If it's Noche Buena preparation time, try more hassle-free with GLAD

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When I think of Noche Buena, it’s always a feast, a buffet table filled with special food and super yummy treats that is shared with family and friends.

Noche Buena is a tradition that families all around the world enjoy and look forward to during the Yuletide season.

Preparing for Noche Buena and thinking of gifts for your loved ones this coming holiday season can be a very daunting task, indeed. But more than the stress of finding the best Christmas present, homemakers often become hard pressed to find the perfect recipes fit to be called “a meal-to-remember” during the Christmas Eve celebration. Noche Buena gatherings often stand out more than the others because the menu details have been well thought out.

For moms who don’t want to spend more than their budget would allow and also for those who don’t like eating out in crowded dining places during this busy season, now will be a good time to put their creativity to the test -- in the kitchen.

To help you accomplish this, GLAD, a trusted brand in food protection and kitchen management, has come up with the following hassle-free Noche Buena recipes developed by chef and food stylist Eugene Raymundo.

The first dish is a very easy and no-fail recipe for a meat loaf that doesn’t take long to prepare, while the second recipe is a fudge treat for dessert that uses walnuts and maraschino cherries. To prepare these meals, all you need are essential kitchen partners such as Glad Non-Stick Aluminum Foil, which has a special coating that ensures food does not stick to the foil and makes dishes look more presentable and enticing. Then there’s also GLAD Cook ‘n’ Bake paper whose special non-stick coating eliminates the need for fats and oil. It is also economical because you can use it up to 5 times for simple baking! 

Try these simple recipes and make this Christmas extra special for your loved ones with these holiday treats.

Madman Meatloaf

Madman Meatloaf


Ingredients:

500 gms ground pork

500 gms ground beef

½ cup chopped carrots

½ cup chopped green bell pepper

½ cup chopped red bell pepper

2/3 cup chopped mushrooms

1 tbsp minced garlic

2/3 cup minced onions

250 gms chopped ham

100 gms chopped pepperoni

100 gms chopped bacon

½ cup dried cranberries

100 gms diced cheese

½ tsp cumin

1 tsp paprika

½ tsp chili powder

½ tsp dried rosemary

½ tsp dried sage

1 tbsp salt

1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

1 tbsp Tabasco

1/8 tsp pepper

1 egg

2 egg yolks

2 tbsp flour

Procedure:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350oF.

2. Place all ingredients in a large GLAD FREEZER ZIPPER BAG.

3. Seal and massage ingredients to blend well.

4. Place mixture in a GLAD OVENWARE 9 x 12.

5. Cover with GLAD NON-STICK ALUMINUM FOIL.

6. Bake for 35 minutes.

7. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes.

8. Let cool before slicing.

Chunky Cherry-Walnut Fudge

Chunky Cherry-Walnut Fudge

Ingredients:

¾ cup butter

1 ½ cups sugar

¾ cup cocoa powder

4 eggs

½ tsp salt

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup chopped dark chocolate

1 cup maraschino cherries, quartered

½ cup chopped walnuts

Procedure:

1. Pre-heat oven to 325oF.

2. Line an 8”x 8” brownie pan with GLAD COOK ‘n’ BAKE.

3. Melt margarine over medium heat in a saucepan.

4. Add in cocoa powder and sugar and cook until cocoa powder is dissolved.

5. Remove from heat and whisk in eggs, salt, and flour until well blended.

6. Fold in half of cherries, chocolate and nuts.

7. Pour into prepared pan.

8. Top with remaining add-ons and bake for 45 minutes.

9. Let cool and chill before slicing.

Paseo Verde at Real holds Topping Off Ceremony

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First Units Almost Ready For Occupancy

LEED Inc’s Paseo Verde at Real, the developer’s first green community project in Pulang Lupa Uno, Las Pinas, enters a new phase in their development as they top off the first tower of the three-building development.

Reggie Dela Cruz, Project Director of Paseo Verde

“The topping off ceremony is symbolic of our promise to deliver the new homes of our clients. We promised them that they will have their units in two years’ time, and this signifies the fruition of that promise,” said Reggie Dela Cruz, Project Director of LEED.

With the topping off event, this means that clients who were the first to buy units of Paseo Verde, will be able to move in their new units early or mid next year. 

The ceremony, which was witnessed by partner realtors and Paseo Verde homeowners, was celebrated with various activities to make the event more unforgettable. 

Additional Floors

The topping off ceremony wasn’t the only milestone being celebrated. LEED Inc. also got approval to add another floor onto their three towers. This means new owners will be able to enjoy an unobstructed view of the Makati and Alabang Skyline, with picturesque vista of Laguna De Bay. 

The approval came from HLURB after LEED Inc., was able to pass the stringent test of the government’s housing arm. 

Online presence

Aside from these, Mr. Dela Cruz also shared that they have recently become active in promoting their presence online, partnering with realtors via the internet to further reach out to more people who wants to have a home they can call their own. 

This means that LEED Inc., has also considered partnering with reputable Real Estate groups who would be able to offer the valuable product of Paseo Verde, especially to OFWs.

About Paseo Verde

Paseo Verde at Real is a 1.1 Hectare mid-rise condominium development which boasts to set a green standard of living for its owners. It offers 12 exceptional Green Features that define the whole project. These are amenities that focus on their groundbreaking green architecture and puts emphasis to the company’s three environment focus: Climate Change, the Clean Air Act, and the Safety and Health of its Residents.

Part of these features include a rain cistern which was conceptualized to catch rain water to be used for ground upkeep of the whole community. The most unique feature of Paseo Verde at Real is the bike facilities that will be made available upon construction. Aside from bike lanes, there will be permanent bike racks where lovers of the activity can park their equipment safely.

Biking will definitely be promoted by the project as they also put charging stations for e-bikes – a mode of transportation that will be encouraged for older residents.

Also at the groundbreaking site are Paseo Verde’s model units for viewing: 24.70sqm and 29.5sqm studio units; 38.25 one-bedroom; 51.13 two-bedroom, and a 66.55 three-bedroom, all of which depict an eco-friendly way of life for its future residents.

Paseo Verde at Real is accredited by the Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE) and a member of the Philippine Green Building Council for its steps towards promoting a sustainable community. The first tower turnover is scheduled in October, 2016. 

For more information, please call 854-1652.

‘Christmas for Generations’ takes root in Greenfield District

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Christmas is just around the corner. Yuletide festivities have just become more meaningful for fun-loving Filipino families as Greenfield Development Corporation (GDC) merges cherished holiday traditions with fast-paced city living at Greenfield District, the developer’s masterplanned mixed-use township in Mandaluyong City.

Greenfield District is the newest emerging residential, commercial and business hub right in the heart of Metro Manila, strategically located on the corner of EDSA and Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City. 

Photo shows executives of GDC led by Jeffrey Campos (center), president and chairman; Atty. Duane A.X. Santos (left), executive vice president and general manager; and Michael Andan (right), assistant vice president and the head of corporate planning, during the ceremonial lighting of a 40-foot Christmas tree. Right photo shows a colourful fireworks display after the ceremony. 

A special series of activities and events dubbed “A Christmas for Generations” was recently unveiled, beginning with the ceremonial lighting of a giant Christmas tree at the heart of Greenfield District’s open-air promenade located along Mayflower Street fronting The Hub mall. Top executives of Greenfield led the ceremony, headed by president and chairman Jeffrey Campos, executive vice president and general manager Atty. Duane A.X. Santos, and assistant vice president and head of corporate planning Michael Andan. 

A colorful fireworks display and live Christmas carols from a university youth choir followed the lighting of the 40-foot Christmas tree, signaling the start of the holiday edition of the famed Greenfield Weekend Market. Food stalls that offer Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Persian and other well-known cuisine were decorated in holiday themes to add a more festive touch to the occasion. 

Dog lovers also participated in a unique canine costume parade that showed off the most imaginative Christmas outfits for pets. 

Kids and the young-at-heart enjoy fun games in one of Greenfield District’s wide open spaces 

“We are beginning a tradition this year to help Filipinos keep the simple but meaningful joys of family togetherness especially during the Christmas season,” beamed Atty. Santos. “It's a holiday activity that is being made in line with Greenfield’s vision of keeping the spirit of the family alive in all aspects of living.” 

Some of the stalls that competed in the vendor decor competitions which vied for the awards for “most adorable,” “most original” and “most creative” stalls 

As pioneers of a new kind of family Christmas tradition in the metro’s Greenfield District, Greenfield is hoping that the event could become part of a family tradition during the holidays that can offer one of the most sought-after experiences for Filipinos of all ages.

“Christmas for Generations” is seen to become the holiday centerpiece of Greenfield District’s open-air promenade that offers activities suited for every member of the family. These activities will be ongoing every weekend until the end of December.

Greenfield District deliberately designed to support 21st century city living with fiber-optic telecommunications connectivity, Greenfield District also aims to preserve the traditions of family and love for nature.

Manila Doctors Hospital Holds New Tower Lobby Blessing

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(L-R) Dr. Antonio S. Abacan Jr., Chairman and Acting President of Manila Medical Services Incorporated; Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada; Dr. George S.K. Ty, Group Chairman of Metrobank Group of Companies; and Augusto Palisoc Jr., President and CEO of the Metro Pacific hospital group, grace the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the MDH New Tower Grand Lobby. 

Gearing towards major expansion, Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH) formally introduced the new medical tower named after the father of MDHs benefactor Dr. George S.K. Ty, with Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada leading the ribbon-cutting and blessing on December 8.

Located along T.M. Kalaw Street and overlooking Rizal Park, Norberto Ty Medical Tower will function as the new home of more specialty centers, patient rooms and clinics.

The formal blessing for the grand lobby was succeeded by the unveiling of Don Norberto Ty’s bust. Mayor Estrada praised the Hospital's record of service under the stewardship of philanthropist-tycoon Metrobank Group Chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty. He also stressed his advocacy in innovating health systems to provide quality health assistance to the marginalized sector.

Present during the ceremony with Dr. Ty’s family were MDH administrators led by Board Chairman and Acting President Dr. Antonio S. Abacan, Jr., and Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings, Inc. President and Chief and Executive Officer Augusto P. Palisoc Jr.

The new building is expected to increase MDH’s capacity from 300 to 500 beds and will add 160 parking slots. It will also house an additional 64 doctors’ clinics, offices, and more medical, diagnostic services and specialty centers. With the completion of 18-storey medical tower, targeted in 2016, the hospital is poised to become one of leading provider of advanced but affordable healthcare services. 

Manila Doctors Hospital, one of the leading centers of health and wellness in the Philippines, is a private tertiary hospital which is currently expanding its services with the construction of its new medical tower. Owned by Manila Medical Services Inc., MDH is the healthcare affiliate of Metrobank Foundation Inc, the corporate social responsibility arm of the Metrobank Group. MDH is an ISO 9001-2008 accredited institution and is recognized by Accreditation Canada International and is a reporting member of the United Nations Global Compact.

5 good reasons why investing in Tagaytay Highlands is a smart move

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When looking for a “home away from home,” making a smart choice becomes even more crucial. Factors like accessibility, amenities, safety and privacy, and health-friendly environs must be carefully considered.

Tagaytay Highlands has exclusive themed residential communities—the Highlands, Midlands, and Greenlands—that were master planned by reputable design teams and maintained through excellent after-sales and property management. 

Purchasing a home is one of the most important investments a person could make in his entire life so choosing the best option for his needs or those of his family is a critical step.

The urban landscape in this country is currently in a constant flux—thanks to the real estate boom we are experiencing right now. Mid-rise and high-rise condominium buildings are simultaneously being built in key cities all over the country. 

Tagaytay Highlands is country’s most exclusive leisure-residential mountain resort with an upscale membership base. 

This positive trend in the local real estate industry means that people looking to own a piece of the action now have a multitude of choices and, therefore, will need to make smart decisions when investing their money in a piece of property. 

Just outside Metro Manila, Tagaytay Highlands, a one-of-a-kind, mountain-resort-type property, sprawls across Tagaytay’s scenic mountain ridges, offering upscale amenities that are at par with vacation homes abroad. While the SM Group-developed Tagaytay Highlands properties are offered for a premium price, the superb facilities make these worthwhile investments, especially for those who are in it for the long haul. 

Here are five good reasons why investing in a property at Tagaytay Highlands is a smart move:

• The name. 

The brand is all about the country’s most exclusive leisure-residential mountain resort with an upscale membership base. Tagaytay Highlands is backed by the financial strength and solid business reputation of the SM Group, one of Asia’s largest corporations. Having been in operation for 20 years now, the property has established itself to be the best of its kind in the country.

• The idyllic location, the elevation, and the weather. 

Located in the heart of Tagaytay City, the property is the only one of its kind and scale, occupying a land area of approximately 1,290 hectares and straddling three provinces—Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas. At 2,000 feet above sea level, it offers the most striking views of Taal Lake and Volcano, the enchanted Mt. Makiling, the Canlubang Valley, and Laguna de Bay.

Tagaytay Highlands is just a quick 50-kilometer drive from the Makati Central Business District, making it a favored weekend destination for Metro Manila’s elite. Its proximity to the country’s major international airports and its multiple access roads like Sta. Rosa Exit (SLEX), Emilio Aguinaldo Highway in Cavite, Batino-Calamba-Tagaytay Road, and Silangan-Casile Road in Laguna strategically place Tagaytay Highlands in the midst of emerging tourist hotspots in the National Capital Region.

Tagaytay Highlands is a one-of-a-kind, mountain-resort-type property that sprawls across Tagaytay’s scenic mountain ridges, offering upscale amenities that are at par with vacation homes abroad. 

One of Tagaytay Highlands’ best come-ons is the cool, misty weather all year round, with an average daily temperature of 22° C—a great relief for those who want to escape the heat and humidity in the city.

• Amenities and lifestyle. 

Tagaytay Highlands boasts a legion of “firsts” in the country: the first cable cars, the first 48-seater Swiss funicular train, the first 45-hole golfing resort in the whole of Tagaytay City, and the first to have The Peak Bar with a 360-degree view of two lakes, Taal volcano, five mountains, and four cities.

It is a self-contained leisure community that offers tight 24-hour security and exclusive membership to four Clubs—complete with basic utilities, world-class amenities, 16 F&B outlets, a variety of sports and recreational facilities, 24/7 medical and emergency support services, and uninterrupted water and power supply. 

Located in the heart of Tagaytay City, the property is the only one of its kind and scale, occupying a land area of approximately 1,290 hectares and straddling three provinces—Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas. 

• The environs. Tagaytay Highlands is the perfect second home. 

Located in one of the top tourist destinations in the country, it is ideally situated near hospitals, academic centers, shopping establishments, industrial and technological parks, churches, banks, and gasoline stations.

• The premier homes. 

Tagaytay Highlands has exclusive themed residential communities—the Highlands, Midlands, and Greenlands—that were master planned by reputable design teams and maintained through excellent after-sales and property management. Residents can choose from different types of developments such as condo units, log cabins, themed houses and lot that have varying sizes depending on each owner’s preference. All communities are gated with 24/7 security service, with homes that enjoy a view of surrounding landscapes.

All told, one has to visit Tagaytay Highlands or have a weekend stay in the place to understand why its 2,980 homeowners and 6,118 active members relish the good life the mountain resort offers. 

Tagaytay Highlands is just a quick 50-kilometer drive from the Makati Central Business District, making it a favored weekend destination for Metro Manila’s elite. 

Tagaytay Highlands is a symbol of innovation and Philippine ingenuity—having met the seemingly insurmountable challenge of transforming Tagaytay’s best mountain ridges into a world-class residential mountain resort community. 

Today, Tagaytay Highlands may be a wonderful place for fortifying family ties, but owning property in it is also deemed a smart investment as Tagaytay City is now a top weekend destination for people seeking to unwind from the stresses of corporate life.