Flourish Pilipinas: Celebrating, Nurturing, and Preserving Philippine Flour-Based Delicacies

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Food conglomerate Universal Robina Corporation- Flour Division and the Department of Tourism’s Tourism Promotions Board prove once again that when government and the private sector collaborate, great things can happen!

With the recent signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) supporting food tourism, both parties have formally launched Flourish Pilipinas, a campaign that recognizes and celebrates Filipino flour- based delicacies either through time-tested traditions or bold innovations.

This interesting event hosted by Anthony Suntay, was attended by members of media and we were serenated by the celebrity couple awesome singers Robert Seña and Isay Alvarez while we were having a sumptuous lunch.  

TV Host Anthony Suntay

Robert Seña and Isay Alvarez 

Flourish Pilipinas encourages chefs, restaurateurs, bakeshop owners and operators, food technicians, culinary students, and other food professionals to integrate locally available ingredients to their flour-based products such as: Pizza ala Bagnet, Lechon Quiche, Kesong Puti Malunggay Buns, Yema Ube Pastel, Halo Halo Cake, Durian Raisin Cookies and other mouth-watering delicacies.

Supported by Bakewell, Brim, Corman Butter, Kitchen Aid, McCormick, Saf Yeast, Suchero, Tulip Chocolate, US Wheat Associates and Yummy Magazine, this campaign has two major projects: the Baking Competition and the Baking Academy:

A nationwide baking competition with three main categories will be conducted:

The Professional Categories that are open to professional pastry chefs, bakery and bakeshop owners and pastry instructors include:

 Globe Award– For Recipes using hard flour (URC’s Globe or Blend 100 Flour)

 Sampaguita Award - For Recipes using soft flour (URC’s Sampaguita Flour) The Student Category is open to students enrolled in courses for hotel and restaurant management, food technology or the culinary and pastry arts.

 Daisy Award - For Recipes using cake flour (URC’s Daisy Flour)

How to Join The Contest

Contestants must fill out an entry form which can be accessed through the recipe contest tab in the URC Flour/Flourish Pilipinas Facebook Page. It can also be downloaded from the URC Website.

Entries can be submitted to the Flourish Pilipinas Facebook Page or emailed to Kayla Andrea at operations@dtc.com.ph

All entries submitted will automatically become the property of Universal Robina Flour Division.FLOUR DIVISION

Deadline for submission of entries are as follows: 

For GMA and Luzon – April 30, 2013 

For Cebu and Davao – May 31, 2013

Baking Competition Finals

Should a contestant’s entry be chosen as a finalist –entry, he or she must agree to participate in a bake-off in the following areas:

 GMA - June15 

 Baguio – July 6

 Cebu - July 27 

 Davao- August10

Prizes

Winners shall each receive P10,000 in cash, Kitchen Aid Mixers and other prizes from sponsors.

Calendar

Winning entries will be featured in a 2014 URC Calendar.

BAKING ACADEMY

A nationwide baking academy will also be conducted among selected bakery owners, pastry chefs and students in the following areas:

 GMA - June15

 Baguio – July 6

 Cebu - July 27 

 Davao- August10

These academies will feature exciting lectures and demos from top pastry chefs on the latest baking trends and innovations.

For more information, interested parties may visit the Flourish Pilipinas Fan Page

or email Kayla Andrea at operations@dtc.com.ph 

or call Kayla at (02) 892 -58-42 / (02) 813-49-30 

or text 0916-483-8333

Bake Fun in the Philippines! URC Flourish Pilipinas Baking Academy 

and Bake-off Competition

TOFARM 2013 launched and seeks more outstanding farmers to recognize nationwide

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The Search and Award for “The Outstanding Farmers of the Philippines” is a program of the Junior Chamber International Philippines (JCIP) and the Universal Harvester, Incorporated. JCI Philippines is the same highly respected organization that brought “The Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (TOYM)” and “The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL).”

As its goal is  to foster steady increase of youth venturing in the agriculture sector, invigorating investment and scientific advancement to achieve sustainable food supply, TOFARM 2013  seeks more outstanding farmers to recognize nationwide.

The Philippine Jaycees (JCI Philippines) and Universal Harvester, Inc. (UHI) launched its second consecutive search for outstanding Filipino farmers today, March 14 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Makati in the prestigious recognition program for the most noteworthy achievers in various categories of the farming sector.

Revived last year to acknowledge the increasingly important role that the farming sector has played in boosting the economy and to inspire more young people to turn to agriculture as a livelihood, TOFARM 2013 wants to identify more unsung heroes in the fields, seas and urban areas from North Luzon to Southern Mindanao.

The nationwide awards program will cite best practices of public and private entities engaged in traditional or modern farming and includes fisherfolk, animal raisers, cooperatives, farm communities, organizations, scientists, the academe, LGUs and public employees, as well as business entities in rural and urban areas.

This year’s TOFARM has added a new category – the Woman Farmer – in the annual search. “This is to recognize the growing number of women who have carved names for themselves in various agricultural fronts and who have brought recognition to the country through their individual or collective endeavors,” said Rommel Cunanan, TOFARM Project Chairman.

Another important goal of the program is to foster the steady increase of youth venturing into the agriculture sector. “This is a really rewarding and lucrative field, and if our youth are really the hope of the fatherland as Dr. Jose Rizal said, they should go into farming to ensure the steady flow of generations who will ensure us of adequate and sustainable food supply,” Cunanan added. 

JCI has partnered with Universal Harvester long term to make sure that farmers continue to be motivated towards excellence and that they receive the recgnition that they deserve. “Universal Harvester through its Executive Vice President Milagros Ong How has been tireless in its efforts to support farmers and educate them on ways to have better yields and results. We are both concerned about the improvement of conditions for the farmer and better urban-rural relations through a keener understanding of agricultural concerns,” said Ryan C. Ravanzo, JCI President.

For her part, UHI’s Mrs. Milagros Ong How said “TOFARM 2012 only scratched the surface in identifying farmers with best practices and extraordinary achievements. In TOFARM 2013 we want to explore new territories and discover other achievers who have not yet been recognized for their contributions to our country. This year, we want to widen the search to include outstanding women farmers. This is probably why we are launching TOFARM 2013 on International Woman’s Month.”

A progressive Filipino company, UHI was established in 2003, is involved in the direct manufacturing, local distribution and exportation of a number of world-class quality fertilizers.

TOFARM will give out 12 awards this year, seven in the individual category and five in the group category. 

These are : Farmer, Fisherfolk, Livestock, Agri-Entrepreneur, Young Farmer, Agricultural Innovator, Urban/City Farmer and Woman Farmer in the individual category; and Agriculture Cooperative, Family Farmer, Local Government Unit, Agriculture Initiatives and People’s Choice in the group category.

The nomination period for Outstanding Farmer candidates begins in March and will end on September 2013. Validation and Judging of nominees will take place in, while the Awarding takes place in December.

Nominations may be submitted as hard copy or sent online to www.tofarm.org Nomination forms may be downloaded from the website.

Visit also their https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tofarm/398415996887341?fref=ts

Your SME Business Gateway: Philippine SME Business Expo brings growth to Filipino Entrepreneurs this 2013

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Philippine SME Business Expo brings growth to Filipino Entrepreneurs this 2013, dedicated to empower the nation’s growing SMEs and Entrepreneurs. "Your SME Business Gateway" is birthed from the advocacy for the innovation and development of the striving SMEs in the Philippines.

PHILIPPINE SME BUSINESS EXPO 2013 to be held on May 17-19, 2013 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City, Metro Manila.

Special thanks to Mr.David Abrenilla , co-founder and organizer, the Philippine SME Business Expo 2013 - Your Business Gateway, for inviting me at the press conference held yesterday at the Celeste Hotel Makati City, attended by advocacy ambassadors and partners/sponsors. 

The event featured various influential personalities of the business industry, namely Celebrity Social Entrepreneur, Illac Diaz, Esquire Financing Inc. CEO, Rajan Uttamchandani, TV Host and founder of Lead Out Coaching and Consultancy Inc., Judah Paolo, motivational Speaker and Director of Registered Financial Planner Institute Philippines, Randell Tiongson, Beauty and Wellness Guru, Cory Quirino. The event was hosted by business correspondent Michelle Orosa-Ople. 

Due to the rapid and overwhelming growth of the country’s economy, the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are currently experiencing a window of opportunity to rise up and expand their horizons. Mediacom Solutions Inc. in partnership with Esquire Financing Inc., the leader in growth stage financing, together with co-presenters PLDT Ka-Asenso and 2Go Group Inc. are presenting this year’s biggest business expo, the Philippine SME Business Expo 2013.

This three-day expo & convention will showcase the Philippines’ growing SMEs where both exhibitors and guests can build synergies and business relations by presenting their products and services among the SME community to strengthen their business and empower the nation’s growth. The venue offers brimming opportunities and a great deal of invaluable services like workshops, seminars, educational classes, product launches and contest that will help SMEs, franchising businesses and entrepreneurs from various business sectors. 

Philippine SME Business Expo 2013 organizer, David Abrenilla said that “SMEs are the backbone of the Philippine economy and the largest job generator. According to recent estimated data form the DTI there are over 800,000 registered companies from the MSMEs business sector, that’s 99.6% of total business enterprises operating in the Philippines. We understand the need of this growing market and look forward to empower the SMEs together with our advocacy partner.”

Participants will be inspired and get the latest industry insights from speakers like celebrity runner Coach Rio dela Cruz of Runrio, best-selling book author and wealth coach Chinkee Tan, Rolex Awards for Enterprise Awardee Reese Fernandez and many more. 

The Expo will also feature various competitions that will size up the entrepreneurial skills of students from different universities. The challenges will include cooking, business conceptualizing and more.If you like to grow your business or want to know how to start your own business, visit www.philippinesmebusinesexpo.com or call (02) 843-2174 and register now.

What's New at Enjoy VIP PH ? How to Download & Install Enjoy VIP PH Mobile App

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Enjoy is a loyalty and privilege card that extends discounts, gifts, and VIP perks to over 60,000 Filipino consumers. Launched in 2009, Enjoy works with over 200 premium lifestyle brands in over 700 locations in Manila, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Boracay.

Enjoy VIP PH is the mobile app version of the Enjoy Philippines Privilege kit. Available as a FREE upgradable download mobile app, Enjoy VIP PH is an alternative channel to avail of the discounts and privileges found on the Enjoy Membership Kit. All card and voucher privileges may now be availed by simply clicking through the Enjoy VIP PH mobile app and presenting your preferred offer frontline staffs of partner merchants.

To upgrade to Full version for only Php 995, one may enjoy over Php 300,000 worth of savings from the upgrade to the full version of the Enjoy Membership Kit through the Enjoy VIP PH.

Currently, buyers of specially marked Samsung Galaxy smartphone and Galaxy Too models enjoy a complimentary 12-month limited membership which includes a II t he CARD offers in the Enjoy program activated by launching Enjoy VIP PH Mobile App and registering as a new user.

Samsung devices are included in the free card membership promotion. The free card membership from Enjoy is currently offered to the following Samsung dealer purchased devices:

1. Galaxy S Advance

2. Galaxy Note

3. Galaxy Note 10.1

4. Galaxy Note 2

5. Galaxy Tab 7.7

6. Galaxy S II

7. Galaxy S III

8. Galaxy Tab 2 7" 3G

9. Galaxy Tab 2 10.1" 3G

How to Download & Install Enjoy VIP PH Mobile App

1. Click on Samsung Apps on your Samsung Galaxy Smartphone or

Samsung Galaxy Tablet and search for Enjoy VIP PH.

2. Click on Enjoy VIP PH icon to download and install the app.

3. Launch the app and register as a new user

* If you are an existing Enjoy member, you may also log-in with your Enjoy membership username and password when prompted.

4. Start browsing and planning for your next dinner date, spa appointment, or trip out of town

How to Use Enjoy VIP PH Mobile App

1. Launch the Enjoy VIP PH mobile app on your Samsung Galaxy smartphone or tablet

2. Select the following category you would like to experience a privilege in.

a. Dining

b. Nightlife

c. Shopping

d. Health & Beauty

e. Live & Learn

f. Travel

g. Automotive

3. Select merchant from list you would like to avail a privilege from.

4. Click on Discount to see available offers.

5. Select either USE CARD or USE VOUCHER depending on the type of offer.

6. Present selected offer to the frontline staff to avail of your discount or freebie.

The Voucher" is a one-time only special offer, deals include 50% OFF, Buy One-Get One deals, or gifts without minimum purchase. "The Card", on the other hand, is an on-going discount that is provided every time you visit the merchant venue throughout the duration of your membership. Typical card offers include 10 - 50% off total bills, complimentary upgrades, and free appetizers or desserts with minimum purchase.

Owners of Samsung Galaxy smartphones who receive the free CARD only membership may upgrade to the full Enjoy membership by

1. Calling the Enjoy hotline (032) 318-2386 or (02) 478-8888, Mondays to Fridays (excluding public holidays) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

2. Sending an email tomembership@enjoythebest.com.ph. Our customer service staff shall attend to your inquiry within 48 hours.

If you're having trouble upgrading to the paid member version, contact  Enjoy Hotline no. (032) 318-2386 or (02) 478-8888 from Mondays to Fridays, 9:00AM to 6:00PM or email membership@enjoythebest.com.ph and customer service team shall contact you to assist you. 

Enjoy kit - card + voucher booklets, offers over Php 300,000 in savings Mobile Apps:

1. EnjoyPH - available on Google Play and iTunes App Store. App-based guide to the Enjoy privilege program. You need the card and vouchers to avail of privileges. App is just a reference.

2. Enjoy VIP PH - available exclusively on Samsung Apps. Card and voucher privileges built into the app. No need to bring the card and vouchers with you to avail of privileges. Simply flash your phone.

Prince of Drama JM De Guzman is back with a brand new Album "Tensionado"

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Prince of Drama and Singing Hearthrob JM De Guzman is back with a brand new Album "Tensionado".

After the successful release of his debut album from Ivory Records, ABS-CBN's JM De Guzman, is back to captivate the hearts of fans with his newest outing called “Tensionado.”

Released under Ivory Music & Video, “Tensionado” is a collection of JM De Guzman’s renditions of his favorite songs featuring "Have I Told You Lately"  by Rod Stewart, “Lost In Space” by Lighthouse Family, “Don’t Give Up On Us” by David Soul and “Tensionado” by Soapdish. In addition, you surely wouldn’t want to miss JM’s collaboration with singer Jaq Dionisio of Kiss Jane in the hit Itchywormssong “Akin Ka Na Lang”, the track chosen to be the album’s carrier single. Acoustic Diva Suy also showcased her soulful and relaxing voice in her duet with the singing heartthrob in the special track “Terrified”.

Juan Miguel de Guzman , popularly known by his screen name JM De Guzman, is an artist of  Star magic, he plays the lead role of "Angelito" in Angelito:Batang Ama.

JM De Guzman gets personal and bares it all as he includes two of his original compositions on this album. “Please define love for me. It’s the only thing I just can’t live without.” “Warrior” is an acoustic ballad about searching for one’s self in this endless journey we call love. On the other hand, JM sings about unrequited love in “Stupidest”.

“Sana kung hindi ko man malampasan yung unang album, at least I did my effort para mapantayan dito sa bagong album,” said JM in a recent interview with MYX.

“Tensionado” under Ivory Music & Video is now available in all music stores nationwide!

Tracklisting:

1. Akin Ka Na Lang (ft. Jaq Dionisio of Kiss Jane)

2. Have I Told You Lately

3. Tensionado

4. Warrior

5. Terrified (ft. Suy)

6. Lost In Space

7. Stupidest

8. Don’t Give Up On Us

Get JM De Guzman’s music straight to your mobile phones! Just type JM to 3456 for Smart & Globe subscribers or type JM to 2346 for Sun subscribers.

Be updated with your favorite local and international artists! Visit IVORY Music & Video’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ivorymusicandvideophilippines!