“Breville-lize” Your Calamansi juicing

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As we approach the end of the year, the onset of the cold season will definitely test our bodies’ immune system. We already rely on it to prevent dangerous bacteria, germs, even cancer cells and parasites, and of course common viruses related to ailments such as colds, cough and flu from entering our bodies.

However, our immune system need to be reinforced from time-to-time against these attacks, and a tried-and-tested way is by loading up on consumption of fruits and vegetables and other plant-based food. They are good sources of essential vitamins and phytonutrients that act as vital antioxidants to help fight diseases.

A perfect fruit to beef up our immune system are citrus fruits, which contain massive amounts of Vitamin C. Here in the Philippines, the most affordable and available anywhere citrus fruit is our very own “Calamansi.” 

Its stockpile of Vitamin C helps eliminate toxins in the body and fortifies the immune system. At the same time, it helps improve our skin, keeps our teeth and bones healthy and gives our body the ability to heal wounds faster and prevents damage to our eyes.

Long touted as a wonder fruit, the “Calamansi” is not just good for its juice. Even the rind has its tremendous benefits for it has vital oils that can help improve digestion and also provides anti-inflammatory support.

Given the size of the calamansi, usually a bit larger than the common grape, many would cringe from extracting its Vitamin C-enriched juice. Since it is small, extracting one glass, or approximately 300 ml, you’d need at least 1 kilo already if you juice it the traditional way, which is more of the painstaking manual juicing or squeezing.

But there’s a faster way of extracting the all-important calamansi juice and its rich nutrients to make it more concentrated. By using the latest and most efficient juicers from Breville, Australia’s top brand of small kitchen appliances known the world over, you’ll get the juiciest and nutrient-packed calamansi concentrate in a jiffy.

The best way of juicing Calamansi is through Breville Fast Jucing in as fast as a little less than 1 minute, you are guaranteed to get all the goodness of calamansi using Breville’s outstanding juicers like the Froojie Fountain™, the Froojie Fountain Pro™ and the Juice Fountain Max™. Get 25% more juice from 1 kilo of calamansi and also get 70% more of the phytonutrients from the rind. Best of all, you get less of the sourness of the calamansi from manual juicing because with Breville juicers, the juice is more balanced and smoother to drink.

Breville lets you enjoy more calamansi juice by juicing 1 kilo of calamansi to produce 375 ml of the calamansi concentrate then just divide it into three, or around 125 ml each. For every 125 ml, you can already make a pitcher of diluted calamansi juice for the whole family by adding just one liter of water and mixing 4 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Get around 4 glasses (8 ounces each) of perfect calamansi juice that you can serve either warm or cold.

Fortify your immune system this cold season with the freshest, tastiest and most nutritious drink you’ll ever get. 

“Breville-lize” your calamansi juicing today with Breville juicers and live a long, healthy and happy life.

For more about Breville juicers and other products, visit  www.breville.com.ph. 

Epson launches new L-series Multi-Function Printers

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The new L380, L385 and L485 Ink Tank System Printers

Epson, a world leader in digital imaging and printing solutions, will be launching the L380, L385 and L485 Multi-Function Printers, that will complement Epson’s current range of ink tank printers to provide added value for consumers. These new L-series printers continues to provide one of the lowest printing costs in the market with extremely high page yield, enabling home offices and small businesses to save on their running costs.

The L380, L385 and L485 ink tank printers bring superior performance and reliable quality, at improved printing speeds of 10 ipm for black and white, and 5 ipm in colour, bringing increased productivity. The 3 models offer ultra-high page yields of 7,500 pages in colour or 4,500 pages in black with each set of inks, delivering one of the lowest costs per print in the market.

The compact L385 and L485 printers come with wireless connectivity, with the L485 bringing added convenience with Wi-Fi Direct, enabling connection with up to 4 devices without a router. The printers come with Epson’s suite of connectivity features enabling printing and scanning directly to the user’s smart device or from online cloud storage services. For scanning capabilities, the L380 scans at 600 x1200dpi, and the L385 and L485 scans at 1200 x 2400dpi.

 L380

The L380 comes with a 2 year warranty or 50,000 prints, and the L385 & L485 comes with 2 year or 30,000 prints. The L380 printer provides more value with an additional 2 black bottles on top of the provided set of bottles. 

“The refreshed line up of L-series printers has improved speeds to help businesses improve productivity and save on running costs. We are proud to highlight that Epson’s L-series range of printers has sold more than 15 million units worldwide. We are continually looking to improve our ink tank system printers, to support the needs of home offices and small businesses,” said Ed Bonoan, Senior General Manager and Marketing Head, Epson Philippines.

City of Dreams Manila Ushers the Yuletide Season with a Festive Lighting Spectacle

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City of Dreams Manila ushered the holiday season with a festive Christmas tree lighting ceremony at The Shops at the Boulevard, the luxury integrated resort’s retail avenue with some of the world’s most sought-after brands. 

The whimsical Yuletide festivity was led by City of Dreams Manila’s Property President Geoff Andres, Belle Corporation’s Vice Chairman Willy Ocier, Paranaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez and spouse Janet Olivarez, Congressman for the 1st District of Paranaque Eric Olivarez, and 2016 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Maxine Medina. 

To warm up the holiday fete at the onset of the program, a Christmas parade of DreamPlay was held. DreamWorks’ beloved characters Shrek, Fiona, Puss in Boots, Po of Kung Fu Panda, Alex the lion and King Julien the lemur of Madagascar strutted along The Shops and upon reaching the holiday display, performed a dazzling and vibrant dance routine together with the Dream dancers dressed in nutcracker, angel, Christmas tree, elves and snowflake costumes. 

The fanciful holiday ceremony’s focal point showcased City of Dreams Manila’s Queen-like character sauntering around the holiday display, lighting up two smaller Christmas trees with a wave of a wand and passing on the wand to the VIP guests who in turn magically lighted up the two bigger Christmas trees. Guests gasped in amazement as Ms. Medina and Mrs. Olivares tapped the wand to light up the Christmas tree by their side. Later on, Mayor Olivarez & Mr. Andres pulled the giant candy cane lever to turn on City of Dreams holiday carousel, which made the crowd cheer and applaud with further excitement.

The Christmas tree lighting ceremony was followed by a 30-minute performance of the premiere mixed chorale ensemble of the University of Santo Tomas Singers conducted by Professor Fidel Calalang, Jr. The internationally-acclaimed choir most recently won the 1st Prize in the Mixed Choirs Adult Category in the 4th Florence, Italy International Choir Festival. They regaled the audience with their vocal harmonies of timeless holiday songs such as “Hark the Herald,” “Kampana ng Simbahan,” and “Grownup Christmas List.” 

The Christmas tree lighting event marks the beginning of City of Dreams Manila’s roster of holiday activities and offers. 

Weekend Christmas Parade and Children’s Choir at The Shops at the Boulevard

Guests can catch the Christmas weekend parade with DreamPlay’s beloved characters Shrek, Fiona, Alex the lion, Po the Panda, and King Julien the lemur every Saturday and Sunday starting December 17 and 18. The parade will start at the DreamPlay entrance at 6 PM and make its way to the Grand Carousel at The Shops at Boulevard.

For an unforgettable Yuletide season, guests can watch the choir performances every Saturday and Sunday at the holiday display by The Shops. The University of Santo Tomas Singers returns on November 27 and December 11, 2016, 3:30 PM. Other holiday choir performances include Kammerchor Manila on Nov. 26, Dec. 10 and Dec. 25, 3:30 PM; Hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir on Dec. 3 and 18, 3:30 PM; and Imusicapella on Dec. 04, 17 and Dec. 24, 3:30 PM.

Wild Winter at DreamPlay

Holiday attractions and surprises are in stored for guests at DreamPlay. Both the young and the young at heart can have a “Wild Winter” experience from December 16 to 18, 23 to 24, 26 to 31, and January 1. Guests who avail of the “Wild Winter” package at P1,500 per person will have VIP access to all attractions plus limited edition DreamPlay goodies such as a Christmas apron and hat, an Alex the lion notebook, a special Christmas-themed gingerbread from Cooking with Gingy, and a printed souvenir photo. The package also provides access to see the Merry Madagascar movie and comes with a free box of popcorn and unlimited iced tea. 

Merry Live Band Performances at Chaos Nightclub every Wednesday

Chaos nightclub hosts the best local artists every Wednesday night, 9pm, elevating Original Pinoy Music (OPM) to a whole new level. Upcoming performances at the trendsetting nightclub include Side A and True Faith on November 30, Freestyle and Southborder on December 7, Side A and The Juans on December 14, Freestyle and MYMP on December 21, and Side A with Kudos loves 80s on December 28.

Tickets to see the live band performances every Wednesday at Chaos are at P400 each with one drink. 

Holiday Party Like a Rockstar at KTV at City of Dreams Manila

Guests can sing like a rock star or their favorite pop music icons and immerse themselves in the KTV’s uniquely-themed interiors. Ideal for Christmas gatherings and parties, revelers can have fun and sing to their hearts content in their selected KTV room, each one with a different theme inspired by world-renowned cities: Amsterdam, Bangkok, Las Vegas, Marrakesh, or Miami or the Tarot card-inspired rooms: the Sun and Moon, Lovers, Fortune, as well as the combinable Emperor and Empress – connected via a private doorway to accommodate larger groups.

All rooms come with en suite powder rooms and fully-operated touchscreen control pads and start at a consumable food and beverage package of P5,000++ for two hours and up to ten persons. Larger rooms can accommodate up to 30 guests for private parties. 

The KTV rooms are available from Wednesdays to Sundays, 7 pm to 2 am, and Mondays to Tuesdays by reservation.

Christmas Bazaar for Dream Rewards Members

An exclusive luxury shopping experience awaits Dream Rewards members from December 2 to 6 at the Grand Ballroom of City of Dreams Manila as the integrated resort hosts a curated line-up offering premium privileges and discounts from some of the world’s most sought-after brands such as Tiffany & Co., Fendi, Christian Louboutin, Charriol, Loewe, Samsonite, Rimowa, Frederique Constant, Mont Blanc, Mikimoto, Roberto Coin, Tissot, Macallan, Longchamp and more. 

Dream Rewards members can exchange their earned points for any of the items available at the bazaar. For non-members who wish to join the bazaar, they can sign-up for a Dream Rewards card for free at any Dream Rewards counter. One valid government ID is required.

Family Staycation and Honeymoon for the Holidays Packages

Crown Towers Manila and Nobu Hotel Manila offers luxurious overnight holiday stays for families and couples. 

Crown Towers

The Crown Family Staycation Package at P11,000 net, comes with an elegant Resort room and breakfast for two adults and two children below five years old at Breezes, and four passes to DreamPlay.

The Crown Honeymoon package at P16,500 net lets couples enjoy a romantic stay at a sophisticated Resort Studio with a one-hour couple’s spa treatment at the Crown Spa and dining credit at select City of Dreams Manila restaurants. 

Nobu Hotel

For Nobu Hotel guests, the Nobu Family Staycation Package at P9,500 net, comes with a stay at a Nobu Deluxe room with breakfast for two adults and two children below five years old at Nobu Manila and four passes to DreamPlay. 

The Nobu Honeymoon Package at P15,000 net includes an Executive room with a one-hour spa treatment at Nobu Spa and P3,000 dining credit at select City of Dreams Manila restaurants.

For inquiries and reservations, guests can call 800 8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com.

Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines celebrates three decades of making a difference in communities

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Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines President Cecile Alcantara leads the celebratory toast on their 30^th anniversary. Alcantara was joined by Coca-Cola Philippines President and General Manager Diego Granizo and Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines Director for Legal and Corporate Affairs Atty. Jorenz Tanada.

All over the Philippines, the iconic red and white logo of Coca-Cola always evokes a feeling of refreshing ice-cold beverages that can be enjoyed and shared with loved ones and friends to make meal times more special.

But in other parts of the nation, in remote villages where water is scarce, in communities where women are struggling to improve their household income, and in schools where students are suffering from poor health, Coca-Cola has been a refreshing sign of hope and progress, thanks to the various social responsibility programs of the company through their social responsibility arm – the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc.

Since it was established in November 1986 as a manifestation of the commitment of Coca-Cola to corporate citizenship in the country, the Foundation has helped improve the quality of life of hundreds of thousands of Filipinos through education, health, water sanitation, and livelihood programs. Through the Foundation, Coca-Cola has also provided emergency assistance during disasters and implemented various environmental conservation projects.

Celebrating 30 years of fulfilling the mission of providing sustainable growth and well-being in Filipino communities, the Foundation’s current programs this year are focused on enabling access to safe water in underserved, rural communities as well as providing education and development opportunities to the Filipino youth.

Coca-Cola Philippines Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications Atty. Adel Tamano and Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines Director for Legal and Corporate Affairs Atty. Jorenz Tanada, lead the ribbon cutting of The Happiness Project exhibit of the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines on its 30^th anniversary.  

“At Coca-Cola, we have a shared vision of growing our business and enhancing the sustainability of local communities around the world. We are very thankful that for the past 30 years, we have been given wonderful opportunities to serve thousands of Filipino communities, share happiness and make a difference in the lives of countless people through programs implemented through the Foundation and our partners,” said Diego Granizo, Coca-Cola Philippines President and General Manager.

The Happiness Project

In celebration of its milestone year, the Foundation will publish a 30th anniversary magazine, “The Happiness Project”, which highlights its achievements in uplifting the lives of Filipinos in various communities. The publication features amazing stories written by University of Sto. Tomas-Journalism Society, and photos taken by De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLSU-CSB) School of Design and Arts students and faculty volunteers. They captured stories of struggles, hopes and dreams that came true for beneficiary communities of Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines and their program partners.

The Happiness Project magazine, along with videos and photos capturing these true stories of hope will be exhibited from November 10 to 12 at the Activity Area of Gateway Mall, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City – a project made possible through a partnership with the J. Amado Araneta Foundation and Araneta Group.

Among the “happiness” stories are that of a barangay captain in Bato, Leyte and a 74-year-old man in Baao, Camarines Sur who were blessed with finally having access to clean drinking water through the Agos project of the Foundation, in partnership with the Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation, Inc. and the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement. The project uses a gravity installation, which brings water from upland sources to communities downhill.

The Happiness Project also features eye-opening stories of the hardships of young Tacloban students in the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda and a retired high school teacher in Butong, Quezon province who both found the passion to continue learning and teaching, respectively, after experiencing the Little Red Schoolhouse project which the Foundation built. The two-storey, typhoon-resilient Little Red Schoolhouse inside the Marasbaras Elementary School in Leyte has six classrooms, each fully equipped with chairs, tables blackboards, and comfort rooms, while the Little Red Schoolhouse at the Quezon National High School-Apyao Annex is the first one built for middle school students.

“Our work in Coca-Cola Foundation has rewarded us over a hundred-fold – with warm smiles and the sincere expressions of gratefulness from the people we have met along the way. Even a tearful speech of a grandfather who has turned hopeful that his grandchildren will have a better life because they now have free flowing fresh water a few steps from their home, beats any award or trophy,” said Cecile Alcantara, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines President.

The Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. is a founding member of the League of Corporate Foundations, and member of the Association of Foundations and the Corporate Network for Disaster Response.

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands and more than 3,800 beverage choices. Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world's most valuable and recognizable brands, our company’s portfolio features 20 billion-dollar brands, 18 of which are available in reduced-, low- or no-calorie options. Our billion-dollar brands include Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero, Fanta, Sprite, Dasani, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Del Valle, Georgia and Gold Peak. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, we are the No. 1 provider of both sparkling and still beverages. More than 1.9 billion servings of our beverages are enjoyed by consumers in more than 200 countries each day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates. 

For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company

Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX) Asia-Pacific 2016: A taste of the Philippines

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Delegates of the Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX) Asia-Pacific 2016, the largest gathering of travel bloggers, writers, content media creators, and tourism industry professionals, had a feast as they discovered Philippine cuisine. 

 

Presented by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), in coordination with NMX Events, their journey of discovery began with a 15-hour food tour where they travelled to Pampanga, “the culinary center of the Philippines”, to try iconic Filipino dishes such as lechon, sisig, chicken inasal, and sinigang. They then went to Binondo to experience the country’s Chinese culinary influence on food.

The contingent was served an array of grilled fish, prawns, squids, and clams and tasted some of the native delicacies such as barquillos, turones, kutsinta, halo-halo, rice cakes including bibingka, cassava cake, and puto. 

The country’s tropical fruits were also a hit as the visitors sampled the sweetest mangoes, rambutan, lanzones and marang. Calamansi was a surprise to them for its versatility – from a refreshing fruit drink to an additional flavor to condiments. 

To complete their Filipino food experience, they were served some of the country’s exotic foods including balut, pako or fern salad, and sea urchin.

“I find it very interesting that the Filipino cuisine is influenced by so many other cultures and it creates a fascinating mix,” said Maria Haase who travelled all the way from Germany. “This food trip was very interesting and inspiring for me.”

Further making Filipino meals fun, the delegates experienced boodle feasts, which urged them not only to share their food but to interact and converse with one another. Trying Filipino dishes in this unique way was something the first-time visitors were able to enjoy. “This is such a simple pleasure to enjoy. It’s amazing that we get the time to eat together. I love this kind of culture,” said Chicago-native Rosemary Kimani.

TBEX Asia Pacific 2016 was made possible with the support of Philippine Airlines, Globe Telecom, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and Duty Free Philippines. Other sponsors included Amorita Resort, The Lind Boracay, Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel, Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Primer Group of Companies, The Funny Lion Palawan, Merrell Philippines, Lakan, Banana Peel, Le Spa at Sofitel, Park Inn by Radisson, Hotel Luna, Bluewater Maribago Resort and Spa, Sonya’s Garden, Museo Orlina, and Grab Philippines. 

The event was also made possible through the participation of volunteers from the University of the Philippines, Centro Escolar University, University of Santo Tomas, and Philippine Women’s University. 

The amazing variety of food – from savory dishes to sweet delicacies, and our wide array of fresh ingredients, diverse cultural influences, proves that the Philippines can stand out as an exciting culinary destination.