Enjoying Wonderful World

June 28, 2012

Binalot + Multiply.com = Online Fiesta Convenience

Binalot Fiesta Foods Inc. (BFFI), the home of the Ultimate Filipino Food Experience, now offers the best alternative in ordering the products online via Multiply.

Multiply.com website as the best alternative in ordering the products online. Multiply.com previously was known as a social networking site. Binalot has set up a Multiply.com site since the height of its popularity in the social networking. BFFI continues to make its All Time Pinoyvorite meals accessible to every Juan with the launch of its very own Online Delivery System through Multiply.

Launched last June 21, 2012 at the Binalot Jupiter St. branch, Binalot Fiesta Foods Inc. (BFFI), the home of the Ultimate Filipino Food Experience, joined forces with Multiply.com to provide a more convenient way of having their loved Binalot flavors at the comfort of their homes.

Mr. Raffy Maramag

Multiply’s Senior Manager for Merchant Relations

This new innovation, powered by online retail platform Multiply Philippines, aims to give further exposure, increase deliveries and online delivery sales. It also aspires to boost orders by providing convenience in choosing the food they prefer online which they can access anytime. It presents the ease of ordering online versus calling the hotline. This way a Binalot Delivery officer will be the one to call them in cases of clarification. Payment is also very easy since customers can pay online. They can pay either with credit card, debit card or Paypal.

Clients can now order their favorite eco-friendly banana wrapped dishes, have it delivered through the Bulk Orders Service and Delivery (BOSD) scheme. This option is perfect for bulk orders like meetings, seminars and corporate parties. With this innovation, Binalot can effectively service more customers, utilizing the unequaled reach of cyberspace to accept food orders, answer inquiries and provide quality customer service.

The online Multiply store, is currently recognized as the first fast food store and Filipino quick serve restaurant to offer products in their website. The online store is expected to expand the market reach of true Filipino Food wrapped in eco-friendly banana leaves. Known for being a hub of online sellers and buyers, Multiply boasts an impressive array of consumer goods, apparel and gadgets.

Binalot CEO Rommel Juan positively shares, “We are excited about this new innovation for Binalot. Binalot is the first fast food delivery service to partner with Multiply and take advantage of their advanced ordering systems and vast online reach. We believe that with this partnership Binalot’s customers may enjoy a faster and more convenient way of ordering their favorite Binalot meals.”

Rommel Juan, Binalot CEO

Delivery is available from Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm, within Metro Manila only, from Valenzuela to Muntinlupa with provincial deliveries subject for approval by the head office. A minimum purchase of Php1,000 is required and for orders exceeding Php5,000 customers are advised to order 2-3 days in advance.

The customer shall be responsible for the product(s) delivered once received and accepted. Food profile is subjective and food quality determination shall be solely under the discretion of BINALOT. Note that changes in the weather temperature and humidity may affect the quality and profile of the delivered product(s) to some degree.

Congratulations to Binalot for a successful launch of their new-look site on multiply.com. You can now order online and take the advantage of the convenience through Binalot.Multiply.com!

June 26, 2012

“Just Like Rizal” Advocacy Goes Online

“Just Like Rizal” has been launched through the “Asalto kay Pepe” celebration at the Manila Yacht Club June 16 at 6 p.m. the eve of his 151st birthday.

This online advocacy dubbed “Just Like Rizal” forms part of the Knights of Rizal’s program for 2012-2014 under the theme “Buhayin si Rizal sa Bawat Filipino.”

The Order of the Knights of Rizal is tapping the social media to intensify its efforts to propagate the national hero’s teachings, especially among the youth.

Order of the Knights of Rizal supreme commander Reghis Romero II believes that if the country’s national hero were living among today’s Filipinos, he would have been an active blogger writing his poetry and sentiments about today’s society and posting these in cyberspace.

Commander Reghis Romero II said, “Do you know that if Rizal were alive today, I am 100 percent sure that he would have been the number 1 blogger. Just look at the volumes of his letters to his friends, his family and his articles in La Solidaridad. He almost had something to write every day.”

“You have taken to the electronic media as a source of your social interactive life, giving a new dimension to our quest. You represent the young, energetic, ever curious, and dynamic generation whose interest and hopefully love of our country and admiration of Dr. Jose Rizal would bring our quest to a new level of accomplishment”, Romero said to the guests - media, bloggers and young students.

As Rizal once said, the youth is “bella esperanza de la Patria mia” or “fair hope of my fatherland.” He has a firm conviction that the youth can do great things in molding the country’s future. And he is right, the Filipino youth are the partners of the society, their idealism, their burning passion and their commitment in serving their fellow men are the armors that they will going to employ in order to realize the nation’s aspirations that would truly effect change in the lives of every people living in the society.

Happy Birthday cake for Jose Rizal

The new members of The Order of the Knights of Jose Rizal

Sen. Joey Lina

Order of the Knights of Rizal supreme commander Reghis Romero II with the bloggers

Also guests are the young students, "the youth are the hope of the country"

To mark Rizal’s 151st birth anniversary, the Knights of Rizal launched two topics on Rizal on Twitter – #asaltoparakaypepe and #buhayinsiRizalsabawatPilipino.

The topics on Twitter, according to Romero, are in tune with the values espoused by Rizal such as love of country, being industrious, and honesty.

Welcome the School Year with Kroketten, the Healthy Potato Dutch Snack

June is here and aside from beginning of the rainy season, this period is also an exciting month for every diligent student. Of course, school time is so back, together with the thrills and pleasures of learning and discovery-- which includes yummy food trips with the whole gang in between!

Stress and hunger is never a perfect combo to spell a great day, but if the hectic schedule comes your way, Kroketten simply introduces a filling snack that is easy on the pocket. And since we understand that scrimping on good food is undeserving for hardworking students, we make sure these products are both yummy and filling.

Introducing a unique take on potato, croquettes are a homegrown delicious snack of Holland. Fried and made golden brown in corn oil, these tasty and crunchy balls are made healthier too for only P35! The original kroket, an oblong shaped potato filled with tender ground beef, chicken, and cheese is hefty and truly delectable on its own. Another batch of popular alternative is miniballen, the round potato balls with cheese, chicken, beef, bacon, hotdog, longganisa, pork, tuyo, and mango as the filling options. From the sweet to savory, they’re injected with the appealing Filipino taste and flavor. To make it an endearing filling meal, on offer is equally affordable melt-in-your-mouth goodness of five pieces of mini ballen (P20) and four pieces mini ballen with 6.5 oz of revitalize 10 or nutri 10 fresh fruit drink (P35). Another signature beverage product called Vers En Snel by Kroketten which means fresh and fast, these thirst quenchers are certified made of pure and all-natural goodness of fruits.

Get to know Nutri 10, a robust combo of mango and guyabano is a favorite pick me upper guaranteed to give the body a refreshing boost. Revita 10 on the other hand, is a certified vitamin booster for a weak and tired body. Made with strawberry and passion fruit boasting potent benefits of antioxidants, it’s well-loved for its loadful of health benefits. Now, it’s great news for both parents and students on a budget who only want the best for their health without compromising taste and quality.

Now located in twelve branches with Mall of Asia as the newest branch and SM Megamall coming up very soon, it’s very accessible to enjoy these newest snack favorite. Another good news is that, we want to bring fun and health to your schools! A big event coming up in your college or university? Drop us a message at lekkeretenkroketten@yahoo.com and tell us why we should be part of your big day. When we pick your letter, we shall bring in a sampling booth complete with our products and other exciting perks!

Related Topics: Kroketten: Fun and Healthy Potato Dutch Snacks with Filipino Twist

June 25, 2012

Flavors of Asia at Marriott Manila

Many will agree that one of the best ways to experience Asia is through its food—historic, flavorful, and vast. Especially for the Southeast Asian region that boasts a multi-cultural and hard-hitting influence with the way we enjoy cooking and eating, it’s no wonder why dishes that hail from these regions are considered a feast for the senses.

Photo Courtesy of Marriot Cafe

To pay tribute to this revered cuisine of the world; Marriott Manila brings home four of the Asia ’s most famous cuisines. From Thailand , Malaysia , Indonesia and Vietnam , Marriott Cafe tantalizes everyone with a masterpiece through a month-long celebration of Oriental flavors that’s uniquely Marriott.

What else could be more exciting other than a larger than life encounter with Renaissance Kuala Lumpur’s Ruhizad Muri, JW Marriott Jakarta’s Dadang Wahyudi, Renaissance Riverside Saigon Phan Tien Hoa, and JW Marriott Bangkok Thanatorn Krobsuay. Boasting with culinary career track that is dynamically diverse, expect only authentic and a palate tickling adventure anyone could get.

For only P2, 300 net from Sunday to Thursday and P2, 500 net for Friday and Saturday, enjoy a charming Asian dinner that assures an enjoyable age-old tradition of bonding through a delicious mix of aromatic, spicy, rich, sweet, and hot Flavors of Asia.

Photo Courtesy of Marriot Cafe

Back by popular demand, Thai food definitely deserves all the hype for its four fundamental tastes that we Filipinos love: sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. Chef Thanatorn Krobsuay who trail blazed the first two consecutive most-talked about Thai Food Fest at Marriott Café, there’s no denying that it’s one of the cuisines we regularly crave for. This year, chef Thanathorn makes the selections more lavish and worth discovering with his new menu line up such as: deep fried sea bass with chili sauce, sautéed squid with pineapple and cucumber, beef balls cooked with typical Malay sauce, and braised beef spiced with turmeric and coconut.

More than its legendary nasi lemak, chef Ruhizad Muri gives foodies a taste of Malaysia ’s noteworthynyonya cuisine. A signature Penang type of cooking that blends spices from roots (galangal, turmeric, and ginger); leaves (pandan, lime, and laksa); fruit (lemon, tamarind, and green mangoes); together with other ingredients like shrimp paste and chilies. Imbibed from Thai cooking style, chef Ruhizad puts an interesting twist with the time-honored wok dishes of Malaysia . This section invites everyone as well to get creative with blue crab, shrimps, dilis fish, beef tenderloin, chicken, clams, barbeque chicken, steamed fish, assorted vegetables peppered with Malaysian spices.

Photo Courtesy of Marriot Cafe

Another Southeast Asian cuisine that deserves to be in the limelight is Indonesian. Popular for their satay which shows Asians’ love affair for grilled meats, chef Dadang Wahyudi makes skewers tastier and more appetizing with these selections: chicken, shrimps, calamari, beef, goat, pork and fish in assorted marinations! Another must-try is the bebek betutu klung klung, an all-spiced up Balinese dish enhanced by a host of pungent roots, herbs, and seasoning. Both locals and visitors are just so psyched about this heavenly roasted duck recipe that it’s considered a dish specially reserved for big banquets and ceremonies.

A native of Ho Chi Minh, chef Phan Thien Hoa presents well-rounded Vietnamese dishes notable for its minimal use of oil, bountiful use of herbs and vegetables-- which shouldn’t make one wonder why it ranks as one of the healthiest foods in the world! Most travelers would agree that a Vietnam trip is never complete without tasting a steamy and flavorful bowl of pho. Considered the heart and soul of Vietnamese cuisine, it features a delicious play on broth, rice noodles, meat, herbs and spices. Another delicacy that Vietnam is famous for is the Vietnamese spring rolls—soft rice wrappers filled with choicest meats and vegetables such as shrimps, tofu, chicken, and beef. Enjoy it fresh and slow at this special section which will make you feel the charming street-food style eating in Vietnam .

And with the Philippines long coast line, it’s a crime to miss out our very owns seafood choices. Your meal will never be complete without the tiger prawns, steamed lobster on ice, marinated marina clam and curacha crab which are all highly regarded for its freshness, standout taste and quality. So make sure this cold section is part of your eating plan.

While the West is abundant with milk for most of their dessert recipes, Southeast Asians on the other hand capitalize on the creamy goodness of coconut milk, whether it’s for glutinous rice or fruits. A mix of sweet, savory, hot and cold, these should be a flavorful last hurrah for a really good meal: pandan crepes rolled with caramelize coconut, stewed green bean with palm sugar, banana in sweet coconut, pandan leave jelly plus other famous delicacies that will surely strike anyone’s fancy.

Photo Courtesy of Marriot Cafe

Much more, we believe that food and travel are a perfect way to go if someone wants to have an in-depth experience of a local destination. With this in mind, our Marriott properties in Thailand, Malaysia , Indonesia and Vietnam , are giving away three days and two nights gift certificates to four lucky diners of Flavors of Asia—all you need to fully enjoy a one hundred percent Asian experience!

Bringing an authentic taste of local life and hospitality, our four chefs will also conduct a special cooking class for only P1, 500 net inclusive of a hearty lunch: July 9, Thai; July 16, Malaysian, July 23 Vietnamese; and July 30, Indonesian. If you wish to experience this treat that’s injected with fun and information, consider enjoying Asian cuisine by learning to cook it yourself!

Instead of hitting the usual haunt, invite the group over and explore a night of culinary adventure at Marriott Café, guaranteed to give anyone a quick passport to Asia .

For inquiries or reservations, call Marriott Café at 988-9999.

ABOUT MARRIOTT HOTEL MANILA:

An inviting beacon set in the world-class casino entertainment complex of Resorts World Manila, Marriott Hotel Manila is the place to work and play. Ideally located in Newport City across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, it is a convenient 15 minute drive from Makati Business District and Bonifacio Global City . Affording a splendid view of the adjoining 18-hole Villamor Golf Course, it boasts 342 exquisite guest accommodations that offers luxurious bedding, in-room safe, mini-bar, high-speed Internet, air conditioning, 40" full high definition LCDs with IPTV, videos on demand and jack pack plug-and-play system. The hotel features excellent dining options such as Marriott Cafe, Cru Steakhouse, Java+ and Lobby Lounge. Leisure facilities include Quan Spa, Health Club, Salon and Newport Mall. With a Grand Ballroom and several meeting rooms, Marriott Hotel Manila is also the ultimate destination for meetings and events, from weddings to gala dinner celebrations.

Iron Bar Chef : BuCor's Bilibid Cooking Showdown

There are exciting projects for the prisoners in the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to enjoy a “new life” and live harmoniously within the community.

Iron Bar Chef Bilibid Cooking Showdown is the interesting recreational and rehabilitation program of Bureau of Corrections (BuCor). This is really admirable effort giving the chance for the inmates to show their talent and they also have something to share. Mainly, the program is to give the inmates hope and confidence and to prepare them for the outside world.

The Iron Bar challenges was held June 16 at the BuCor’s Medium Security Compound. As we were invited to witness the cooking competition among the prisoners, we were welcomed with warmth and hospitality by OIC Geraldo Aro. We were likewise chat with him regarding the BuCor’s imperatives of reformation such as Education and Skills Development, Livelihood and Livelihood Training, Moral and Spiritual Enlightenment and Sports and Recreational Program. The BuCor’s ultimate goal is for the inmates to be productive while in prison it helps and encourages the inmates who have lost hope.

Opening prayer of the program.

The Iron Chef challenges have six teams against each other, tasking them to create an appetizer, a main course and a dessert and more if they still have chance - in 60 minutes.

It was fun activity but you can see them all with hard working seriously and with mutual understanding, with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.

With the five judges, and two of them are bloggers Lariza Garcia and Yani Metrado

The cooking activity in the Medium Security Compound has been complete with all the material needed, all ingredients, all tools in preparation of the food - stove top, kitchen tools and even - knives!

The 3 top teams of the Medium Security Compound will compete with the winners from the Maximum Security compound on the Grand Finals will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2012.

Congratulations to the winners and good luck on the grand finals!

This is the different soup recipe from the Yum-Yum Team

The winners Yum-Yum Team, with the judges, host and OIC Geraldo Aro

Intermission and entertainment number by the inmates band, with the disco hits, danceable, enjoyable songs of 1980's "Hagibis": "Katawan", "Lalake", "Legs", "Nanggigigil Ako", "Babae", and "Ilagay Mo Kid"