Let's take a trip down memory lane at Reminisque Bistro in Tomas Morato

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A great evening as we turn back time, while having taste the traditional Filipino Cuisine at the newly opened Reminisque Bistro in Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

Dining experience that takes you back to Good Ole Days, turn back time as Reminisque Bistro provides guests with relaxing chill and nostalgic vibe music of the decade past - the 70s, 80s, 90s and traditional Filipino cuisine with fresh new ideas with delicious taste. 

For quality dining experience that takes you back to the good ole days, Reminisque Bistro is the perfect go-to place for a much-deserved indulgence. 

Reminisque Bistro opened its doors to the public last July 30, and as the name suggests, this cozy dining hub aims to provide a venue for adult professionals and yuppies who are craving for some straight-up, comfort grub with the distinct feel of hometown goodness.

Metro Manila’s newest go-to place for foodies and pub crawlers steers clear of the usual culinary fix being served by nearby restos and cafes in the area. Instead, it focuses on exquisite, traditional Filipino cuisine, but the kind that incorporates fresh new ideas with delicious regional taste. 

Almost everything that comes out of the kitchen is a specialty prepared in classic, flavorful glory: kansi, a rare Ilonggo delicacy that straddles the fine line between bulalo and sinigang, is a huge hit among regulars, especially after giving its thick, tangy taste a try.

Their traditionally prepared kare-kare brings a slice of home: earthily smoothened and savored with grounded peanuts and roasted rice grains. Reminisque Bistro also offers lengua—a rich and tasty ox tongue recipe in creamy mushroom sauce and red wine; the classic sisig with pita—a popular Filipino appetizer that goes well with beer and surprisingly, pita bread; and the famous Reminisque chicken— fried to golden brown with a unique savory taste you’ll surely remember.

“We hired a chef, experienced in creating various dishes including his old recipes gathered,” Matias says about how they sort through and curate the food in their menu.

Reminisque Bistro’s homey, modern Filipino interiors are the perfect setting for people who just want to unwind after a stressful day at work. A service cocktail bar features a wide array of drinks—pure, concocted and fondly stirred with alcoholic mixes, spirits, vodka, seasonal fruits, and sweeteners.

Their private function rooms with 35-seating capacity can also hold special meetings, gatherings, and small parties. 

Apart from its cozy, contemporary ambiance and delightful homegrown food, Reminisque Bistro holds themed nights that cater to adult audiences seeking for nostalgic music of the past. Their pool of DJs plays expertly curated songs that span from the ‘70s, ’80s, ‘90s to the present while acoustic performers provide guests with relaxing chill music that they can sing along to and enjoy in the background. 

Visit Reminisque Bistro at Scout Lozano Street corner Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

The bistro is open daily for lunch up until the last call, which is usually at 2:00 am. Call (02) 4415302 / 0476182093 for inquiries and reservations. Add us on Facebook: facebook.com/Reminisquebistro.

DepEd, educ stakeholders team up for K to 12 full implementation in QC

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The local government of Quezon City and education stakeholders from different sectors gathered together for the Senior High School (SHS) summit on the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) track with Information Technology (IT) as the focus industry yesterday. 

Education Secretary Armin Luistro FSC lauded the efforts of the city to ensure that the TVL curriculum is both aligned with students’ interests and contextualized to satisfy employment demands within the vicinity. 

“It is always a pleasure to be able to witness school stakeholders, the local government and various private-sector partners come together to create effective education programs for the benefit of our learners. Quezon City has always been proactive in engaging the academic community. I pray that their efforts will remain steadfast beyond 2016,” he said.

Luistro underscored that the K to 12 Program equips Filipinos with 21st century skills that will enable them to be prepared for employment, higher education, and skills development, thereby, empowering them to be nation-builders. 

“The goal of education is to empower our youth to become the primary movers of social change. Coming up with immersive policies to teach IT will shape communities able to manipulate technology to address bigger social issues and improve the Filipinos’ quality of life,” he added.

Reaching the ‘last mile’

The education chief stressed that DepEd continues its last mile efforts in delivering quality education to the Filipino children living in areas where access remains a challenge. 

“We have a multitude of programs to ensure that no one is left behind. We have Kariton Klasrum that aims to encourage street children to participate in the learning experience anywhere in the streets. We also have the Abot Alam program, which aims to enlist out-of-school youth and secondary education undergraduates into the public school system by offering courses fit to match their interests and existing skills. And for SPED, we are honing their capacities by constantly encouraging them and the learning community to participate in mainstreaming programs. These programs are not only set to run next year, they are, in fact, already in place and in full effect,” he said. 

He also added that there has been a significant increase of children participating in the formal school system over the years. “The number of OSYs greatly diminished. In 2008, there are 2.9-million OSYs that make up 11.7% of the entire population. This decreased to 1.2-million or 5.2% in 2013,” he explained.

To address the growing enrollment in Quezon City, the DepEd has filled a total of 2,685 teacher items from 2010 to 2014. The Department will also build 47 senior high schools where 31 will be from existing junior high school sites, while the remaining 16 will be new and stand alone.

Multi-sectoral commitment to education reforms

In his opening remarks, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista pledged to come up with different facilities and means to provide for the requirements of the K to 12 tracks their city will offer. 

“Ours is a young and vibrant city with the biggest promise to be at the forefront of academic reforms. Today, we come together as one city to take the lead in supporting Sec. Luistro and Pres. Aquino’s greatest legacy to the Filipino youth,” he said.

Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte also shared the benefits of K to 12 in saying that the program will produce a well-rounded citizenry dedicated to uplifting the values of academic excellence and nationalism, adding, “Senior High School students will be better prepared for their tertiary education and will be much more competitive when seeking employment both here and abroad. All this for the development of a strong and unified nation,” she said.

Australian Embassy First Secretary Nigel Bruce praised the continued friendship and cooperation between Australia and the Philippines, “Our nations have always been partners in education and social development. In fact, this is not the first commitment Australia is signing in support of K to 12. We currently have the Basic Education Sector Transformation (BEST) Program and the Philippines’ Response to Indigenous Peoples’ and Muslim Education (PRIME) to name a few.”

Founded in San Francisco, USA, the Asia Foundation has also been an unwavering partner in reform efforts of the government not just in education. “We have partnered with the Philippine government in good governance initiatives, disaster response and the Mindanao peace process. You may expect that our level of support to K to 12 will be as faithful and unrelenting as our previous partnerships,” said Deputy Country Representative Maribel Buenaobra. 

“We are, first and foremost, educators; and as educators, we do not give up. Trust that we will continue to support education reform efforts,” she added.

Chef’s Noodle opens its latest branch at Ayala Terraces

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Craving for Korean Cuisine?  Chef’s Noodle opens its latest branch north of the metro!

Enticing foodies of all ages in Fairview and nearby locations, Korean favorite Chef’s Noodle is happy to open another branch, this time at the Ayala Terraces. 

Known for its delectable yet reasonably priced selection of Korean fare, Chef’s Noodle Philippines is a proud master franchise of the very popular Chef’s Noodle chain of restaurants in Korea.

While the fast casual restaurant is focused on bringing authentic Korean fare to the Philippines, Chef’s Noodle is able to differentiate itself from other Korean restaurants in the country by offering unique dining options that lean towards Korean fusion. 

The restaurant’s more adventurous take on food is something that keeps guests exciting and wanting more as the menu – which offers both Korean fusion and traditional Korean dishes; was developed by award-winning Korean celebrity chef Choi in Sun. 

Some notable menu items include, the restaurant’s specialty, the Starking Fire Sushi (choice of Australian beef, shrimp or tuna), Bulgogi Kimbap, Leek and Shrimp Twigim, Seafood Pajun, Bibimbap, Ddukbokki Carbonara, Curry Dupbap, Kas Basket, Spicy Pork Dupbap, the house special, Chef’s Noodle, as well as special desserts that are unique to Chef’s Noodle Philippines.

Guests included friends from the media as well as VIPs such as MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, Carlo Orosa, Arnold Vegafria, and of course, Chef’s Noodle Philippines endorser Sam Concepcion. 

The interiors of the new branch continue to be fresh and vibrant, carrying K-Pop inspirations, evoking a cozier dining atmosphere. Guests were happy to take their seat as they eagerly await the delectable dishes that were prepared especially for them at the Chef’s Noodle Ayala Terraces opening. 

It was truly an afternoon of merrymaking and bonding over great food as this delicious Korean import is set to make the Ayala Terraces dining scene even more exciting with its wonderful selection of dishes that are perfect for young and old.

Visit its branches at Robinsons Magnolia (656-7033) SM North EDSA The Block (376-5367), Robinsons Place Malolos (0917-548-6187) and Ayala Fairview Terraces (364-8878)

Check out Chef’s Noodle’s website, www.chefsnoodlephils.com and its Facebook account www.facebook.com/chefsnoodlephils for more details. Open for franchising.

Discover Fresh Fare and Dining Delights at Farmers Market

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There is nothing quite like a delectable dish made out of the freshest, locally-grown produce that one can find at the one and only Farmers Market. A recognized landmark in the heart of the Araneta Center, Farmers Market retains its 40 year distinction as an undisputed benchmark and source for fresh seafood, best cooking ingredients and food choices in the metro.

Truly a market like no other in the world, Farmers Market will hold its first FARMERS MARKET DAY TOUR. This is in participation to the month-long gastronomic feast "Flavors of the Philippines" by the Department of Tourism. The tour around the world-class market will be Araneta Center’s contribution to the festival of food-related events and activities which aims to introduce the Philippines as the gourmet capital in Asia.

Farmers Market will also be hosting the market day tour on April 23 for the elite chefs featured on Madrid Fusion Manila 2015 -- the most anticipated gastronomic event will bring together renowned culinary experts from Spain and the Philippines sharing history and culture in a single culinary stage. Members of international media will be present to cover the Chefs’ Market Day Tour.

Farmers Market will be the apt venue for these events as it gives premium to the quality and variety of goods and products. It boasts of the widest array of seafood available, flown in daily from various fish ports in the Philippines. 

The live seafood section at Farmers Market elevates the experience of shopping for sea produce due to the fresh choices available, plus one can glimpse through the giant aquariums of Fishmoko and choose from the freshest catch of the day varying from live fish, crabs, shellfish and other products from the country’s bountiful sea.

At the organic section, one can pick ingredients from the wide assortment of fruits and vegetables grown chemical-free and pesticide-free to prepare healthy meals for the whole family. Aside from fresh farm produce, items such as specialty and gourmet coffee, local delicacies, and native products are also available in the dry goods section of the market. Along its arcade, customers can choose from the tempting display of pastry products and other gastronomical treats while browsing through a wonderful array of essential cooking implements sold at bargain prices. For those craving to get a taste of healthy Asian fare, Alex Sea Delicatessen offers customers fresh sushi and rolls, while unique Korean and Japanese goodies are available at the Masan Grocery.

Market goers can also enjoy their purchases right away at the Dampa - a food court inside Farmers Market where one can have their fresh market goods prepared, choosing from the endless culinary possibilities that will satisfy their cravings.

Farmers Market has earned recognition for its cleanliness and world-class standards which professional chefs, home cooks, culinary aficionados, and certified foodies will surely discover as they stroll down its spacious aisles. True to its commitment to promoting the highest culinary standards, Farmers Market is also home to the Center for Culinary Arts and has helped budding chefs learn modern techniques in creating culinary masterpieces. While modern conveniences such as pushcarts are innovations unique to the market, one can still also practice traditional bargaining techniques with market vendors for quality goods at reasonable prices.

For a more convenient experience, join the Instagram promo from April 17 to 30 to get a free market survival kit. This will include market shopping essentials such as fan, notebook, pen, canvas bag, and a bottle of drinking water.

Daily market goers can also do their own FARMERS MARKET DAY TOUR simply by downloading or grabbing a copy of the market day tour map.

Download the 'Market Day Tours' Map here

For more information, visit www.aranetacenter.net and www.facebook.com/aranetacenter.

C-Lium, QC Target Biggest Zumba Party

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A new Guinness World Records™ Title for the Philippines may be just a few grooves away. 

In preparation for its upcoming 75th Diamond Jubilee anniversary, the local government of Quezon City, in cooperation with C-Lium Fibre, is dancing its way to a new world record as it attempts to stage the largest Zumba® class outdoor party on October 12 at the Quezon City Memorial Circle.

C-Lium Fibre brand not only aims to promote unity and community camaraderie through this event, but to also make it a celebration of fitness and fun, highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

C-Lium Fibre share the city government’s goal of encouraging Quezonians to “move as one.”

This potentially record-breaking Zumba® outdoor party is just one of the many exciting attractions lined up by the Quezon City government for its year-long anniversary.

“We are happy to announce that our application has been officially noted and accepted by the Guinness organization. In the spirit of unity, we are looking forward to making this event a big, fun-filled celebration for all,” said Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista.

The local government and C-Lium are targeting at least 9,000 attendees to actively participate in the one-hour, non-stop dance routine that incorporates Latin music and dynamic dance aerobics.

Non-Quezon City residents are also invited to join the historic event. “It is a free event, a colossal party that is open to everyone,” Bautista said.

This would be the country's first attempt to break the current Guinness World Records™ for the largest Zumba® class in a single venue, which gathered 6,671 participants in Hyderabad, India, last September 15, 2012.

‘Easy, fun, safe for all’

C-Lium and Quezon City also assure even those who haven’t experienced Zumba classes that the event would be entirely “easy, fun, safe and appropriately planned” to fit participants as young as 14 years old.

“No previous Zumba®, fitness, or dancing experience is required, they just need to follow the routines and, of course, the Guinness World Records™ guidelines, one of which calls for everybody in the entire class to participate to the best of their ability for at least 30 continuous minutes,” said Zumba® Fitness instructor Madelle Paltu-ob.

She further added that while the grand Zumba® party is set for October 12, they have been coming up with free pocket classes every week in all Quezon City districts throughout the month of September, as part of the preparations. 

Tadeo Palma, secretary for the Office of the Mayor and overall chairman of the Diamond Jubilee Committee, said that the Zumba® party is one important community activity that highlights the Quezon City government’s committed thrust to promote active, healthy lifestyles among its constituents. 

“We hope to inspire both Quezonians and non-Quezonians to commit to this kind of wellness routine not just for the momentary joy of setting a new world record, but for the long-term health benefits and fulfillment,” he said.

C-Lium Fibre is a food supplement made from psyllium plant. Psyllium is known to help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, reduce fat absorption, and maintain a healthy digestive system.Continuous intake of C-Lium Fibre and regular Zumba fitness sessions will definitely be a good combination that helps achieve a healthier lifeslyle. 

C-Lium Fibre comes in husk powder and capsule variants and is available in leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide. 

For more information, visit www.clium.com.ph.

Individuals interested to take part in the record-breaking Zumba attempt are requested to register in advance at their nearest barangay offices, or by logging on to www.qczparty.com. 

Sponsors and volunteers may contact Kristie Bonifacio at bonifacio.kristie@gmail.com or +639054294316.

Philips commemorates breast cancer awareness month

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With the use of medical expertise and innovative technology to offer information, education and free testing to women, helping them manage their health and well-being. That can change the world when it comes to early diagnoses, treatment and prevention.

Every year, approximately 1.4 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer. The cure lies in innovation.

In terms of breast cancer incidence, the Philippines ranks the highest in Asia. According to research, one in every 13 Filipino women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. 

For its part, Philips has always been committed to improving the healthcare landscape of the country—including providing solutions to help women care for themselves better.

In line with this, Philips Avent and Philips Healthcare are set to cap breast cancer awareness month with an event geared to raise awareness about this deadly disease.

Last September 24, 2014, Philips held a tour of the mammography facility at Capitol Medical Center, Quezon City.

Luckily, I am one of the media people invited to join a event to see the reseach and innovation as part of the campaign to raise awareness. I had my mammography and thankfully for what result it would be. 

Breast cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in the United States, regardless of race or ethnicity. Nearly all breast cancers can be treated successfully if found early. When breast cancer is found in its earliest stage, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent.

In 2013 we continue to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month through a global, multi-year campaign. As part of the campaign we raise awareness through eye-catching pink illuminations of landmarks, we help fund international research, and we offer women free testing and education in various locations around the world.

For years Philips have been supporting Breast Cancer Awarenss by using our innovative colored LEDs to illuminate global landmarks and literally putting a pink spotlight on the importance of early breast cancer detection.

In 2013 we go a step further: rolling out a global relay of eye-catching pink illuminations, travelling around the world throughout the month of October.

Every year, approximately 1.4 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer. The cure lies in innovation. Ground-breaking research and technological development can change the world when it comes to early diagnoses, treatment and prevention.

That is why as part of the campaign; Philips and Philips employees donate money to renowned research institutes in North America, Europe and Asia.

We also use our medical expertise and innovative technology to offer information, education and free testing to women, helping them manage their health and well-being.

“At Philips, we believe that innovation should be personal, relevant and impactful. This is why our solutions are focused on the needs and expectations of our customers around the world, many of whom are women,” says Frans van Houten, Philips Chief Executive Officer, “Through our support of Breast Cancer Awareness, we want to emphasize the importance of early detection. We also strongly believe that research and innovation can change the world when it comes to early diagnosis, treatment and prevention.”

Amsterdam, the Netherlands – As a technology company that cares about people, Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is pleased to continue its support of Breast Cancer Awareness on a global scale. As part of its commitment, Philips aims to offer 10,000 women free mammography testing and highlight the importance of early detection by illuminating an estimated 100 landmarks around the world pink throughout the month of October.

2013 marks the second year of the company’s multi-year global Breast Cancer Awareness program. Philips hopes to add meaningful value to the cause in the fight against breast cancer by building on the technology, expertise and passion across its three sectors.

“At Philips, we believe that innovation should be personal, relevant and impactful. This is why our solutions are focused on the needs and expectations of our customers around the world, many of whom are women,” says Frans van Houten, Philips Chief Executive Officer, “Through our support of Breast Cancer Awareness, we want to emphasize the importance of early detection. We also strongly believe that research and innovation can change the world when it comes to early diagnosis, treatment and prevention.”

Philips will build on its expertise in Healthcare to educate men and women within and outside the organization on the importance of early detection and ways of (self) examination. Philips also aspires to galvanize its employee base of 115,000 employees to raise funds for ground-breaking innovation, by supporting international research in three renowned institutes based across Europe, Asia and North America*.

More information on the Philips’ Breast Cancer Awareness program

Photos : Here .

Amaia, Home of Pinoy Big Brother All In

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Pinoy Big Brother, the Philippine edition of the popular foreign reality show Big Brother, comes back to ABS-CBN with a new edition called PBB All In and a new partner, Amaia, as the “Home of PBB All In.”

Amaia is the official home of ABS -CBN’s Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) All-In, particularly Amaia Steps Novaliches.

I visited the Amaia Steps Novaliches, last Friday, May 30, 2014,  checking out the future unit of this year's ABS-CBN Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) All-In Winner.

Amaia Land Corp is the economic housing arm of Ayala Land Inc. that caters basically to the broad C market and offers residential properties that are below the 3.1M pesos economic housing cap. 

In Spanish/Basque, “Amaya” means a high place,  which expresses the mission of the company of bringing into reality the fulfillment of the Filipino aspiration of owning their dream homes at an affordable price range.

“Maya” is also taken from the local sparrow, humble and courageous as it goes about providing for its family.

The developments are backed by the Makati Development Corporation BuildPlus (MDC) and maintained by Ayala Property Management Corporation (APMC).

Amaia Land Corp is divided into three product lines:

Amaia Scapes – Horizontal Developments (Outside Metro locations)

Amaia Steps – Mid-rise Vertical Developments (Near Metro Locations)

Amaia Skies – High Rise Vertical Developments (In Metro locations)

Pinoy Big Brother: All In is the fifth regular and eleventh season overall of Pinoy Big Brother, ABS-CBN. Toni Gonzaga, Bianca Gonzalez, Robi Domingo, and John Prats as hosts and Alex Gonzaga as member of the housemates. As part of the season's twist, the show have a mix of teen, adult, and celebrity housemates — a first in the show and in the entire Big Brother franchise.

PBB All In also marks the first time in the history of the Philippine version and in the entire Big Brother franchise that an edition features a mix of teen, adult and celebrity housemates.

Deriving its popularity from gathering a myriad of different housemates with clashing personalities and backgrounds as they reveal their true selves while inside the cordoned-off, closely-monitored by multiple cameras Bahay ni Kuya, the prevailing motto among the housemates is “Kaya ko nang magpakatotoo” which resonates with the “Kaya ko na” tagline of Amaia, the economic housing arm of top property developer Ayala Land.

For PBB All In, the familiar Pinoy Big Brother house just across the ABS-CBN headquarters undergoes major enhancements that bear the Amaia brand.

The winner of PBB All In takes home as part of his prize package a brand new condo unit at Amaia Steps Novaliches. 

The grand prize, a 30 sqm unit at Amaia Steps Novaliches is a modern and contemporary-inspired mid-rise project and has good access to public transportation, schools, hospitals, and commercial centers.

It has quality features and amenities such as a swimming pool, basketball court, clubhouse, playground, landscaped gardens, and support retail for every family’s need. 

PBB All In promises to be a showcase for the best traits of Pinoys such as perseverance, hard work, humility and resilience to come out as they perform daily and weekly tasks. These are the very traits that make up the guaranteed formula for success and provide one a chance at a good life and own an Amaia home of his own.

Where there are dreamers like the PBB All In housemates, Amaia will always want to have a part in making their wishes come true. Backed by Makati Development Corporation BuildPlus (MDC), and maintained by Ayala Property Management Corporation (APMC), Amaia Land is every hardworking Filipino’s dependable partner in building a bright and strong future.
  

Amaia Steps Novaliches Marketing Group with Anna Garcia Ramos (Amaia Marketing Head) and Alex Arellano (Amaia Project Sales Director) 

Amaia Steps Novaliches will be a 20-building community after completion with a total of 2,016 units.  Amaia Steps Novaliches will also be the first Amaia development to include a townhouse or 2-story series housing.  The units however are still not up yet but they are already open for pre-selling at 2.5 to 2.9K pesos per unit.

Amaia Steps Novaliches Units:

33 sqm unit with balcony (2M pesos)

30 sqm unit without balcony (1.4M to 1.5M)

Visit the Amaia Steps Novaliches Showroom and Sales Office.

Amaia Steps Novaliches

Site: Susano Road, Brgy 170, Caloocan City, Brgy. San Agustin, Novaliches, Quezon City

Sales Office: E and V Building, Brgy. Sta Monica, Quirino Highway,Novaliches, Quezon City

(02) 419-5095 and (02) 418-2920

For inquiries, visit www.amaialand.com or like www.facebook/AmaiaLand.