Enjoying Wonderful World

October 19, 2014

PLDT Gabay Guro gives tribute to teachers in Grand Gathering 2014

PLDT Gabay Guro (2G), the teacher advocacy group of the PLDT Smart Foundation (PSF) and PLDT Managers' Club Inc., organized a biggest tribute to teachers as it celebrates National Teachers’ Month in this year’s Grand Gathering event at the SM Mall of Asia Arena last October 5.

Over 20,000 teachers from different parts of the country attended this spectacular celebration for free highlighted by a throwback concert featuring popular celebrities, including Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Side A, The Voice Kids winners, Derek Ramsey, Jonalyn Viray, Dulce, Rachel Alejandro, Manilyn Reynes, Jessa, Dingdong Avanzado, Iya Villania, Alice Dixson, and many more.

2G has been supporting teachers and students who would like to take up the teaching profession for seven years now.

All of 2G efforts are aligned with its pillars, which are:

Teachers’ Training that presents new modules on Emotional Intelligence and IT Literacy and Sustainability;

Housing and Educational Facilities;

Livelihood Programs;

Broadbanding and Computerization of Schools;

Teachers’ Tribute, highlighted by the 2G Grand Gathering.

The Grand Gathering feature the biggest raffle draws, with substantial major prizes that include a house and lot from Camella Homes, a brand new HAIMA car from Laus Group of Companies, an APE Piaggo three-wing van from Auto Italia, 10 PLDT Home Cyberya Internet Café setups, Retailer Phone Kits and Sims from Smart and Sun, and cash prizes.

Among the other raffle prizes are laptops from PLDT HOME Bro, laptop and tablet in-one from Microsoft, electric fan with oven toaster package from Fujidenzo, gift packs from various sponsors, myPad3 from myPhone, Cignal prepaid kits, quad core polaroid platinum tablets from PLDT HOME Telpad, Samsung tab 7, a trip for two to Hongkong, tricycle from Honda Philippines Inc., and a motorcycle from PR Savings Bank.

2G has awarded around 1,000 scholarship grants to aspiring teachers. It has enabled more than 300 scholars to graduate from its 40 partner schools nationwide.

Five of the 2G scholars have continued their quest for higher learning and received Master’s Degree scholarships from the Philippine Women’s University.

2G and PLDT Hong Kong launched last June this year, a scholarship program for Overseas Filipino Workers’ (OFW) children and dependents. They also sponsored 110 OFW teacher-candidates in their review and venue fees for the Licensure Examination for teachers.

2G and its partners have also donated some 28 classrooms to various public schools in the country, especially those that are located in the calamity-ravaged areas. It was the first organization to build permanent structures in the form of sturdy classrooms after the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that devastated Bohol in 2013. It was likewise one of the first responders in the rehabilitation of typhoon-damaged Leyte.

Christian Bautista celebrates birthday, sings theme of new GMA series

Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista, who is celebrating his birthday today, October 19, has been tapped by GMA to sing the theme of the Kapuso Network’s biggest Korean series “Empress Ki.” The series’ theme song is “Up Where We Belong,” a cut from the soon-to-be-released album of Christian under Universal Records entitled “Soundtrack.”

The series will start airing tomorrow, October 20, on GMA Telebabad. The series is reminiscent of GMA hit Korean dramas like “Jewel in the Palace.”

Currently, Christian is busy taping for the primetime series “Strawberry Lane,” hosting “Marian,” and performing on “Sunday All Stars.”

Next month, Christian will launch his newest album “Soundtrack,” which contains memorable themes from the most romantic films of all time. He will be joined by some of the hottest female recording artists in the album.

October 18, 2014

Corn as replacement to Rice

Rice is very popular consumed throughout the world. It is a staple food for many people residing in Asia and on other continents. It is available in many varieties. Here in the Philippines, Rice is the regular on the dining table or during the meals anywhere, anytime. And corn is also one of the most popular cereals, too. In Mindanao and the Visayas, corn is a food staple because it is more accessible and is considered more filling. Corn to replace Rice ?

Last October 13, 2014 , during a special lunch meeting and presentation held at Chef Jessie Rockwell Club in Makati City, we were served special meals that we witnessed RiCo Corn Rice makes healthy, yummy, as it looked like rice but differest color - yellow. Taste ? Yummy!

Rico corn rice is made from 100% Philippine-grown corn fortified with iron and calcium. It tastes just like regular rice but provides the nutrition of corn. Each grain is naturally rich in antioxidants and vitamin A as well as beta-carotene and lutein for good eyesight. As a complex carbohydrate, corn provides sustained energy. It is ideal for athletes and those who lead active lifestyles.

Corn is known for its high fiber content, a quality valued by the figure-conscious. In addition, corn has no cholesterol and has lower glycemic index for controlled and balanced blood sugar that is ideal for diabetics and weight watchers.

Incorporating RiCo corn rice into the daily routine is fairly simple. Its preparation is not far from what we are accustomed to. At the recent launch of RiCo, RiCo’s very own Chef Joey dela Cruz demonstrated the three easy steps of cooking RiCo: boil, pour, and simmer.

Boil the suggested amount of water.

Pour the desired amount of RiCo.

Simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes.

To prevent loss of water-soluble nutrients, the grains should not be washed. If a loose and fluffy consistency or buhaghag is preferred, RiCo should be cooked like pasta: boil the water, put in RiCo, and then, drain. RiCo retains its yellow hue even after it is cooked, making it very visually appealing and a hit among children.

Chef Jessie Sincioco demonstrated the versatility of the ingredient through a sit-down meall.

Mesclun Greens Salad with Prawn RiCo Pops, in Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing

Minestrone with RiCo

Pan-Fried Codfish Fillet in Pommery Mustard Sauce

Grilled Chicken Breast in Creamy Pepper Sauce served with RiCo Pilaf and Sautéed French Beans

and the best dessert I tasted, healthy and yummy - the RiCo Crocant Roll

That's an awesome lunch we had. The next activity I'll do, try the recipes of Chef Jessie using the healthy, yummy corn rice. At home, you can use RiCo in your daily favorites such as sinangag, java rice, yang chow rice, and paella.

The locally produced RiCo is a first from the Philippines. Aside from making healthy yummy, this innovation also provides increased livelihood for our farmers and develops our country’s natural resources.

This product called RiCo has the healthy benefits of corn with the shape and yummy taste of rice.

Because it is made from 100% Philippine-grown corn, RiCo has no cholesterol and has low glycemic index or GI, which is a measurement of how fast blood-sugar or glucose is absorbed in the bloodstream. Low GI means slow and steady glucose absorption that is ideal for diabetics, athletes, and those who want to eat healthily.

As RiCo becomes more popular and is consumed more, RiCo corn rice helps the country to be self-sufficient regarding staple food. It is the RiCo vision to become part of the movement for healthy Filipino bodies and a healthy Philippine economy.

RiCo is available in 1-kilogram, 2-kilogram, and 5-kilogram packs at SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, Rustan’s Supermarket, Walter Mart Supermarket, Robinsons Supermarket, Ever Supermarket, The Landmark Supermarket, Sta. Lucia East Supermarket, Pioneer Centre Supermart, Hi-Top Supermart, Cherry Foodarama, South Supermarket, NCCC Supermarket, Gaisano Mall, and other leading supermarkets nationwide.

For more information and recipes, visit www.yummyhealthy.ph.

You may also click on the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/yummyhealthylife.

Follow the news about RiCo on Instagram via www.instagram.com/yummyhealthylife

Twitter via www.twitter.com/yummyhealthyph.

John Lloyd brings #MagicMoments to unsuspecting fans

John Lloyd Cruz, the Magic Man has struck again! This time in selected areas nationwide, as he springing into the lives of unsuspecting people during their daily routines, Magic Crackers’ longtime endorser brought with him surprises and special prizes that transformed ordinary situations into magical moments.

As part of the “Nothing Like Magic” campaign of Universal Robina Corporation’s (URC) Jack ‘n Jill Magic, John Lloyd visited Laguna, Pampanga, Cebu, Iloilo and Manila to show that magic moments can happen to anyone, anywhere and anytime, when he and Magic Crackers are around.

One could not believe her eyes when she read her instant prize: “Congratulations! You win a BIG hug from John Lloyd Cruz, NOW NA!” She was even more shocked when the charming actor appeared out of nowhere and gave her and one-year-old son Jehoram Mendigorin a warm embrace. John Lloyd also gave the housewife a Magic Family Treat worth P50,000, which consists of URC products and shopping money.

At the Centro Supermarket in San Pablo City, Laguna, the magic moment happened when 29-year-old Charita Tuyogan bought a pack of Magic Flakes which entitled her to pick an instant prize from a bowl at the Magic booth.

“Ang sarap palang magka-Magic Moment,” said Charita upon learning of her prize.

A lucky grocer at the Iloilo Supermart got the surprise of her life when, after being made to wait for a sample product, she came face-to-face with John Lloyd who personally replenished the stocks in the Magic booth. Aside from meeting the matinee idol, special education student Karen Almojallas of Lapaz, Iloilo City also received a Magic Back-To-School Package worth P50,000, which consists of a laptop and Robinsons gift checks. At the Iloilo Airport, John Lloyd pulled a surprise on Micah Seminio of Calumpang, General Santos City as she was waiting for her flight home. The celebrity approached the unwary passenger and talked to her, acting as if they were old friends who have not seen each other for a long time. To celebrate the magic moment, the award-winning actor gifted her with a Magic Shopping Treat worth P50,000, which consists of URC products and Robinsons gift checks.

At the Clark International Airport in Pampanga, 27-year-old overseas Filipino worker Jennifer Daquigan of Sta. Maria, Pangasinan was waiting for her flight to Hong Kong when she suddenly noticed John Lloyd sitting in front. She was thrilled when the matinee idol started talking to her and was excited when the Magic Man presented her with a Magic Negosyo Starter worth P50,000 of URC products.

“Napakasaya, ang sarap ng feeling” was how the lucky OFW summed up her Magic moment experience.

Angeles Public Market store owner Corazon Ocampo experienced a unique and rewarding surprise. A URC delivery guy who looked exactly like John Lloyd Cruz, came over one day not only to deliver boxes of Magic Crackers but also to give her a Magic Vacation Package worth P50,000, inclusive of airfare via Cebu Pacific, 2-night accommodation and pocket money.

At the Robinsons Supermarket in Fuente, Cebu, Jenevie Verances got excited upon knowing she will receive a freebie after purchasing Magic Flakes. Her excitement turned to tears of joy when the Magic man appeared out of nowhere to give her another gift—a Magic Domestic Vacation Package worth P50,000.

For University of Cebu students Rosa May Roa, Grace Alcovendas, Bob Burton Paglinawan, Exille Dio Golvin and Harold Hope Ariar, an ordinary trip to a photo booth turned into a magical moment when John Lloyd suddenly appeared to give them a Magic Rainy Day Shopping Spree consisting of P50,000 worth of Robinsons gift checks. During their school’s annual pep rally, little did the students of the Technological Institute of the Philippines Manila know that simply participating in one of the games could win them such a magical moment. After a series of elimination games, Ester Policarpio, Jomabell Loscano, Sheryll Limpios, Zyren Joy Tristeza and Paula Isabel Sazon found themselves lucky to end up as game winners. As they were about to get their prizes, they saw John Lloyd Cruz walking towards their direction. The heartthrob awarded them with a Sem Starter Surprise in the form of Robinsons gift checks worth P50,000, making their victory even sweeter.

All Robinsons gift checks are valid for use in all Robinsons Retail Holdings stores such as Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons Department Store, Handyman, Toys R Us, Topshop, Warehouse, River Island, and many more.

Enjoy the wonderful world of Magic Flakes! You are the real Magic Man John Lloyd Cruz and thanks to Magic Team for bringing the #MagicMoments to our home.

John Lloyd Cruz and Magic Crackers have a lot more tricks up their sleeve.

Who knows, you might find them in your neighborhood one day with their surprises and special prizes, turning ordinary times into magic moments.

Grab a pack of crackers and go #CrackerCatchin' crazy moments!

Hansel Crackers is best consumed by sharing with friends, families, officemates and others. Hansel Crackers. The only snack that feeds the fun.

Rebisco Hansel Crackers held a CrackerCatchin promo last month, #crackercatchin video contest. The participants make a 15-sec video of themselves and their friends doing the best version of a Hansel Cracker Catch using Instagram or any other video recording app/device.

Kariz Anne Dumagsang #CrackerCatchin grand winner got her P25,000.

The culminating event of Hansel Cracker Catchers last Saturday, October 11, 2014 was held in Market Market, Taguig. After presentation of the craziest entries, the Grand prize winner was announced.