Enjoy Grand Banchetto ! Firefly Roofdeck offers a festive Pinoy style street food buffet

Tweet

Street food reigns supreme on the afternoon grills throughout the Philippines. Some people enjoy fishballs, "balut", and  "isaw"-  which refers to both pig and chicken intestines, grilled over hot fire!

More interesting now is to eat street food inside a grand place -  classy hotel.

Chef Dennis Peralta, City Garden Grand Hotel’s Executive Chef

City Garden Grand Hotel is bringing a new set of Filipino dishes in a unique dining style concept. Varieties of mouth-watering Filipino street food cuisines will be ready to serve in a Banchetto style dining experience located on top of the Makati City.

Banchetto comes from an Italian word which means “a feast”, nowadays, it is popularly known as a food destination of a street food night market, which became famous because of its unique concept, festive atmosphere and appetizing food selections. Inspired by these kind of concept, City Garden Grand Hotel creates a Banchetto dining experience closer to its guests. 

“Grand Banchetto” featuring Filipino street food dishes at Firefly Roofdeck, City Garden Grand Hotel. 

Instead of experiencing Banchetto in the streets we bring it up, wherein you can have a breath taking view of the Makati City Skyline, while indulging on your favourite Filipino street food cuisines and fulfilling your cravings with charred to perfection hot off the grill and bitten right off the skewers dishes specially prepared by our Executive Chef, Chef Dennis Peralta, and his team.

City Garden Grand Hotel’s Executive Chef, Chef Dennis Peralta, cooking Balut Ala Pobre, one of the dishes available in the Grand Banchetto of Firefly Roofdeck at City Garden Grand Hotel.

Chef Dennis excitingly introduces his idea of a Banchetto dining in the hotel’s roof deck bar and restaurant, the Firefly Roofdeck, featuring Filipino street food cuisines. His idea was inspired by Larsian Barbecue, a food haven and a tourist attraction as well in Cebu City, which has several barbecue stalls sells sumptuous yet affordable grilled dishes.

With a variety of dishes to choose from for only Php 490.00/ NET per person, the Grand Banchetto offers delectable selections of “tuhog-tuhog” and “pika-pika” foods, from the exotic yet satisfyingly good dishes like “Grilled Chicken, Pork, and cow Intestines”, “Balut”, “Grilled Chicken Tail/Butt”, going to the all-time favourites like “Fishballs and Squidballs”, “Siomai”, “Takoyaki”, and etc., we have it all here.

These Filipino street food selections are good to be partnered with our signature cocktails and mocktails at Firefly Roofdeck Bar.

City Garden Grand Hotel welcomes their new Food and Beverage Manager, Mr Johnson Del Valle.

Firefly Roofdeck’s Grand Banchetto opens  starting July 1, 2017, from 6pm up to 12mn. Grab your best friend, your barkada or your family and have a taste of Pinoy street food in a different dining style at the roof deck bar of City Garden Grand Hotel. 

Firefly Roofdeck is located at the 32nd Floor of City Garden Grand Hotel. For inquiries and reservations, please feel free to contact Firefly Roofdeck at (+632) 554-3429.

RCBC reveals “We believe in you” philosophy

Tweet

Rizal Commercial Bank Corporation (RCBC), one of the leading universal banks in the Philippines, today unveils its new corporate logo and tagline “We believe in you,” which signals the start of a new era of providing excellent and trusted banking services for Filipinos.

“This milestone signals the arrival of a more committed, refreshed and re-energized RCBC, that is ready to meet the demands of the ever-changing Philippine banking industry,” said RCBC President and CEO Gil A. Buenaventura.

“We believe in you” is not just a tagline for RCBC, but a battle cry to show our unwavering support and trust to the indomitable Filipino spirit. At the same time, this new corporate thrust is meant to encourage Filipinos not only to dream, but to pursue their passions and dreams, and turn them into reality – whether it’s traveling to your dream destination, venturing into a new business, or purchasing a new home or car,” Buenaventura stressed.

The simpler, younger and more minimalist logo embodies RCBC’s new mission of being more accessible to younger Filipino depositors, who are looking for better ways to save and grow their money, the RCBC president added. 

Ces Natividad, RCBC Chief Marketing Officer, reveals that the new logo and corporate tagline are the bank’s response to the changing market.

“We wanted to know what products and services today’s depositors actually need, and we strived to understand what makes them believe and trust a particular bank. We realized that today’s depositors need an approachable bank that responds to their needs, and believes in the value of their dreams and aspirations,” Natividad shared.

“RCBC wants Filipinos to know that the bank believes that there is no limit in the things they can achieve if they decide to start building their future early, especially with a strong banking partner, ready to advise them every step of the way. We are providing more emphasis to younger depositors, who need more guidance in managing their money,” Natividad added. 

Estimates from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that 1/3 of the Philippine population are millennials. A 2015 Labor Force Survey, also by the PSA, showed that 47.1 percent of the 42 million labor force belongs to the 15-34 age group. This means that more and younger Filipinos need bank services to manage their finances.

Natividad cited a wide array of RCBC products that allow customers to save and conveniently manage their finances. These include RCBC’s Debit Cards, which depositors can get when they open an RCBC savings or checking account. She also emphasized RCBC’s product portfolio which customers can manage online such as the Unit Investment Trust Funds and iSave, an automatic deduction from existing RCBC accounts, done every payroll, which helps depositors to set aside money for future use.

Natividad also cited the unli 0% option of RCBC Bankard, which gives cardholders the flexibility to manage their expenses.

The bank’s brand refresh comes as RCBC enters its 57th year of excellent business in the Philippines. The bank reached a consolidated net income of P1 billion in the first quarter of 2017. It also showed more strength as assets increased to P526 billion as of March 2017. RCBC’s total number of branches also increased to 489 while ATM terminals increased to more than 1,500 nationwide as of the first quarter of 2017. 

“We are confident that the new brand logo and new corporate tagline, and the re-energized service of the bank, will resonate with more Filipinos. We believe that they can accomplish great things if they put their hearts and mind into it, and RCBC will always be their partner to help them succeed,” Natividad added. 

List of 2018 holidays in the Philippines

Tweet

MALACAÑANG release of the official list of regular and special non-working days in the country for 2018.

Proclamation 269, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte, on July 17, declaring ten regular holidays and eight special non-working days in 2018. 

The long weekends include the four-day Lenten break from March 29 (Maundy Thursday) to April 1 (Easter Sunday). Black Saturday (March 31) has been traditionally declared as special non-working day all throughout the country, in observance of Holy Week. Another long weekends will be during the All Saints' Day (November 1), All Souls' Day (November 2) and Christmas Day (December 25) as Duterte declared November 2 and December 24 as special non-working holidays.

The extra holidays were declared to “strengthen family ties” in commemorating such activities as well as promote domestic tourism.

Proclamation 269 stated that the declaration of national holidays for the observance of Eid'l Fitr and Eidul Adha shall be issued after their approximate dates have been determined in accordance with the Islamic calendar.

The Department of Labor and Employment has been ordered to issue the implementing guidelines for the proclamation of the holidays in the country for 2018.

The proclamation, signed by the President last July 17, takes effect immediately.

List of 2018 holidays in the Philippines

January 1, 2018, Monday – New Year's Day
March 29, 2018 – Maundy Thursday 

March 30, 2018 – Good Friday

April 9, 2018, Monday – Araw ng Kagitingan 

May 1, 2018, Tuesday – Labor Day 

June 12, 2018, Tuesday – Independence Day

August 27, 2018, last Monday of August – National Heroes' Day 

November 30, 2018, Friday – Bonifacio Day

December 25, 2018, Tuesday – Christmas Day 

December 30, 2018, Sunday – Rizal Day

Special (non-working) days:

February 16, 2018, Friday – Chinese New Year 

February 25, 2018, Sunday – EDSA Revolution Anniversary

March 31, 2018 – Black Saturday 

August 21, 2018, Tuesday – Ninoy Aquino Day 

November 1, 2018, Thursday – All Saints' Day 

December 31, 2018, Monday – last day of the year

Additional special (non-working) holidays:

November 2, 2018, Friday 

December 24, 2018, Monday

Actor Ian Veneracion finds a new love . . . in Ascof Lagundi

Tweet

At age 42, gentleman actor and reluctant heartthrob Ian Veneracion appears to be a star whose time has come. Although he started acting at the age of 5, Veneracion’s career took a long, circuitous route to leading man status, something he finally achieved when he was cast as a swoon-worthy hero in hit TV soaps. 

Today he seems unstoppable, his career trajectory leading him to a place that much younger and more aggressive actors have yet to reach. 

Ironically, it is from this enviable place that Veneracion now seeks balance even as he appreciates the perks of stardom. He has kept the debonair good looks that make fans—age 18 to 80—swoon, yes, but the Gen X actor now finds fulfillment in matters that are more constant and stable, and less transitory. 

This probably has much to do with being married to a loving wife and having three wonderful children. Veneracion readily affirms that there is always more to life than the glitz of show business.

At 42, actor Ian Veneracion has become more discerning of his life choices. That is why he places his full trust only in Ascof Forte Menthol Syrup as his cough remedy, as it is made from 100% organically grown Lagundi leaves. 

“Forty is like, you spent the first half of your life trying to learn who you want to be. You did stuff that you wanted to try out. At age 40, ‘yun ‘yung complete na—you know who you are, you know what’s right and wrong, you have your own values. For me, it’s just the start of the flight. When you reach this age, you know exactly where you’re coming from, where you’re at, and where you’re going.”

Veneracion then gently asserts, “Life is my priority, not work.” This gives clarity to his life decisions. Like why maintaining a healthy lifestyle is of tremendous importance to him, and why he always makes sure that he is at his best and healthiest self.

Heartthrob dad Ian Veneracion prefers Ascof Forte Menthol Syrup as his remedy for cough and bronchial asthma because of its “hagod-menthol” soothing effect, which gives quick relief from sore and itchy throat.

With a broader understanding of himself, Ian has come to prioritize his health and wellbeing above anything else and has become more discerning of his life choices. That is why for his cough remedy, Ian places his trust only in Ascof Lagundi, especially now that the rainy season is here and respiratory ailments are very common. 

Ascof Lagundi, the innovative and pioneering cough remedy in the Philippines, is made from 100 percent organically grown Lagundi leaves, making it a natural, safe, and effective relief for cough and bronchial asthma. 

Veneracion says that it is for this reason that he immediately accepted the offer to become Ascof’s newest official endorser. 

 “It’s something that I actually take. When my manager informed me that Ascof wanted to sign me up as its endorser, I said, ‘Perfect! Just last week I had Ascof Lagundi in my bag.’ I definitely believe in the product.” 

The actor likewise shares that he takes Ascof Lagundi Forte Menthol even during tapings and shoots, and encourages others like him to choose Ascof as the preferred option over chemical medicines and other similar natural remedies for cough.

“You can trust Ascof Lagundi. It’s a natural remedy that you may take even at the onset of a cough, and when you are just starting to show its early symptoms. Hindi ka matatakot kasi safe siya,” he assures everyone.

Veneracion uses the variant Ascof Forte Menthol Syrup, either sugar-free or regular, because of its ‘hagod-menthol’ soothing effect on the throat. 

“There are other variants both for kids and adults, but my personal favorite is ASCOF Forte Menthol Sugar Free Syrup because it actually gives me instant relief from sore and itchy throat due to cough,” he explains.

Pascual Laboratories, the manufacturer of Ascof Lagundi, has its own lagundi farm in Nueva Ecija that uses a GMP-certified production process to cultivate the traditional herbal plant. Ascof Lagundi Forte Menthol is a product of scientific research and clinical studies.

Veneracion considers Ascof Lagundi as his newfound love since it is always there when he needs it most. “Getting enough sleep and eating properly are important to keep your body healthy. Pero kapag tinamaan kayo ng cough, of course you should take Ascof Lagundi.”

For inquiries and more details about Ascof Lagundi Forte Menthol Syrup, visit their official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ASCOFLagundi or their official website at http://www.pascuallab.com/index.php/ascof.

Excite your kids with bento box lunches with Fresh Options

Tweet

One of the biggest challenges every mom faces once the school year rolls in is figuring out what to pack into the kids’ lunchbox or baon.  Although every mother wants to prepare a healthy and hearty baon, the truth of the matter is, their school-aged children hardly touch their vegetables, fruits or healthy dishes when they're away at school.  Picky eaters, in particular, find ways to eat around their baon by choosing only the tidbits they think are tasty enough for them.

So how can make sure that your kids will eat the nutritious meal you packed for them?  Based on one mom’s experience, the answer to this is to make it kid-friendly.  In other words:  eye-catching, engaging and delicious.  This can be achieved by applying the time-honored food preparation technique of the Japanese – the bento box.

Creating a bento meal for kids is easy as long as you have the right ingredients, like Fresh Options Kiddie Goodie line, and a playful mindset.  Bento meal designs need not be complex as long as they’re interesting enough to entice your child to explore and finish each segment of their meal.

Fresh Options’ Kiddie Goodie food line is a perfect complement to bento baons.  These include varieties of hotdogs, patties and breaded products such as chicken nuggets, drumettes, chicken pops and breaded pork patties.  Kiddie Goodie products are easy to cook, easy to handle (when putting inside the bento) and delicious. Available in all Fresh Options stores in Luzon, they are every mom's go-to solution for kid-approved bento baons. 

Try your hand at preparing a bento baon for your kid with these kiddie-approved recipes created by Noobcookery’s bento aficionado Diane Gabriel, which she served and were enjoyed by her two kids.  Use Fresh Options Kiddie Goodie line to make it easier for you (and yummier for the kids) to prepare each lunchbox.  Fresh Options Kiddie Goodie line is available at all Fresh Options stores in Luzon. 

The Animal Farm with Pork Patty

Ingredients

• Pork Patty
• White rice
• Spinach
• Beans
• Carrots
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Butter

Pork Patty

• Fried pork patty
• White rice
• Sautéed spinach, beans, and carrots

Sautéed Vegetable recipe

• Blanch carrots and beans
• Wash spinach but leave some of the water 
• Sauté chopped garlic in olive oil and butter, add spinach leaves
• Add carrots and beans, season to taste

Nuggets of love with Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients

• Chicken nuggets
• Butter or oil
• Garlic
• Egg
• Leftover white rice
• Peas
• Ham bits
• Salt
• Pepper

Chicken Nuggets

• Fried chicken nuggets w/ ketchup dip
• Fried rice

Fried Rice

• Heat butter or oil in a pan
• Chop up Sliced Ham (off cuts from pizza!)
• Sauté garlic, add an egg and scramble in pan.
• Add leftover white rice, peas, and ham bits. 
• Season to taste.

Sail Away with Cheese hotdog

Ingredients

• Cheese hotdog
• Cheese sticks
• Ketchup

Cheese Hotdog wraps

• Cook hotdogs according to package.
• Use cheese spread or mayonnaise on tortilla (premade or homemade, recipe below) and then wrap around cheese hotdogs
• Secure with toothpicks and slice into 2 or 3 pieces.

Homemade Tortillas Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. baking powder

Homemade Tortillas

• Combine with 1 cup warm water and 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• Roll out tortillas
• Cook on high heat in a dry pan (cast iron or steel)