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Showing posts with label lifestyle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lifestyle. Show all posts

Friday, August 27, 2021

Online shopping for an Android TV


Wazzup Pilipinas!?

I already made a choice for my Android TV purchase ... It was based mostly on convenience (ordered and paid online - though I did visit their physical branch nearby last Monday to see and compare units but there were only a few units and brands available there). The other factors like specs and price were considered as secondary. 

I was also struggling whether to pick an Android TV or a Smart TV...aside from the screen size whether to pick the smaller and thus cheaper sizes or get the bigger sizes of 50" and above. My worries was a large screen may be too difficult to hang on the wall since it may be too heavy for me. But I still ended up getting the latter...I'll just get help somehow rather than choosing almost the same size as our existing Smart TV. I just really wanted to experience something new. A new toy to reward myself for being a good boy.





So I ordered online, and the expected delivery date is at the end of the month (August) or so I thought....Though I had no worries if ever it takes longer since I'm not really in a hurry. We just wanted a bigger screen to watch videos aside from our laptops or mobile phones.

However, I once ordered a fully automatic washing machine from the same online store last year, but got the item earlier than the estimated delivery dates. Got the item in just three days. Therefore, there's a possibility the TV would also be delivered earlier than the estimated dates (after six days onwards)

Update: I was notified that the delivery is already scheduled Thursday meaning it only took three days from the day (Tuesday) when I ordered online at abenson.com. 

Wow! Ang bilis talaga! Thanks Abenson, you've been making my appliance shopping a lot easier.

Thursday, August 26, 2021

“Ember” and “Aquamar Kitchen” to Debut Aboard Vista, Oceania Cruises’ New Ship


Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, revealed the restaurants and dining experiences aboard its newest ship, Vista, due to debut in early 2023.

“Vista will present a fresh perspective on the finest cuisine at sea with an astounding array of dining options that range from informal to the extravagant,” stated Bob Binder, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises.

Vista will offer a total of twelve culinary venues, which is unprecedented for a ship of its size. Of the twelve, four are brand new and exclusive to Vista.

“We have never been content to rest on our laurels, so even the expected has become the unexpected. A dramatic re-inspiration of every dining space from décor to table setting to menu offerings has resulted in a new pinnacle of diversity and creativity for our guests to enjoy,” added Binder.



Ember is the signature addition to Oceania Cruises’ family of restaurants. Open for lunch and dinner, Ember is the ideal place to warm your culinary soul. Featuring a menu of inventive American creations blended with time-honoured classics, this inviting dining spot will instantly charm you with its alluring ambiance and tantalising menu. Whether you are looking forward to a leisurely evening of dining or a quick dinner before catching the headline show, Ember is where you want to be. Braised Short Ribs on Polenta, Grilled Swordfish with Asparagus, Crab Cakes with Spicy Aioli, and a Cobb Salad with Smoked Chicken are just a few of the delights designed to tempt the palate.

Aquamar Kitchen presents a decidedly fresh perspective on dining and the pursuit of wellness. Whether you are a dedicated flexitarian or a die-hard foodie, Aquamar Kitchen offers an abundance of indulgence with none of the guilt. Breakfast selections include cold-pressed raw juices and superfood smoothies, hearty homemade granolas and avocado toasts, organic power bowls, and savoury breakfast wraps. For lunch, dozens of tempting, healthy dishes are offered such as Slow-Roasted Organic Salmon with Quinoa Tabouleh and Lemon Tahini, Yellowfin Tacos with White Cabbage Slaw, or even a Crunchy Chicken Sandwich on a freshly baked whole grain bun.

The Grand Dining Room is the luxurious grand dame of Oceania Cruises’ culinary world. Here, guests will savour a leisurely dining experience in a truly magnificent and inspired room whose ambiance soars to equally lofty heights as the cuisine. This signature dining experience has always offered a bevy of delicious continental dishes, and now a fresh and new array of options brings even more exciting possibilities. Every day presents a realm of choices from signature Jacques Pépin classics to an incredible spectrum of global flavours and an all-new Executive Chef’s Tasting Menu. Menus change daily with an expansive choice of at least 10 appetisers, soups and salads and ten main courses, along with healthy options such as Aquamar Vitality Cuisine.







Polo Grill delights diners with the ultimate classic steakhouse experience presented with timeless reverence. Richly layered décor and an abundance of custom millwork create an imaginative rendition of tradition set against crisp white linen tablecloths while a cadre of black jacketed servers set the tone for an evening of gracious dining. Each course stands as the very definition of time-honoured favorites, most notably the beef dishes, all of which are 28-day dry aged certified Black Angus USDA Prime, while succulent seafood dishes such as grilled swordfish and whole Maine lobster gratinée are also classics in their own right.

Toscana presents an evolution of Tuscan cuisine in a truly Italian setting of rich Chianina leather, hand-blown Venetian glass and Carrara marble. Evolved from generational family traditions, many of our recipes originated with the mothers and grandmothers of our own Italian culinary staff. Presented on elegant, custom-designed Versace china, masterfully prepared dishes exemplify the essence of Tuscany and celebrate Italy’s culinary passion. Perhaps the evening begins with the Octopus Carpaccio with Champagne Vinaigrette or the Artichoke and Parmesan Cheese Timbale with Black Truffle Sauce, followed by classic dishes such as the Hand-Rolled Gnocchi with Pesto, a rich Risotto with Lobster Medallions and Shallots, or a Pan-Seared Sea Bass Fillet finished with Sorrento Lemon, Chardonnay and Capers.


Red Ginger radiates harmony and tranquility while evoking the boldness and subtleties of the extraordinary Pan-Asian dishes our talented chefs have created. Much like the room itself, the Thai, Korean, Japanese and Malaysian rooted specialities are a mélange of spicy and soothing, savoury and sweet to please virtually every palate. Begin with a salad of Spicy Roast Duck and Watermelon with Cashews, Mint and Thai Basil. Savour a Malaysian Beef Penang with Coconut Rice and Paratha roti. Or try Thai vegetable curry with sweet potatoes, aubergine, mushrooms and basil in green curry Sauce. In Red Ginger, the gustatory pleasures are as striking as the visual ones.

Terrace Café is the ultimate informal dining experience any time of day, whether inside the plushily adorned dining room or alfresco at one of the shaded tables on the stylish terrace. At breakfast, Terrace Café features a seemingly never-ending selection of sumptuous savoury and sweet temptations including made-to-order eggs, omelettes, pancakes and waffles. Come lunch, an expansive menu of international-inspired dishes is complemented by flavourful roasted and rotisserie meats and the magic of the pizzeria’s oven. In the evening, you’ll enjoy dinner in decidedly relaxed comfort as our chefs serve up an astounding array of dishes. Revel in a bounty of selections from grilled-to-order lobster tails, fish, fillets and steaks to freshly made, hand-cut sushi and sashimi. A varied menu of hot and cold specialities changes daily along with our hallmark Chef’s Market Dinners featuring locally inspired specialities from the ports of call.

Waves Grill is a casual, colourful, and perhaps a bit playful setting for dining on all-American favourites. Located in a spacious, shaded area steps from the swimming pool and Terrace Café, Waves Grill offers an extensive and mouthwatering menu during lunch and late into the afternoon for that much-desired snack or meal after an adventurous day of touring ashore. Watch the chefs grill gourmet burgers, succulent seafood and sandwiches to order in the open galley, accompanying them with sides like fresh salads, coleslaw and crispy, hand-cut fries. There is always room for dessert and the selection here is too good to pass up. Try a homemade sorbet, a made-to-order hot fudge sundae or a thick, hand-dipped milkshake.

The Culinary Center ascends to a new level of gustatory immersion as our passionate Chef Instructors share their enlightening perspectives on culture and cuisine through the lens of food and wine. Here, guests may not only partake in lively hands-on instruction – they may also indulge the pleasures of the palate in the new ocean view Culinary Center Dining Room with private group dinners or one of our many exclusive and highly acclaimed food and wine pairing experiences.

Priveé is our marquee venue for bespoke, intimate culinary celebrations for a maximum of ten privileged guests. Dramatic backlit, debossed walls and a blooming flower petal ceiling from which a dramatic chandelier descends over the polished marble slab dining table set the stage for a memorable evening. Meanwhile a wall of floor-to-ceiling glass provides an exhilarating view to complement a most memorable private dinner party that can literally traverse continents.

Baristas offers the ultimate panoramas aboard Vista with its commanding 270-degree views over the sea while guests enjoy complimentary illy® espressos, cappuccinos and lattes prepared by our master baristas as well as the delicious pastries, finger sandwiches and homemade biscotti. Just steps away, the new Bakery, with its freshly baked French and Italian pastries, is certain to be an instant hit. As the delicate yet rich scents fill the air, you’ll be drawn from the adjacent coffee bar or Library for an indulgent chocolate-almond croissant or sinfully sweet bombolini while enjoying the lost art of people watching or simply gazing out at the azure blue sea.




Coming Soon

Owner’s Suite - Details on Vista’s Owner’s Suites will be revealed on 30th August, 2021

Inaugural Season Itineraries – Vista’s inaugural season itineraries will open for viewing on 9 September, 2021, and go on sale the following week, on 15 September, 2021.

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Top 5 Tips to Take Responsibility for Your Business and Life: How to Remove the Borders


Wazzup Pilipinas!?


Work and life: ideally, they exist in a state of harmony, making up a mandala of proper meals, exercise, time with loved ones, infused with making deals, and growing exponentially. Of course, this ideal is merely an idea. It exists as an object of knowledge and it might not actually represent your true life happenings.

Personal responsibility is another challenging facet. Large life projects can especially bring a load of tasking decisions. Think about a work environment: responsibility for any corporate event differs according to your position in a firm. Some people will take on a few stressless tasks, while others have to outperform themselves on a regular basis.

What this tells us is that context is important. Finding the balance between life, especially when it is personal life with hot Asian girls or European women and work will depend on where you are in the world, and who surrounds you. All too often there is an imbalance. One aspect might be pulling harder than the other. Perhaps you’re spending long evenings at the office, or out networking, and by doing so neglecting your family or perhaps some basic tenets of your health. The reverse is also possible, with nothing really happening and the slow decline beginning to set in as you focus on something in another sphere that’s caught your eye.

With this in mind, we want to provide some pointers, tips, and advice that could help refocus your mind on your responsibilities, thus improving yourself, your business, and your life. First, we want to define responsibility, to give it some color and some shape, and to set your mind off wondering too.


 

What is responsibility?

Responsibility can broadly be described as a state, or an action, that relates to duty. More specifically, this duty has to do with aspects of control, whether it is undertaken as a collective or as an individual.

Moral responsibility relates to making judgments about behavior, and to what extent someone is culpable for their actions. In a business sense, this is crucial. In current times we have many challenges in public health, socio-political affairs, and with regard to the environment.

With this idea in mind, how can responsibility be engendered in our business and in our daily lives?




1. Take proper stock

This aspect doesn’t merely have to do with inventory. Taking stock of our lives is something we should do periodically. If we do this too often, we’re straying into rumination territory - an action that is correlated with depression and other manifestations of poor mental health.

Finding the correct amount of ‘stock taking’ in our lives is something we all personally grow into. It’s common for many business leaders to have a daily journaling practice. This method of taking stock is simple to start with. Write a page (or two, or even three) on what your goals are every day, this process is non-linear. You’re writing about the future, but also taking note of the past in order to do so. The action is dynamic and requires thought. There are a million great introductions to journaling online, whether that’s bullet-journaling, or something more Stoic like Marcus Aurelius’ daily pages - just like we described above.

2. Understand what irresponsible behaviors look like


Of course, we can be easy on ourselves when we self-assess. We can excuse certain behaviors and traits, without really understanding they’ve got the potential to create problems. In a workplace, irresponsible actions might look like this; a lack of interest in work, disdain for the team, blaming colleagues for mistakes. Deadlines are frequently missed, challenging projects are avoided, complaining and moaning, and regularly making excuses.

Once you’ve identified irresponsible behavior, you can start to assess and understand why it happens, and where it can be fixed. It’s an opportunity to turn the ship around.




3. Make decisions

Inertia is a killer. In a literal sense, if we’re sedentary for too long, that plays havoc with our physical and mental health. However, decision inertia is something that we all struggle with from time to time. Not being able to choose between actions leads us to a state of inaction. And this inaction can be mentally challenging.

In order to relieve ourselves of this burden, it’s helpful to remember that in life, most of our decisions are not one-way. We may struggle to make decisions because we’re scared of the consequences of not being able to undo the act. However, most of the time, our lives are bi-directional. We can recover from mistakes if we make them, and we should take action rather than let life happen to us.

4. Don’t be afraid of conflict


When we’re not being responsible for our actions, we can just hope these things go away with time, or we can be proactive. In some cases, being proactive could mean making certain members of staff redundant. But this is not what any good manager or entrepreneur wants - we should want our success to be felt across the board (not just the director’s board).

Proactive behavior in the workplace and in your business should start with a discussion. Sometimes these discussions will require bravery and firmness, and it’s possible that they may bring conflict to the table. However, difficulty is normal in the beginning and should not be taken as a sign to quit.

Start by talking to the individuals involved. If there is no clear and obvious responsibility taking place in your business, then consider these discussions as a preventative measure. It’s better to keep healthy than to recover from illness, right?

Find out if there are personal problems that could be affecting the situation in your business. Although we expect our employees to conduct themselves professionally, we know that personal turmoil does not always respect working hours. Be a supportive leader, and listen.

After you’ve had discussions, you need to back them up in some paper. Get the points down in writing so they can be referred to later. Be extremely sensitive around any personal information that is disclosed, and ensure that you take all necessary steps to keep it private.

5. Learn to say no

Being static is no fun, but neither is being overworked. It may seem like a good idea to commit to that networking lunch, to go and have a drink with that old colleague, or to accept every invitation that comes your way. However, the art of saying no is the one all successful people have to master at some point.

If you’re usually a very ‘yes’ orientated person, this might be difficult at first, but it’s possible that your problems are stemming from burnout. In this case, you need to recharge so you can re-master your responsibilities and shoot for success once again.

All in all, responsibility is a process. It requires refinement and is not always easy to discuss or solve. What will stand your business in good stead is a commitment to improvement, and an understanding that difficulty is something to work through, not run away from. It’s a mindset shift.





Wednesday, August 11, 2021

WeeComm’s Baron Luxe Residences welcomes you to the city of endless opportunities



Wazzup Pilipinas!?


This newest luxury residential project is the latest addition to WeeComm’s line of beyond ordinary projects in San Juan



For some, luxury means an occasional moment of extravagance while others see it as a way of life. Recognized for leading with a creative, innovative mindset, Wee Community DeveloPERs, Inc. (WeeComm) sets the middle ground with a luxury property defined by your own terms and price with their newest venture in San Juan — the Baron Luxe Residences.

WeeComm, who was awarded the Best Breakthrough Developer in the 8th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards in 2020, cements yet another distinctive residential development in their portfolio of beyond ordinary projects in the Philippines.

As a real estate company known for veering away from established norms and cookie-cutter developments, WeeComm has remained consistent in mounting projects that carry its own unique character. That said, Baron Luxe Residences embodies a signature workmanship that sets it apart from its cousins, namely The First Baron Residences, The Baron’s Place, The Baron Gardens, and Baron Tower.



Baron Luxe Residences is located along M. Marcos Street, Barangay Maytunas in San Juan City.

Set to be completed by September 2023, this modern and plush low density condominium comprises 76 spacious units spread across 15 floors. Built and designed with comfort and luxury at the fore, this makes for the perfect sanctuary for an independent professional, young couple, or starting family in the fast-paced metropolis.

Its prime address puts residents within minutes away from Makati, Mandaluyong City, Pasig City, Quezon City, and all major institutions such as Xavier School, Immaculate Conception Academy, La Salle Greenhills, Ortigas CBD, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Greenhills Shopping Center, and other premier establishments in neighboring cities.

“Baron Luxe promises a life of convenience, exclusivity, and opportunities merged with your own definition of luxury. Each individual unit and all common areas are intentionally structured to foster a healthy environment for the family’s growing needs and to easily adapt to their changing lifestyles and preferred customizations,” says Project Director of Baron Luxe Residences Glenn Yap. “It’s a home that takes good care of its residents.”



The master bedroom at the model unit.


 
Living room, dining area, and kitchen.


There are six unit types, each spanning from a total floor area of 80.62 sqm to 117 sqm. The price range is between ₱9,000,000 to ₱15,000,000 — a worthy and reasonable cost considering all the perks and benefits that come with this address.

Baron Luxe Residences has a variety of amenities designed for wellness and leisure. In addition to the lounge area, swimming pool, and function rooms, residents can also enjoy an obstructed view of San Juan at the Roof Deck while kids have their own fun at the Kids Play Area.


 
Roof Deck


While comfort, convenience, and accessibility are the standard of every home, it’s how it’s manifested to fit your lifestyle that makes it all the more meaningful.

“Client satisfaction has always been the driving force of all our projects. This is not the first time we’re setting foot in San Juan, so we’re no strangers to the city’s distinct culture and the community’s demands. The Baron Luxe Residences (Provisional LTS 178) was mindfully-made to complement and address exactly that,” says Cesar L. Wee Jr., Founder and CEO of WeeComm. “Regardless of wherever we build our next project, at the end of the day, all we want is to give families they can proudly call their own.”

La Germania Shares How to Recreate Your Favorite Dishes from Cibo, Yabu and Other Beloved Restaurants



Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to cook like your favorite chefs? Participants had the opportunity to learn how to cook like the pro’s themselves during the Cooking with La Germania: Masterclass Series, a five-part installment of virtual cooking classes held in partnership with celebrities and chefs from renown restaurants all over Metro Manila.

In the webinar series, expert instructors guided viewers through the step-by-step process of how to cook their signature dishes, disclosing their tips and tricks along the way. Attendees also had the opportunity to interact with the chefs, who assisted them throughout the process.

Among the impressive lineup were award-winning restaurateur Chef Margarita Forés, celebrity chef Rolando Laudico of Chef Guevarra’s and OK Cafe, and Chef Lee Jose from the Standard Hospitality Group which manages Yabu and Ippudo. In case you missed out on the unforgettable series, worry not! La Germania is here today to share some of the recipes behind your favorite restaurants’ signature dishes, and advice from our top chefs.


 
Not your typical pancake

There’s more to Japanese cuisine than ramen and sushi. Chef Lee Jose, Executive Chef of popular Japanese restaurant chains Yabu and Ippudo, demonstrated how to make the savory version of Japanese pancake, Okonomiyaki. Not only is it an easy and filling recipe, but it’s sure to wow your friends and family! It’s best if you shop at a Japanese grocery store before you try this recipe, as a lot of ingredients won’t be found in your usual supermarket.



Ingredients:

Okonomiyaki Batter

● ¾ cups of water

● 1 tsp Honodashi powder

● 1 cup all purpose flour

● ⅛ tsp iodized salt

● ¼ tsp sugar

● ½ tsp baking powder

● 4 large eggs

● 4 cups of cabbage

● ½ cup of tenkasu (tempura flakes)

● 1 tbsp Benishoga (pickled ginger)

● Regular sliced bacon

● 4 tbsp spring onions

● 4 tbsp canola oil



Okonomiyaki Sauce

● 1 ½ tbsp white sugar

● ⅛ tsp salt

● 3 ½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce

● 4 tbsp tomato ketchup

● 2 tbsp Oyster sauce



Assembly

● 1 tbsp cooking oil

● 1 cup Okonomiyaki batter

● 3 slices regular sliced bacon

● 2 tbsp Onomiyaki sauce

● 1 tsp Aonori powder

● 2 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise

● Bonito flakes

● 1 tsp Spring onions



Procedure:
 
Prepare the Okonomiyaki batter by chopping the cabbage into 1/2" chunks. Do not use the hard core. In a mixing bowl, add water and hondashi powder and whisk to dissolve the hondashi powder. Add the rest of the dry ingredients (flour, salt, sugar and baking powder). Whisk until the batter is smooth, then add the eggs and whisk until fully incorporated in the batter. Add the chopped Cabbage, Tempura flakes, Pickled Ginger and Spring onions. You can also add whatever fillings you desire (mushrooms, ham, pre cooked seafood, etc.) Using a rubber spatula, fold the batter until every ingredient is coated. Cover and keep chilled until ready to cook. This recipe yields 4 portions.
 
For the Okonomiyaki sauce, put all ingredients in a bowl and mix until all the sugar has dissolved. Keep in an airtight container and set aside. Keep chilled.
 
Heat up a non-stick pan and add 1 tbsp of oil on medium heat. When the pan is hot, scoop 1 cup of batter and add to the middle of the pan. Using your rubber spatula, gently level out the batter, then cover and let the batter cook a bit for 2 minutes.
 
Remove the cover and lay down 3 slices of bacon on top of the pancake. Cover and cook for 1 minute more, then gently flip the pancake and turn the heat to low. Cover and cook for another 3 minutes, then test for doneness by sticking a knife or chopsticks in the middle of the pancake to test if it’s fully cooked. If the stick or knife comes out clean, it’s cooked.
 
Spread 1-2 tbsp of okonomiyaki sauce on top of the pancake and spread out evenly. Sprinkle the aonori (seaweed powder) and drizzle the Japanese mayonnaise. Top the pancake with bonito flakes & spring onions. Serve right away.


 

Elevate your breakfast favorites

You may be an expert in making meatballs, but have you tried Longanisa meatballs? Chef Rolando Laudico of Chef Laudico Guevarra’s and OK Cafe taught the audience his secret to making his elevated version of Filipino breakfast classic Longsilog, better known as “Long-Ri-Long”, which is Longanisa meatball on creamy garlic salted egg risotto, poached eggs and oven dried tomatoes.



Ingredients:

Longanisa Meatballs

● 500g longanisa ground meat

● Half cup small white onion, diced

● 2 tbsps fresh basil, chopped

● 2 tbsps fresh Italian parsley

● Half cup grated parmesan cheese

● 1 whole egg, beaten

● 1 cup bread crumbs

● Half cup milk

● 4 tbsps extra virgin olive oil



Creamy garlic salted egg risotto

● 1 cup risotto rice (arborio or any short grain rice)

● 2 tbsps butter

● 1 head of garlic, minced

● 1L chicken stock

● 1 cup of cream

● 2 salter eggs, chopped fine

● Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste



Oven dried tomatoes

● 6 whole tomatoes, halved

● Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

● Extra virgin olive oil, to drizzle



Poached eggs

● 4 eggs

● Sea salt

● 4 cups of water




Procedure:

1. To make the longganisa meat balls, begin by mixing bread crumbs and milk together in a cup and let milk absorb for 5 minutes. In a big bowl, take out fresh longganisa meat from the casing (discard casing) and mix all other ingredients together. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour. Form into meatballs and fry using a non-stick pan with 4 tablespoons of olive oil until brown. Place in a sheet pan and bake in the oven at 175C for 10-15 minutes or until meatballs are fully cooked.

2. To make the risotto, heat butter in a saucepan on medium high heat and add minced garlic. Saute for 2 minutes or until garlic is golden in color, then add risotto rice or sticky rice and cook for 2 minutes. Add chicken stock 1 cup at a time and gently stir until liquid has been totally absorbed.



Repeat the process until the rice is cooked. Rice should be a bit al dente. Add more stock if needed depending on the type of rice used. Finally, add cream and finely chopped salted egg then cook for another 2-3 minutes.
 
Garnish with fresh herbs like Italian parsley

3. For the tomatoes, slice them in half then season with sea salt and pepper. Bake in a 175C oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until tomatoes have dried a bit.

4. For the poached eggs, add water in a small cup then add a pinch or two of sea salt. Break the whole egg and add to the cup being careful not to break the yolks. Place the cup in a microwave for 45 seconds to a minute depending on the power of the microwave. Spoon out poached egg on a paper towel to absorb excess liquid. Repeat the process to the other 4 eggs.

5. For assembly, on a platter or plate, spread salted egg garlic risotto then top with longanisa meatballs, oven dried tomatoes, poached eggs and garnish with fresh herbs.


 

Satisfying your Italian craving

While the recipe behind Cibo’s famous Penne al Telefono will remain a secret (revealed exclusively to the attendees of the Masterclass series), here are some of Chef Margarita Forés biggest do’s and don’ts when it comes to cooking the perfect pasta. 

For one, the quality of your ingredients and the way they were manufactured makes a world of a difference when it comes to the richness and flavor of your meal! This is why you need to choose your ingredients carefully, and understand the science behind how they were made and how they react to other ingredients. For instance, Cibo recommends using pasta from the brand “De Cecco”, which uses a bronze pasta shaper that creates more porous noodles, allowing sauces to cling to the pasta better.

For Margarita’s biggest don’ts, do not check for doneness by throwing your pasta against a wall and expecting it to stick. This means that your pasta is overcooked! Furthermore, do not run your freshly cooked pasta under cold water, as this removes all the flavor. Remember that pasta water is your best friend, and is a vital ingredient to the flavor of your pasta.




When preparing these mouthwatering dishes, it’s important to choose the best ingredients and to use good quality kitchen equipment like La Germania. Built according to the highest European standards in terms of construction and design, La Germania appliances allow you to prepare restaurant-worthy dishes in an efficient and easy way. With guaranteed durability and superior quality, they’re a good investment for you to channel your inner chef, and unleash your kitchen genius.

La Germania products are available online through La Germania’s official e-commerce website www.lagermaniaph.com and e-commerce platforms on Shopee and Lazada. For more information on La Germania and its products, you may follow the official Facebook and Instagram accounts of the trusted kitchen and appliance brand.

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Homegrown Brand Doggo Offers Top-Tier Products for Your Fur Babies



Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Pet owners are some of the most discerning markets out there — after all, who wouldn’t want the best products and treats for their fur babies? With our collective transition to staying at home over the past year, attention has turned to creating a happy home life for our families, including our beloved pets. Locally-owned dog brand Doggo is built on this premise, having been launched right on the precipice of the pandemic, to great success.



Paw-some Beginnings

Doggo is a dog brand that offers a full range of quality products from dog treats to accessories and grooming essentials for dog care, all curated and sourced from abroad. Established in 2019 as a digital-ready brand in an industry that heavily relied on physical selling, Doggo was born prepared to navigate the major economic adjustments that were to come, growing exponentially by selling on e-commerce platforms. The brand has since been in the Top 5 brands on e-commerce sites in the country and won the 2020 Winning Circle Award for Pet Supplies from Lazada.

“It started out as a challenge,” says Doggo CEO Kurt Cheng. “We had access to reliable sources but outlets were limited. In a twist of fate, this obstacle turned into an opportunity when retailers were suddenly forced to go digital. Luckily for Doggo, we started our business this way, and this allowed us to grow our brand, product lineup, and market during an otherwise challenging time.”




Must Love Doggos

Cheng’s love for animals started in his younger years. With seven dogs, fishes, and an entire aviary at home, he decided to channel his love for animals into a business that actually cares for them and promotes their happiness. “Doggo’s mission is to provide excellent quality dog products without making it too expensive for the local market. We want to elevate the quality of dog care for the B and C market. Think of Doggo as a curator of top-tier products for your pets,” says the 32-year-old businessman.

Currently, Doggo caters all dog needs, including tasty treats for dogs of all sizes and ages, accessories such as leashes, bowls and diners, pet toys, and grooming items such as shampoos, brushes, and combs. “At this time, we source all our products from abroad, however part of our expansion plan is to eventually have a Doggo food product line,” he shares. “We want to emerge from the pandemic as the most recognized dog brand, but the ultimate goal is to be No. 1 in the country and eventually carry our own range of products that can be distributed internationally and compete with global brands.”

Today, Doggo prides itself in elevating the standards of Filipino pet owners who just want the best for the dogs. In providing high-quality products at affordable price points, the brand has become a trusted resource for discerning pet parents and fur babies. Doggo is under KP Aquatics Co., one of the biggest pet accessories distributors in the Philippines.


 



About Doggo

Doggo is a proudly Filipino-owned dog brand that carries a full range of excellent quality dog products including tasty treats, toys, accessories, and grooming essentials that are curated and sourced from abroad. With hopes to make life easier for both the Filipino dog owners and their fur babies, Doggo offers the best quality products at the best price points.

Doggo is available online on Shopee, Lazada, GrabMart, and Pet Express. Follow @doggo_ph on Instagram and @doggophilippines on Facebook for updates.

Friday, July 1, 2016

Wazzup Pilipinas Names Its Favorite Discoveries at Republokal


Wazzup Pilipinas!

We had an enjoyable #BeOneWithLokal weekend following our visit to the recently-staged Republokal lifestyle exhibition held at the MetroTent in Metrowalk, Pasig City.

The event showcased various wellness and lifestyle brands that are all proudly locally-made, with heavy emphasis and consideration to the products' over-all aesthetics. Thus, on display were a pleasing mix of aesthetically-pleasing, whimsical and unique products that didn't fail to catch the fancy of the event attendees, including us. What's even more noteworthy is that all participating brands are all environmentally-friendly and ethically-made.

Participating were a mix-bag of Republokal-vetted brands, all individually hand-picked and reviewed by the Republokal team, and have even come from different parts of the country.

We would like to thank the brands who gave us samples of their products and will make sure we post selfies together with the items that can be worn (like MDSN Manila's cool T-shirt) or used on special occasions (like traveling to the beach or camping out in the woods with Sidlan's multi-functional bag cum mat cum blanket). For those whose products were food, rest assured we digested them with delight - the taste of your delicacies still lingers up to now.

The performances on the Republokal stage entertained the attendees who were not so busy rummaging on the many interesting finds at the bazaar. I must admit that I was too pre-occupied ogling on the many creative crafts, and would have bought more than what's necessary since it's very rare to find all of these awesome products in one roof, plus being able to get them at discounted prices.

Monday, April 25, 2016

A. Refinery Launches First Concept Store in Metro Manila


Wazzup Pilipinas!

A retail concept store specializing on audio-related products debuts in Metro Manila, specifically in Quezon City, with its inaugural location grand opening on April 23, 2016.

Audio Refinery Inc., a new player in the Audio and Lifestyle industry with  existing branches in Cebu and Davao, announces the debut of its new retail concept they named as A. Refinery. 

The branch is located at the 2nd Level of UP Town Center, one of Ayala Mall’s latest shopping centers located along Katipunan Avenue. The store features products under the slogan Lifestyle – Music - Technology.

Incidentally, A. Refinery has confirmed two additional store locations in the Philippines slated to hold their own grand opening later this year, A. Refinery Ayala Center Cebu and A. Refinery Abreeza Mall Davao.

This makes three concept stores as of present, and we are sure the numbers will soon increase as many of us Filipinos are music lovers.

During the celebration of the grand launching of the UP Town Center location, A. Refinery hosted programs throughout the whole day event. These included some raffle times in which a Harman Kardon Esquire speaker was the Grand Prize, a limited time sale that features products at 30% off from 3 to 5 p.m. only.

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

TV4ME.ph: Online Lifestyle Multi-Channel Network from Media5 and Brand New Media


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Starting off with 10 lifestyle channels, from which 8 are locally-produced, TV4ME.ph, an online lifestyle multi-channel network from Media5 Marketing Corporation and Brand New Media, is offering content that the Filipinos would surely love, and the best part is everything is accessible for free, anytime, anywhere and on any Internet-connected device.

At the launch held on November 12, 2015 at the Brand NewMedia offices of the TV5 Media Center, the TV4ME.ph network was introduced to members of the media. Yours truly was among the selected media invited to the event where Mike Constantino, formerly from Yahoo Philippines, led the program which was hosted by Boom Gonzales, also one of the talents of the network.

During the press launch, we got to experience first-hand the rich quality of content TV4ME offers in all lifestyle aspects – food, wellness, fashion and travel. We interacted with some of the talents in front of and behind the online multi-channel network’s shows, and discovered how through TV4Me, we can find all the resources we need for a better life. 

TV4ME.ph primarily serves bite-sized content via a best-in-class video technology that plays the videos seamlessly even on a tablet or mobile phone. Thousands of hours of helpful video content about food, fashion, home, and health & wellness fill the void in local content that Filipinos are most passionate about.

Monday, November 16, 2015

Design Ideas That Appeal To Women Home Buyers


Wazzup Pilipinas!

With Filipino women comprising 61 percent of all prospective homebuyers, according to data from Lamudi Philippines (www.lamudi.com.ph), it is imperative homes are designed in a way that appeals to them. After all, Filipino women have a huge say on how much to buy, where to buy, and what to buy—the latter should appeal to their tastes. Hence, real estate developers and homebuilders should incorporate more women-friendly design into the homes they sell. Lamudi Philippines has a few suggestions.


1. Walk-in Closet

A walk-in closet is a big draw among female homebuyers not just because of the ample space it provides, but also because it offers a smart storage solution. In advent of small homes and condos, the idea of a “perfect” storage involves plastic boxes stacked on top of one another, which creates a problem as sensitive items like leather shoes and bags stored inside them become susceptible to mildews. If properly designed, a walk-in closet lets a homeowner have a space these items “breathe,” be on display, and easily reached.


2. Easily Accessible Laundry Area

Most Filipino homes have laundry area at the back of the house, which is a long way from the bedroom. Why not have it easily accessible to the master bedroom? This will mean shorter trips from the clothesline to the bedroom closets.



Friday, July 3, 2015

99% of Filipinos Suffer From Food Intolerance


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Reactions to certain foods are quite common. However, some reactions go unnoticed until certain abnormal manifestations occur – internally (physiological) or externally (physical, i.e. on skin).Where food ALLERGY has almost an immediate reaction, food INTOLERANCE, on the other hand, does not immediately manifest. Sometimes, it takes as much several months or as short as days for symptoms to be obvious.

According to Nutrition and Lifestyle Counselor Ginny Sinense-Marksl, RND, food intolerance often occurs in people who eat normal or even very common food substance (rice, egg, dairy, wheat) that they are highly sensitive to. These foods cause inflammations in their body that could manifest as allergy-like reactions such as diarrhea, bloating, stomach cramps and at times, skin rashes that almost never seem to subside. Also, it could be one of the major reasons why it is difficult to manage any weight problem.

Food intolerance may involve some or all the same symptoms as food allergies. “While food allergies are acute reactions to a particular food substance and can cause life-threatening symptoms, food intolerance is chronic and less severe but, nevertheless aggravating to optimum health,” said Marksl.

A number of reactions surface when a person is found to be intolerant on a specific food item. However, some people could still eat small amounts of food they are “intolerant” to without any immediate physiological or physical reaction.

Monday, March 30, 2015

Badingtionary, Badafinitions and Bekinary: Understanding the LGBT Community



Wazzup Pilipinas!

Marami akong friends belonging to the LGBT community. Mas creative at friendly sila compared to others dahil many of them are open, sincere and generous with how they deal with people. Kering-keri nila ang success dahil hard-working at determined.

Nakaka-lurky for the LGBT community kapag nakakarinig ka ng kuwento about mga bloggers belonging to the third sex na sobra-sobrang makalait ng kanilang kapwa bloggers dahil lang umaangat ang mga baguhan sa kanilang estado. Gorah ngayon ang mga mimiganju sa pagkakalat ng mga jiji.

Ang opinion ng sangkatuts ay dahil nagiging insecure at Gelli De Belen na ang mga "Darna na may Ding" kapag nakikita nilang umaasenso at na sholbug sila ng mga newbies dahil nagiging competition na at natatabunan ang kalandian ng mga performance artist nating Badet.

Napapansin na ng mga PRs ang mga baguhan at nakakasama na rin sa mga events na dati-rati ay solo ng mga pranellang Siete Pecadoz at echozerang Wonder Women, kaya shokot at threatened na ang mga beteranong Dyesebel dahil baka sooner or later ay matabunan na ang mga bonggakeang Reyna Elena beauty nila.
Alisin na kasi ang inggit at i-accept na lang na lumalawak na ang opportunities for new bloggers with their own style of writing, influencing or making their presence felt. Walang perpektong tao kaya huwag hanapan ng butas. Palibhasa ay sanay ang mga chipipay na X-Men sa mga showbiz intriga kaya kahit hindi pa man celebrity ay pinag-chihismisan. Yung mga jowa na lang ng mga lulung ito ang kalantariin nila,....aaayy ..Washington D.C. pala kaya Rita Gomez sila sa iba.

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Convenience in Online Shopping


Wazzup Pilipinas!

With the rising popularity of online shopping in the country, it s not surprising that many of us would now see more local and foreign companies joining the diverse list of brands conveniently offering their products and services online.

There's actually a lot of online shopping sites out there. Our primary concern right now is finding out which of these sites are offering these products and services at the most competitive price. Wouldn't it be nice if we could easily compare their prices alongside each other. It would be amazing to find the least priced product you can similarly purchase all over on the online market.

Of course we would always look for the least priced product available out there but it's never easy to browse all sites in just one sitting, and we might even lose on an opportunity to purchase if we take too long to decide. There's nothing better than acquiring the lowest priced products, so we can proudly say we bought them at the best bargain price.

It is disappointing to find out later that there's a better offer at another site. Imagine buying a product, then finding out there's the equally same product of even higher specifications available at a much lower price.  Some are actually a lot cheaper as compared with the store purchase.

Friday, March 27, 2015

Chef Lau's Pugon Roasters at SMDC Light Mall Now Open


Wazzup Pilipinas!

The newest branch of Chef Lau's Pugon Roasters opened last week at SM Light Mall and Residences after an opening held at the same time the mall opened its doors to the public at around 4 pm of March 21, 2015.

Your Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas was among the invited guests who got to try out the fastgood dishes of the restaurant. As always, the branding of Chef Rolando Laudico and his chef wife Jacqueline "Jac" Laudico never fails to impress me. They are truly my favorite chefs of all time.

Aside form being very accommodating, the chef couple is always at all smiles to their guests who constantly request for photo ops and selfies with the two culinary masters.

Their partner in the business, Robi Raya, joins Chef Lau in the ribbon cutting ceremonies while a priest blessed the restaurant and its equipment and facilities.

Some celebrities passed by to greet the restaurant owners especially Chef Lau. I've seen Bea Binene with her mom trying out the food and cakes of the restaurant so I did the same - ordered up my own Sizzling Angus Roast Beef feast complete with a Blueberry cake for dessert.

You'll find high quality, modern Pinoy food at very affordable prices at Chef Lau's Pugon Roasters!

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Discovery Channel Celebrates the Life and Achievements of Lee Kuan Yew


Wazzup Pilipinas!

March 2015 marked the end of an era for Singapore, with the passing of former Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew. Discovery Channel pays tribute to the man who is regarded as the founding father of modern Singapore in FATHER OF A NATION: LEE KUAN YEW, a one-hour special that celebrates his life and chronicles some of his greatest achievements. The programme will air on 24 March at 9pm.

In a matter of decades, Singapore has emerged from a rural backwater island and evolved into a bustling economic powerhouse. Despite its lack of natural resources, the country now stands proud as one of Asia's Tigers and this leap from third world to first can be attributed to one man - Lee Kuan Yew. 

Lee Kuan Yew was the first prime minister of Singapore, governing for three decades. He is also one of history's longest-serving ministers, holding successive ministerial positions spanning more than 50 years. Known for his foresight and leadership, the eloquent and outspoken politician is hailed as one of Asia's most influential figures and has been praised by other world leaders such as former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, German Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel, and U.S. president Barack Obama.

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Have a Moment of Serenitea in Davao City


Wazzup Pilipinas!

With their newest franchise opening in the Crown Jewel of Mindanao, Serenitea looks to further cement their place as the country’s leading homegrown milk tea brand. One of the forerunners of the milk tea craze in the Philippines, Serenitea held the grand opening of their second branch outside of Manila last month, drawing an excited crowd with their signature Jumbo Cup promo.

General Manager, Juliet Herrera, stated that the company found an opportunity to expand in Davao, given the market demand for the brand in the city.

Serenitea aims to be the preferred choice of Filipinos from all over the country when it comes to enjoying a serene tea-drinking experience, which is why we wanted to be present nationwide,” added Herrera.

As a nod to their Davao market, Serenitea also came up with Durian Madness, exciting new drinks that incorporate the region’s specialty. Exclusively offered in Serenitea Davao, customers can choose between Durian Milk Tea, Durian Royal Frost, Matcha Durian Slush, & Cocoa Durian Slush.

Urban Guerilla Race: The Mission to Become a Hero is Clear


Wazzup Pilipinas!

The first and only obstacle racing series within Philippine territories, TN-Guerilla Race Inc. is proud to announce the resumption of the GUERILLA RACE SERIES for 2015 with its entry level challenge, the URBAN GUERILLA RACE, targeting over 1,500 athletes and race aficionados, and nearly as many spectators, all set to participate in this first leg of the year.

The Guerilla Race Series is the first obstacle-driven race series of its kind in the Philippines. Skillfully developed by a Philippine Army scout ranger, the Guerilla Race Series is meant to test the Guerilla Racers’ limits in terms of endurance of body, presence of mind and resilience of spirit.

This is a benefit race with a guerilla mission to embark on corporate social responsibility, TN-Guerilla Race Inc. supports the H.E.R.O. Foundation by donating part of the registration fees to support the education of the orphans of our soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the service of this country.

The URBAN GUERILLA RACE marks the beginning of the Guerilla Race Series which is held annually, with 4 major races per year, in different regions of exciting landscapes and race topography within the Philippines.

Participants in the Urban Guerilla Race will be competing in the individual male and female categories as well as in the team competition for both the Sprint and Warrior Races. But that’s not all. With the success of the debut of our Guerilla Kids Race last year, we are again including the Kids Race for this first leg of the series so expect this first leg to be a fun-filled family affair.

Finishers will be rewarded with the Heroes’ Welcome– the Guerilla Race Finishers’ Party offering a catered meal, a beer bash and live bands to reward their brawn and bravery. The top 3 males and top 3 females ofthe Urban Guerilla Race qualify for a free entry into the next tier.

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Discovery Channel To Premiere Air Asia 8501 Special



Wazzup Pilipinas!

Discovery Channel today announced that it will be broadcasting FLIGHT 8501: STORM DISASTER, about the tragic events of Air Asia flight 8501. The aircraft, with its 155 passengers and seven crew, was lost in a storm 40 minutes into its journey from Indonesia to Singapore on 28 December 2014 – concluding the worst year for aviation disasters in a decade. The sixty-minute special attempts to shed some light on the mystery that surrounds the event, and provides one of the most comprehensive explanations as to what happened. FLIGHT 8501: STORM DISASTER will premiere on Discovery Channel on 12 April at 8:00 p.m. (MNL). The special will also air across Asia Pacific and internationally, in more than 220 countries and territories.

Theresa Ong, senior vice president and general manager, Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, said, “Once again, Discovery is bringing viewers compelling stories that have strong local interest. In the past, topical shows such as HAIYAN: AFTER THE MEGASTORM, AFTER THE WAVE, and FLIGHT 370: THE MISSING LINKS, have resonated well with audiences in the region. These specials help provide insight into the tragedies and tell inspiring stories of bravery and the tenacity of the human spirit in the darkest of hours.”

Comparing and contrasting the story of Air Asia flight 8501 with recent aviation tragedies such as Air France flight 447 and Malaysia Airlines flight 370, the documentary will examine the impact of the Earth’s changing climate on the aviation industry. It will question whether so-called “super storms” are becoming more frequent and severe, putting planes at greater risk than ever before. It will also explore whether today’s aviation technology leaves pilots too dependent on automation, resulting in information overload in critical situations.

AMD FreeSync Technology Has Arrived!



Wazzup Pilipinas!

No stuttering. No tearing. No extra costs. Just smooth gaming. Those are pretty straightforward and reasonable requests from gamers, right? Today it becomes reality with our latest AMD Catalyst™ driver release. This is our first driver with AMD FreeSync™ technology enabled, and I’m happy to report that there are FreeSync technology-enabled monitors shipping or are about to ship imminently. Should this be your first encounter with AMD FreeSync technology, please make sure you check this out first to learn about how it works! You can also find more information on our website.


Speaking of monitors

Below you’ll find a chart with all of the AMD FreeSync technology-compatible monitors announced to date. I’ve had the pleasure of playing around with a few of them, and they’re more than worth your consideration. You may prefer the Acer or BenQ’s 1440p models that have a wide refresh rate range (40-144Hz). Alternatively, proponents of IPS panels or ultra-wide aspect ratios would be keen to check out the 29” or 34” options from LG. And more monitors are on their way. Up to 20 monitors supporting AMD FreeSync technology are in the pipe for 2015, in fact!

Now, think back to when you saw your first HD video—it was difficult to be satisfied with standard-def content. It was for me, anyhow. That’s how I feel about gaming on AMD FreeSync technology. I always disliked tearing and stuttering, but I couldn’t do much about them with yesterday’s technologies. AMD FreeSync technology changes the game, fixing both tearing and stuttering with smooth gameplay at virtually any framerate. I can now dial up the detail without worrying about whether or not I’m sacrificing smoothness, and I find it difficult to game on normal monitors now.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Offering your Diners Multiple Ways to Book - Social Media Feature at Resdiary


Wazzup Pilipinas!

ResDiary launched a new platform that allows you to receive booking via Twitter and Facebook. With around 15 million people registered on Twitter and 30 million using Facebook in the Philippines alone, “it’s vital that Restaurateurs and Hoteliers have a strong online presence in today’s market”, according to Dennis Ng, ResDiary Philippines President.

Dennis added: “Social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook hold a large influence over people’s decision-making process, especially when it comes to booking their next hot spot to eat in. Now, booking a table for dinner just got easier, with this new product allowing people to make reservations via both Twitter and Facebook.”

Adding: “Social media platforms are a great way to engage with existing and potential guests and increase online exposure, promoting new menus and offers and advertise events. As well as taking bookings, managers can reach out to followers by running specific ‘Twitter Only’ promotions via ResDiary - a very quick and effective way to increase a restaurant’s online exposure, taking more reservations and increasing profits.”
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