Cebu, SM City Cebu, SM Seaside Cebu, SM Bacolod, SM Iloilo, SM Davao, Abreeza Mall, Gaisano Mall of Davao, Limketkai Mall and Centrio Mall.

 

Food, Lifestyle

Celebrate Rebisco@55 with the release of Special Edition Designer Cans

When you talk about biscuit I always think of Rebisco, aside from one year older than me, their slogan is true sarap kasama sarap kasalo. I can attest that Rebisco Assorted Biscuit is Pinoy all time favorite and became a part of Filipino tradition like a pasalubong lovingly carried to waiting family members in many homecomings; a favorite merienda fare; a much-loved snack passed around during family gatherings, big and small. The Rebisco Assorted Biscuits Tin Can is one of the most iconic fixtures in a Filipino home.

As Rebisco celebrates its 55th year anniversary, the brand collaborated with 4 local artists to create artworks specifical for the launch of the new Special Edition Designer Cans. L-R: Noric Ng, Rebisco Vice-President of Operations; Lady Luzano-Cruz, Category Manager; Roel Obemio, Artist; Migs Villanueva, Artist; Heart Evangelista, Host and Rebisco Ambassador; Lulu dela Peña, Marketing Communications Head; Chico Garcia, Host; Aris Bagtas, Artist; Joseph Bañez, Artist; Katherine Simundo, Rebisco Vice-President of Marketing

Last November 7, 2018, Rebisco celebrates its 55th anniversary and the growth of Rebisco parallels the Filipino culture. Over the past 55 years, Rebisco has grown into a formidable brand, thanks to the Filipino’s undying love and support, allowing it to grow into what it is today. As a fledgling company, Rebisco started with very simple offerings of biscuits and crackers packed into a can with images of the biscuits. Over time, the packaging evolved, soon showcasing family-themed art works as well.

Rebisco celebrates its anniversary by launching their newest special edition designer tin can, which serves as a canvas on which the Filipino story is printed. These miniature versions are designed to show how Rebisco is intertwined with the Filipino story, as captured in food practices and traditions illustrated by four highly acclaimed artists. In doing so, the well-loved tin can evolves into a canvas that fulfills the brand’s vision to recognize the work and talent of Filipino artists.

Heart Evengelista-Escudero & DJ Chico Garcia

During the celebration I had a chance to meet the four of the country’s talented contemporary artists bybeautifully using the tin can as the canvas through which they can capture local color. Also by collaborating with Rebisco, they aim to shine the light on Filipino artistry and culture in a tradition that Rebisco has created. Alongside these artists, celebrity and visual artist Heart Evangelista-Escudero plus radio DJ Chico Garcia celebrated the launch as official event hosts for this prestigious event.

Here are the four artists:

1) Migs Villanueva – a Palanca-awardee visual artist, uses bold pastel colors and wanderlust compositions to invite Filipinos to see their own childhood experiences in her works.

2) Aris Bagtas – shows the Filipinos’ identity through his folk, religious and abstract works,  inspiring people to create a country where family values, traits and traditions are not forgotten.

3) Roel Obemio – a member of the famed Saturday Group,  uses storybook characters and Filipino family-oriented imagery that convey whimsy and fantasy.

4) Joseph “Otep” Bañez – who made his own brand of Filipino Pop-Social Realism that took the market by storm, creates detailed renditions combined with playful colors and hilarious settings.

This new masterpieces are featured on the tin can’s outer packaging. There are four sets of special edition designer cans, and inside are assorted premium biscuits, crackers, cookies and wafers – all-time favorites that people love to snack on and share. Rebisco’s Special Edition Designer Can will once again be part of the Filipino heritage. Express your support for local by gifting your family and friends with Rebisco’s special edition designer cans, and share with them a taste of our rich Filipino culture.

“Every Pinoy family has a story to tell and through the years, we make these stories come to life through our products.Rebisco’s Special Edition Designer Cans support local not only through taste, but through art.We at Rebisco believe that life is a constant journey of growing and refining who we are. Thus, we find a new twist to an old product to rekindle interest for it while continuing our tradition to let the tin can serve as an art canvas that tells the stories and values of Filipino families,” said Ms. Lulu dela Peña, the Marketing Communications Head of Rebisco.

Retailing for php175.00 SRP, these are now available at leading supermarkets nationwide, namely Robinsons, Puregold, Waltermart, Rustans, and Shopwise. Starting November 15, 2018, you can also buy online via www.honestbee.ph.

Lifestyle

BEAUTY PROFESSIONALS PHILIPPINES EXHIBIT 2018 By Binondo Beauty Supply

Last October 23, 2018, I was able to attend the Beauty Professional Philippines Exhibit and I enjoyed visiting the different beauty brands booth which I was able to try and get samples of their products. I had a chance to attend  their seminars where I learned regarding hairstyles. Also witnessed their Nail Art Competition, which BlueSky is one of its sponsors. The BlueSky nail polish, with its full range of gel colour polishes that includes various textures, glitters, colour changing and classical ranges.

Just to give an overview, Binondo Beauty Supply (BBS) is a one-stop shop in the country, where beauty is a priority. The products they offer are created putting beauty enthusiasts in mind, and is striving to provide beauty to women anywhere at anytime. A shop where everything salon, nail, and spa businesses, beauty equipment, tools, accessories and consumables that cater and is made available for the public’s thriving beauty and wellness needs.

In Binondo Beauty Supply, they focus on proving beauty not only as a statement but as an art in the body, equipping you with the information you need to know in the beauty industry. It gives you the leverage that their products are easy to use and apply; BBS aims to provide good comfort for both the beautician and their clienteles as they aim for growth and innovation of beauty products in the market.

Binondo Beauty Supply with its main product: BlueSky Nail Polish offers a professional beauty experience organized by Asia Trade Exposition SdnBhd and Asia Events Specialists Inc., in partnership with The Concept Workshop have its highly-awaited Beauty Professional Philippines Exhibit.

The BlueSky nail polish is unique with its ergonomic shape, designs and formulation. Its nail products are made for a wide range of market, with their tagline “Long Lasting Relationships” that aims to build relationships and connections of its clienteles and their patrons, for a longer span of time, catering the nail polish needs of their customers, from the colour of their polishes, the polish type they choose, taking into account the quality products and results they offer.

The exhibit targets up and coming beauty and hairstyle professionals, for them to hone their exceptional talents and skills, by providing trainings, as well as exhibits from both the local and international beauty care specialists and brands, and as well as to give updates on the latest trends in the beauty industry.

For more information visit their website: https://binondobeautysupply.com/ and for your beauty needs, you can  contact  their  Mobile Number: 09179264058. Follow their facebook account: www.facebook.com/BBS2014official. And Official hashtags: #OneStopShop #BBS

Health and Wellness, Lifestyle

Filipina beauty & wellness expert’s crowning glory deserves a World-class natural remedy

What causes hair loss? This is a concern for both men and women. It can have a devastating effect to anyone who experiences it.  According to Web MD, the average adult head has about 100,000 to 150,000 strands of hair and loses up to 100 of them a day, which is normal. As people age, their rate of hair growth slows, and they can experience losing more than hundreds of strands which is quite alarming.

Cory Quirino choose Natural Speech Bubble

So what can you do to prevent it?

For beauty and wellness expert, Cory Quirino, embracing wellness is the first step to help improve the hair’s condition and make people look younger. “If you choose to have a wellness lifestyle, then expect wonderful changes such as radiant skin, energy, and a general sense of well-being,” she emphasizes. “In time, you will realize that you have successfully delayed the aging process.” The beauty and wellness expert says that choosing wellness as a lifestyle includes eating nutritious food, exercising, getting a good sleep, drinking generous amounts of water, managing stress, getting enough sunshine, and above all, staying positive.

On top of a daily healthy regimen, a supplement is necessary to maintain a healthy hair and scalp. Many people opt to use chemical-based products. But for her, the use of natural products is a must and the best solution for hair loss. “There are hair treatment products in the market today that claim to be effective but their ingredients could contain chemicals that may prove harmful with long-term use,” she enthuses. “Choose natural. Say NO to harsh chemicals and let nature do the makeover,” she emphasizes.

Natural ingredients such as virgin coconut oil (VCO) and aloe vera are loaded with beneficial properties, which boost the health of the scalp and hair. These and much more natural herbs and essential oils can be found in NOVUHAIR, a topical scalp lotion with 19 natural ingredients that work in synergy to help prevent hair loss, which the beauty and wellness expert approves of.

“Even if I have been blessed with thick hair, I know that it has to be cared for,” she maintains. “I use NOVUHAIR topical scalp lotion once daily in the evening before bedtime. Next morning, I apply it on my scalp again, then a shampoo after 30 minutes. Those who wish to further thicken the hair, it is a must to also use the shampoo and conditioner daily.”

Eventually, she noticed impressive effects after using this breakthrough product: significant lessening of hair fall, abundant growth of tress, and the return of locks’ luster. Apart from being effective, it’s a very safe solution, too. A local clinical study has proven that NOVUHAIR has no adverse side effects with continuous use.

Moreover, NOVUHAIR is not just for those who experience hair loss. Younger people, especially the millennials, can use it for maintenance or prevention if hair loss runs in the family. Cory recommends NOVUHAIR to everyone, especially to those who want to maintain their hair the best way they can. For her, this globally-competitive natural product answers the needs of a discriminating, health-conscious public.

Cory Quirino holding Novuhair

Born on August 11, the granddaughter of the late Philippine President Elpidio Quirino is an author, and television and radio host. She has been a strong advocate for natural health, beauty, and wellness for more than two decades. “Twenty years ago, it was as simple a goal as weight loss. But when I saw the dramatic effect it had on my vitality and complexion, I knew that this was the good path to take. For those who wish the same things I wanted then, this would be just as easy to embrace,” Cory recalls.

She wrote a series of best-seller books entitled “Forever Young”, which feature beauty and health tips as well as her own workout programs. Likewise, she also made a fitness video called “Cory Quirino’s Celebrity Workout for Beginners” .For her, living in the 21st century has its challenges. She says: “The best way to live long and be well is to live a natural life.” Truly, for a natural woman like Cory, her crowning glory deserves nothing but a world-class natural remedy that is NOVUHAIR.

NOVUHAIR is available at Mercury Drug and other leading drugstores nationwide. You may also have the product delivered right at your doorstep through Lazada at https://bit.ly/2Jc92Vk

Novuhair 3 In 1 Pack

For more information, contact NOVUHAIR hotlines at 413.6570 and 0922.8830575, visit www.novuhair.com, and Facebook Page: Novuhair Official. #choosenatural #ichoosenatural #novuhair #naturalwoman

Food, Lifestyle

ISLAS PINAS, THE FIRST INDOOR “FILIPINO FOOD & HERITAGE VILLAGE” is now open

Looking for a place to eat in one stop shop where you can eat different Philippine province specialties and delicacies from North to South without the hassle of travelling? Here now the answer, Islas Pinas, the new icon of tourism and a new, distinct destination for both local and international guests, is now open at the DoubleDragon Plaza, DD Meridian Park, Macapagal Avenue corner EDSA Extension, Bay Area, Pasay City, Metro Manila. The ideal location is close proximity to the airport terminals and being only about 5 minutes away from NAIA

Last June 7, 2018 were invited by Islas Pinas on their opening together with the member of the media and bloggers. It was hosted by Ms Issa Litton and we’re entertain by the Filipino folk dancers. I was amazed with their performances especially the one who dance with a set of 10 “palayok” on her head. After that the architect & designer, Lara Fernandez-Barrios tour us.

Designed to showcase the abundance and vibrancy of the Filipino culture, this new establishment lets guests discover, explore and experience the Philippines’s heritage sites, natural resources, hospitality and most importantly, its cuisine. Also the Islas Pinas features the authentic Sarao jeepney, the Calle Crisologo in the northern heritage city of Vigan, a street food strip and many more.

The result of collaboration between DoubleDragon Group and Chef Margarita Forés, Islas Pinas is a project that aims to inspire love for the Philippines and to cultivate patriotism by showcasing the country’s beautiful sites and diverse regional cuisines. With a seating capacity of over 700 seats in an expansive 2,500 square meter space, Islas Pinas is the perfect place to give visitors a taste of the best that the Philippines has to offer.

“DoubleDragon has always believed in embarking on projects with relevance. We believe Islas Pinas will be a landmark in the country, and will showcase the diversity not only of our cuisine and handicrafts but also our landscape and architecture brought about by the rich heritage and culture of the country,” says DoubleDragon’s Chief Investment Officer Hannah Yulo.

At the helm of this project is none other than Asia’s Best Female Chef of 2016, Margarita A. Forés whose mission is to bring Filipino cuisine to global prominence. Thus, Islas Pinas is a vision coming to life for her, where Filipino food is not just on the sidelines but at the centerstage.

“This is an absolute dream project for me that has come at such a perfect time,” said Forés. “I give my thanks to then Undersecretary of Agriculture, now Secretary of Tourism Berna R. Puyat, for putting me together with the DoubleDragon group, who was looking for someone to operate this amazing Islas Pinas project about half a year ago. This fast-tracked such a blessed opportunity to continue pushing my biggest advocacy – that of helping to promote the best our country – our cuisine, ingredients, farers, artisan producers and home cooks from Batanes to Jolo – in the best way I can!”

It is her aim for guests to experience the Philippines with their five senses and beyond. Thus, aside from the culinary delights and a picturesque interior design worthy of Instagram posts, the venue will also feature modern and traditional cultural performances and games to ensure a fun and truly Pinoy ambiance.

SINAG, the Tagalog word for ‘ray of light’ offers all-day Filipino breakfast favorites like our TAPSILOG (TAPa – salted beef, SInangag – fried rice and ItLOG – fried egg) and Batchoy, an Ilonggo noodle soup with pork offal, crushed pork cracklings and beef loin.

 ALAMAT or legend, tells the story of the different regions of the Philippines through its signature dishes. BILAO is coined after the woven winnowing basket where comfort snacks like pansit (fried noodles) and puto (rice cakes) are usually served, while PANADERYA offers neighborhood bakery favorites such as pan de sal and kalihim. TUSOK-TUSOK, on the other hand, offers urban street food finds like barbecue on stick, isaw (grilled chicken intestine) and kwek-kwek (fried quail eggs).

PANULAK or beverage is where the samalamig (cold drinks with different flavors) will be available. Lastly, PAMPANG or shore will allow guests to enjoy chosen fresh catch cooked to their preference.

All these will be available daily, without the scorching heat and pollution as the space is fully airconditioned and can be easily accessed using both private and public transportation. Which forms part of the 4.8 Hectare DD Meridian Park commercial and office complex.