Chef Anton Amoncio in "Let It Snow": An Early Christmas in Canada

Tweet

Chef Anton, together with other world-renown chefs, whipped up appetizing recipes using Canada beef.

It was an early Christmas gift for celebrity chef Anton Amoncio who is still in high spirits after participating in “Let it Snow,” a chef exchange program by the Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence held in Calgary, Canada. This is the first time that a Filipino chef was featured in the exchange. His trip was made possible through the Culinary Exchange program of the Canada Beef Centre of Excellence and in partnership with Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. 

The week-long event is in celebration of Canada 150, which is the 150th founding anniversary of Canada. Three events happened at different Canadian luxury resorts, highlighting the seasons of Canada: at the Fairmont Banff Springs in early summer, Fairmont Royal York Toronto in harvest season, and Chateau Lake Louise for winter. Chef Anton’s visit to the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the finale of Canada Beef’s Canada 150 celebrations this year. 

Chateau Lake Louise is a luxury outdoor travel experience located in one of the most beautiful sceneries that Canada has to offer.

Chef Anton rubbed elbows with some of the culinary experts including Chef Marty Carpenter, president of the Canadian Beef Grading Agency, and Abe Van Melle, the Technical Manager for the Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence. Interesting topics about Canada were discussed over dinner at the Chop Steakhouse and Bar. 

According to Chef Marty, Canada beef is classified by its flavor, which comes from the predominant use of barley in their cattle feed. Combined with the almost vineyard-like culture of their cattle industry, this puts Canada beef in a league of the world’s premier beef products.

Chef Anton also joined in the briefing activities scheduled for “Let it Snow” and toured the kitchen at the head office of the Canada Beef Centre of Excellence. Chef Marty brought the entourage for lunch to the Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant at Fish Creek Park where Chef Anton had the opportunity to meet Jean-Francois Fortin, the Executive Chef of the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Michael McLean, who works with the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site.

Chef Anton had his share of the limelight when he presented his own recipes using the best quality Canada beef: Beef Morcon Sliders, Bistek on Green Onion Blinis, and Beef Shortribs Sinigang in Green Mango. He proved once more that Filipino chefs are at par when it comes to culinary artistry. The warm acceptance that Chef Anton experienced in his trip to Canada was enough to melt even the biting cold of winter. 

Chef Anton Amoncio is a talent of Asian Artists Agency. For inquiries, please call (02) 855-4765 or (02) 405-4423, email info@asianartistsagency.com, and visit fb.com/asianartistsagency

Globe expands Global Filipino Schools (GFS) program to 15 regions nationwide

Tweet

Globe Telecom, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), is expanding the Global Filipino Schools (GFS) program to realize presence in 15 regions nationwide.

The GFS program is a long-term and modern approach to education that allows 21st century learning methods to be introduced and implemented in public schools nationwide.

Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones (center) is all smiles following a report made by Globe Telecom, represented by Globe Director for Citizenship and Advocacy Marketing Maricel Gray (2nd from left) on the telecommunication provider’s commitment to bring all 17 regions in the country under its Global Filipino School program. They are joined, from left, by Globe Manager for Citizenship Miguel Bermudo, DepEd Undersecretary Tonisito Umali and DepEd Director Margarita Ballesteros. 

Around 60 schools were added to the program this year, bringing to 142 schools the total number under its fold. The program now covers 15 out of 17 regions around the country. This was revealed during the presentation and turnover ceremony conducted recently between Globe and DepEd.

Globe has committed in bringing the program to all 17 regions in the Philippines by the year 2020. From current indications, though, that target may be achieved as early as next year.

“Education is one area where Globe continues to focus its strength and capabilities in order to help build a more digitally savvy generation of both teachers and learners. Soon enough, more teachers and learners will benefit from Globe Telecom’s advocacy of a digital-centric lifestyle for everyone, which we believe is the catalyst for growth and nation building,” said Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto. 

For her part, Education Secretary Leonor Briones, in her keynote speech, lauded supporters of the public education sector. “If you are truly seeking truth, if you are truly seeking life, if you are truly seeking the meaning of Christmas, find it among the children whom you are serving,” she said.

Under the GFS program, every school beneficiary will serve as a training hub for teachers in the DepEd Division the school belongs to. The school is also equipped with the knowledge and skills to facilitate workshops regarding 21st century learning skills, and the integration of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in the classroom.

The schools also receive free internet connectivity that teachers and students can use, free ICT equipment support such as projectors, tablets, pocket WiFi dongles, Virtual Reality (VR) goggles, plus teacher training on Digital Literacy, Digital Responsibility, ICT integration in the classroom, and 21st century teaching concepts and methodologies.

To assess its success upon its implementation, a study released by Taylor Nelson Sofres in 2015 showed the GFS program helped improve digital skills among teachers and students (specifically on usage of mobile technology and computer software), enabled 21st century learning outcomes that involve creativity, communication, collaboration and creativity, increased student engagement in classroom activities, and helped enhance school culture through readiness in ICT integration.

THE DOS AND DON’TS OF BRITISH ROYALTY - Even the Queen’s family is subject to rules

Tweet

Power, fame, and glamour—we, the commoners, can only dream of living the life of the most esteemed family in the United Kingdom. Possessing a regal title, however, comes with the obligation to follow certain codes of conduct.

Of course, there have been instances when royals have deviated from such guidelines, like wearing fur, eating shellfish, or being touched by non-royals—all of which are prohibited. Nevertheless, anyone who fancies marrying someone from the British crown family must learn these protocols as part of proper decorum.

Recent history can testify that marriage into royalty isn’t impossible, like Prince William’s wedding with Princess Catherine (née Middleton) and Prince Harry’s current engagement with American actress Meghan Markle.

For those who believe they have what it takes to become royalty through marriage, we list below some rules of etiquette to which the Queen’s family must adhere.

Bows and Curtsies

Greetings need not be complicated. In formal events, ladies greet with a little curtsy: one foot behind the other followed by a quick bob at the knee and a slight bow of the head. Gents only have to bow briefly from the neck. Deep curtsies and long pauses, however, show great respect especially when meeting the Queen.

Sitting Posture

Modesty is expected at all times even while sitting. Royal women shouldn’t cross their legs at the knee. Instead, they must keep their knees and ankles together, though they may cross their legs at the ankle for comfort. The “duchess slant” as popularized by Princess Catherine is another acceptable pose with the knees slanted to one side. In these three, hands must be linked and resting on one knee.

Holding a Teacup

No gentleman or lady deserves a royal title without knowing how to lift a cup correctly during tea time. The thumb and index fingers must hold the handle at the top while the middle finger goes to the bottom for support. Sipping must also be done on the same spot to keep the rim free off too many lipstick stains.

Dining Etiquette

Using silverware with the royals might seem daunting at first. For the basics, hold the knife with the right hand and the fork with the left. As for the fork, the tines must always face down, and should never be used to stab the food. Rather, food is balanced on the back of the fork when brought to the mouth.

Order of Precedence

Those wonderful royal weddings where everyone is neatly organized from the procession to the seating arrangement would not have been possible if not for a strict adherence to a specific order. At the head of the procession is the reigning monarch, followed by the entourage determined by order of birth, marriage, status of nobility, and other rules.

These and other rules have been passed down for generations in the history of British sovereignty. For a glimpse of these laws and customs, catch Reign every Tuesday at 9:00PM on Blue Ant Entertainment.

Blue Ant Entertainment is available on SKYcable channels 53(SD) and 196(HD), SKYdirect channel 35, SKYondemand, Destiny Cable channel 53, and Cablelink channels 37(SD) and 313(HD).

Follow Blue Ant Entertainment at www.facebook.com/RTLCBSEntertainment/, @RTLCBSEntertain on Twitter, and @RTLCBSEntertainment on Instagram for more updates.

*On 01 January 2018, RTL CBS Entertainment will be renamed Blue Ant Entertainment.  Social media accounts will also change to Blue Ant Entertainment on Facebook, @BlueAntEntertainment on Instagram, and @BlueAntEnt on Twitter.

Blue Ant Entertainment 

The general entertainment channel with the best mix of reality, drama, comedy, and daily programmes. It features shows aired same day from the U.S. or U.K. including competitions Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor UK; dailies Entertainment Tonight, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and The Late Late Show with James Corden. It is also home to some of the biggest award shows in the world. Aired ‘LIVE’, these include The Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, American Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards.

Witness the IMPOSSIBLE: World’s Greatest Magic Show this season #SeeToBelieve #ImpossibleMNL

Tweet

Exciting. Thrilling. Amazing! The stage is set for the biggest magical spectacle this Holiday season as IMPOSSIBLE: World’s Greatest Magic Show finally arrives in Manila. Opening on Christmas Day, December 25^th to January 3^rd at the Araneta Coliseum, Filipinos will finally be able to see the much-awaited magical show live on stage.

Fresh from its record-breaking success in London’s West End, IMPOSSIBLE has been hailed by critics as “the Hottest Act in Town” (Daily Mail) for giving “variety, illusion and magic a brilliant, fresh spin” (The Stage). The Guardian describes IMPOSSIBLE as “a fiesta of trickery and illusion,” and "an absolute blast from start to finish!" says Hollywood News.

IMPOSSIBLE features six of the world’s most mind-blowing magical acts, fusing death-defying stunts, technological trickery, grand stage illusions and close-up magic in a fast-paced breath-taking performance that reinvents the biggest illusions in history.

“We were overwhelmed by the welcome that London audiences showed IMPOSSIBLE last year and hot on the heels of our success in different parts of the world. We are delighted to be bringing our spectacular World Tour now to Manila.” says Jamie Hendry (Producer).

IMPOSSIBLE features Boundary-Breaking Magician Ben Hart, Explosive Street Magician Magical Bones, Mind-Blowing Mind-Reader Chris Cox, Grand Illusionist Josephine Lee, Master of Magic Ali Cook, and Comic Daredevil Bello Nock.

Video Commercial: https://youtu.be/E_XOAQc9ltA

Ben Hart and Magical Bones made the news headlines recently as they left Filipino audiences stunned with their up-close magic and sleight of hand tricks during their promo tour in Manila to announce the show.

“Wilbros Live is thrilled to bring the world’s greatest magic show IMPOSSIBLE to Manila. This is a must-see live spectacular for the whole family this coming holiday season,” adds executive producer Winston Llamas of Wilbros Live.

Don’t miss the much-awaited show. You have to See To Believe the IMPOSSIBLE!

Tickets at affordable prices – starting at P160. For ticket reservations, visit TicketNet.com.ph or call 911-5555 for more information.

#SeeToBelieve #ImpossibleMNL

Celebrate Paskong Pilipino with Mang Inasal

Tweet

Filipinos are passionate about the Christmas season – it is the best time for gift-giving, merry-making, and dining in the company of loved ones. One thing that Pinoys look forward to in celebrating Paskong Pilipino is the noche buena and media noche where households get together to indulge over a grand feast of traditional and well-loved Filipino dishes.

For most families, it is a wonderful opportunity to bond in the kitchen, with each member contributing their favorite dishes to the noche buena and media noche spread. But not all households have the luxury of time to prepare the meals. So they resort to the next best thing: either to dine out or to buy cooked food. 

Luckily, Mang Inasal offers families a delightful menu of great-tasting local comfort food to make their noche buena feast truly special.

Those who are rushing home from work on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve can still provide a dinner for the family by visiting Mang Inasal and taking home servings of its juicy Chicken Inasal meal. They can also grab an additional Palabok Party Pan filled with its flavorful sauce combined with seasonings of shrimp, egg slices, chicharon bits, pork chunks, and spring onions.

Organizers of small gatherings with relatives or school buddies, especially those with balikbayans who have missed Filipino food, can hold them in any Mang Inasal store for the kaing Pinoy experience. The nuot sa ihaw sarap of the grilled chicken inasal, eaten with their choice condiments and unlimited rice, will surely bring back fond memories.

People who need to work through Christmas or New Year holidays can delight in Mang Inasal fiesta meals to celebrate with their officemates. Take a break and enjoy an order of Fiesta Inasal Meal that is packed with one-piece chicken inasal with rice, one-piece lumpiang togue, and a hearty serving of delicious palabok to experience home-cooked meal even while staying in the office.

Another Christmas tradition is watching movies in the local film festival that forms part of the itinerary of barkadas as they catch up with each other. Dissecting the film and sharing hugot moments are best done while enjoying Mang Inasal paborito meals and unlimited rice. Everyone can pick their choice of ulam from the tasty pork barbecue, sizzling pork or bangus sisig, and specially-marinated chicken inasal – pecho or paa. They can even indulge in a Christmas merienda with the cool, creamy Pinoy Halo-Halo and sweet leche flan.

With its savory food offerings that capture the distinct Filipino taste, Mang Inasal gives families an authentic eating experience, making the Paskong Pilipino salu-salo more memorable. 

About Mang Inasal 

Mang Inasal is the number one Pinoy barbecue brand that is known for its authentic fusion of traditional Pinoy cuisine with a fast-food concept. 

Today, Mang Inasal leads the market with its strong portfolio of Chicken Inasal, Pork BBQ, Halo-Halo, and Palabok. Currently, the company has over 450 stores nationwide to cater to the growing love of Filipinos for the brand. 

The brand has also received numerous awards including the Most Outstanding Quick Service Restaurant and Most Outstanding Chicken Inasal restaurant from the 2010 Dangal ng Bayan Awards, and the Outstanding Filipino Franchise Award from the 2015 Franchise Excellence Awards.