Shopee and Jose Mari Chan Spread Christmas Joy with the Children of Bahay Aruga

Tweet

Shopee treats pediatric cancer patients to a fun-filled afternoon with games and gifts

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, warmed up for its 12.12 Christmas Sale with a meaningful Christmas Party for pediatric cancer patients at Bahay Arugahalfway home. In line with the season of giving, Father of Philippine Christmas Music Jose Mari Chan made a special guest appearance to spread fun and kindness with Shopee.

The patients and their parents forged fond memories with their loved ones as Jose Mari Chan performed his iconic songs “Christmas in our Hearts” and “Please Be Careful With My Heart”. In addition, beneficiaries also took part in exciting games and activities to win a variety of prizes including Shopee vouchers.

Martin Yu, Associate Director, Shopee Philippines, said, “Shopee believes in giving back to our community, especially as the season of giving draws nearer. We would like to thank Bahay Aruga for the warm welcome and for giving us the opportunity to join in their joy and laughter.”

Rounding off a meaningful afternoon, each family received a Christmas gift basket filled with grocery items which they can use to cook a delicious Noche Buena meal. The children also received toys and school supplies from Shopee brands and sellers, including Dong-A, AnimePH, and Starwooden.

Bahay Aruga is a free halfway home for pediatric cancer patients. It currently shelters 38 children and their parents. They benefit from the close proximity to the Philippine General Hospital, where the children receive regular treatment.

Jose Mari Chan said, “I am blessed to have been given the opportunity to get up close with the beneficiaries of Bahay Aruga. To meet these brave Children, stricken with cancer, and the people running this Home, is a humbling experience. How wonderful that i was living the spirit of Christmas itself : giving and sharing.”

Greenwich Unveils New Learning Center

Tweet

Greenwich, the number one pizza and pasta brand in the Philippines, recently inaugurated its state-of-the-art training facility located in the heart of Kapitolyo in Pasig. 

Inspired by the youthful dynamism of the brand’s market and its team members, the Barkada Campus is a testament of Greenwich’s commitment in accelerating the capability of its employees to cater to its customers through its over 300 stores nationwide. 

According to Mike V. Castro, General Manager, “The facility, appropriately named Greenwich Barkada Campus, is designed to foster continuous employee learning, engagement, collaboration, and ideation – ultimately helping us deliver our promise to provide the best-tasting pizzas and pasta over a truly enjoyable barkada experience.” 

The 1120-sqm Barkada Campus, composed of multiple classrooms, a computer laboratory, meeting rooms, a store kitchen and a dining set-up, will house learning programs for Operations team and Head Office staff as well as leadership development courses to its Managers.

Securing your family legacy

Tweet

AXA Philippines’ Asset Master provides a wealth transfer solution to help secure 

the lifestyle your family deserves for generations to come.

Your family is living a comfortable life with all their needs and wants within their reach. But what will happen if the provider of the family suddenly passes away? How can you make sure your loved ones will continue to live a good life even when you are not around?

AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, ensures your family will go on living well with Asset Master. Designed as an insurance-investment plan, Asset Master allows you to build a diversified investment portfolio of local and global investments and provides a wealth transfer solution to help secure the lifestyle your family deserves for generations to come.

“AXA Philippines aims to be your partner in building a solid foundation so you can secure the lifestyle you desire for yourself and your family,” shares AXA Philippines president and CEO Rahul Hora. “You can have peace of mind knowing that your legacyis supported by Asset Master.”

AXA Asset Master allows you to grow your estate, preserve it effectively, and also transfer it seamlessly. Your estate can grow immediately by 25% upon claiming of the payout with the guaranteed death benefit feature if no partial withdrawals were made.

The payout of your guaranteed death benefit may be used by the beneficiaries to pay for estate taxes so that they don’t have to worry about sourcing or liquidating assets. Proceeds from the insurance payout for irrevocable beneficiaries are tax-exempt, effectively reducing your taxable estate so your heirs may be able to keep their inheritance intact. 

Through AXA Asset Master, you gain access to a variety of investment opportunities from different markets across the globe via a comprehensive selection of highly curated Philippine and offshore funds.

For a minimum one-time investment of P100,000 or US$2,000, you can enjoy 125% guaranteed life insurance coverage of your one-time payment. And by investing more, you also get reduced fees and higher guaranteed bonuses every 10th and 20th year. 

Start securing your legacy today with AXA Asset Master. To know more, visit https://youtu.be/-Toyb4mmVic or talk to an AXA financial advisor by visiting the nearest Metrobank, PSBank or AXA branch, or email customer.service@axa.com.ph.

Four Easy Holiday Recipes Using the Samsung Smart Oven

Tweet

The convenience of quick fixes such as food deliveries and instant dishes has made families choose that over home-cooked meals. It’s tempting to just take the easy route and go for something fast, especially during the holidays when Filipinos are juggling many things at once.

One of the most important parts of Christmas in the Philippines is Noche Buena. Those preparing the Christmas Eve feast will want to prepare special food for their loved ones, but may find the idea of cooking several dishes intimidating.

Samsung developed the Smart Oven for those who want to enjoy healthy and delicious meals, which can be prepared for any type of occasion. Designed as an all-in-one kitchen partner, it works as a convection oven and a microwave that can be used for baking, grilling, slim frying, defrosting, steaming, and even making yogurt. It’s a do-it-all device that can whip up something special for Noche Buena.

Below are some recipes that families can enjoy with the Samsung Smart Oven:

Samsung Smart Oven 35-liter

1. Baked Baby Back Ribs with Coleslaw

Yield: 4 servings

Cooking time: 60 minutes

Ingredients:

1 kg. baby back ribs, cut into 3-rib portions

1 sachet 8g. Maggi Magic Sarap

¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 pc. small onion, minced

1 pc. small red chili, sliced

1 cup water

2 tbsp. soy sauce

2 tbsp. tomato catsup

2 tbsp. brown sugar

1 tbsp. peanut butter

1 tbsp. chopped parsley

Slaw:

1 cup shredded cabbage

1 cup shredded red cabbage

½ cup shredded carrot

½ tsp. fine salt

⅛ tsp. freshly ground pepper

¼ cup Nestle All-Purpose Cream

2 tbsp. mayonnaise

1 tbsp. lemon juice

Directions:

1. Season ribs with Maggi Magic Sarap and pepper. Place meat side down on a deep baking pan.

2. Mix garlic, onion, chili, water, soy sauce, tomato catsup, sugar, and peanut butter. Pour into the pan and mix well with pork.

3. Bake on high rack using Microwave + Grill Mode. Set aside.

For both MC32K and MC35J: Select Microwave + Grill. Set at 600W for 60 minutes. After 45 minutes, flip and continue to cook for the remaining 15 minutes.

4. Prepare slaw by mixing cabbage, carrot, salt, pepper, Nestle All-Purpose Cream, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Mix well and refrigerate.

5. Brush pork with the reduced sauce, transfer on a serving plate and garnish with parsley. Serve with cabbage slaw.

2. Parmesan Crusted Baked Salmon

Yield: 4 servings

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1 pc. lemon

¼ cup breadcrumbs

1 tbsp. minced parsley

2 tbsp. parmesan cheese

1 tbsp. olive oil

½ bar cream cheese

1 pack 125ml Nestle All-Purpose Cream

¼ cup water

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tbsp. sliced spring onion

⅛ tsp. ground nutmeg

1 ½ sachets 8g. Maggi Magic Sarap

½ kg. skinless salmon fillet

¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper

1 can corn kernels, drained and rinsed

2 pcs. red and green pepper, diced

Directions:

1. Cut lemon in half lengthwise. Cut half of the lemon into wedges and set aside. Zest and juice the other half of the lemon. Mix lemon zest, breadcrumbs, parsley, parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

2. Combine cream cheese, Nestle All-Purpose Cream, water, garlic, spring onion, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Season with ½ sachet of Maggi Magic Sarap. Mix until smooth.

3. Season salmon with ½ sachet of Maggi Magic Sarap and pepper. Place salmon on a Crusty Plate. Spread ½ cup of the sauce on top. Gently press the breadcrumb mixture. Mix corn and bell peppers and season with ½ sachet of Maggi Magic Sarap. Place around the fish.

4. Cook salmon on low rack using the Healthy Cooking Mode.

For MC32K: Select Healthy Cooking. Set program code to 3-4 (Grilled Salmon Steaks). Select Serving Size. After beep sounds, press start to continue.

For MC35J: Cook using Auto Cook Mode. Select Auto. Set program code to A9 (Grilled Salmon Fillets) and select Serving Size. After beep sounds, press start to continue.

5. Transfer on a serving plate and serve with the cream sauce and lemon wedges.

3. Chicken Parmigiana with Roasted Tomato Sauce

Yield: 4 servings

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

4 pcs. boneless and skinless chicken breast

1 sachet 8g Maggi Magic Sarap

¼ cup all-purpose flour

2 pcs. eggs, beaten

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tbsp. olive oil

2 tbsp. chopped basil

1 cup grated mozzarella

Roasted tomato sauce:

¼ kg. tomatoes, halved lengthwise

4 cloves garlic, crushed

1 pc. onion, cut into wedges

½ small can anchovies

2 tbsp. butter, diced

1 sachet 8g Maggi Magic Sarap

¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper

1 tsp. brown sugar

1 tsp. Italian herb seasoning

Directions:

1. Season chicken with Maggi Magic Sarap. Coat with flour, dip in egg, and coat well with breadcrumbs. Set aside.

2. Prepare the roasted sauce by spreading tomato, garlic, onion, anchovies, and butter on Crusty Plate. Season with Maggi Magic Sarap, pepper, sugar, and Italian herb seasoning. Cook vegetables on Crusty Plate on high rack using the respective modes:

For MC32K: Select Microwave + Grill function. Set at 600W for 10 minutes.

For MC35J: Cook using Auto Cook mode. Select Auto. Set program code to A-13 (Roast Vegetables). Select serving size.

3. Puree vegetables using a blender. Adjust consistency with water. Set aside.

4. Drizzle chicken with olive oil and cook on Crusty Plate on low rack using the respective modes:

For MC32K: Select Healthy Cooking button. Set program code to 3-1 (Chicken Breasts). Select serving size and set cooking time to nine minutes.

For MC35J: Cook using Auto Cook Mode. Select Auto. Set program code to A8 (Grilled Chicken Breasts). Select serving size. Turn over as the beep sounds. Press start to continue.

5. Remove from the oven. Top with tomato sauce, basil, and cheese. Continue to cook chicken using Hot Blast mode.

For both MC32K and MC35J: Select Hot Blast. Set to 200°C for three minutes.

6. Transfer into a serving plate and serve with more tomato sauce.

4. Easy Baked Apple Cobbler

Yield: 4 servings

Cooking time: 35-40 minutes

Ingredients:

4 pcs. gala apples, peeled and sliced

½ tsp. ground cinnamon

¼ cup brown sugar

1 tbsp. cornstarch

2 tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

⅛ tsp. fine salt

Topping:

½ cup all-purpose flour

¾ tsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. fine salt

¼ cup sugar

6 tbsp. Nestle All-Purpose Cream

1 tbsp. sugar for topping

Whipped Cream (optional):

1 pack 125ml Nestle All-Purpose Cream, chilled

⅓ cup condensed milk

 I

Directions:

1. Mix apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, cornstarch, butter, and salt. Divide into 4 ramekins.

2. Bake apples using Hot Blast Mode. Stir the mixture to make sure all apple slices are evenly coated with the sauce. Set aside.

For both MC32K and MC35J: Select Hot Blast. Set to 180°C for 10 minutes.

3. Whip Nestle All-Purpose Cream until it thickens. Whisk in condensed milk. Refrigerate until use.

4. Sift flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Stir in the whipped Nestle All-Purpose Cream. Mix until dough is formed. Divide into 4 portions.

5. Cover each ramekin with dough and sprinkle each with sugar. Bake using respective modes and set aside to cool:

MC32K: Select Hot Blast button. Set to 180°C for 25 minutes.

MC35J: Bake using Convection Mode. Select the Convection button. Set to 180°C for 30 minutes.

6. Top Apple Cobbler with whipped cream if desired.

Note: Recipe includes automatic pre-heating once baking details are entered in the oven.

Pair the Smart Oven with Samsung’s lineup of refrigerators, which are packed with innovative technologies such as SPACEMAX technology that has thinner walls compared to traditional refrigerators, and  FlexZone technology that preserves the optimal freshness of different kinds of food. This makes it the perfect holiday companion to ensure food is properly stored during gatherings and Noche Buena.

French Door No Frost w/ Food Showcase, 3-Door Side by Side No Frost Space Max Interior w/ Flexzone, and Side by Side No Frost Space Max Interior

Get the Do It All Cookbook upon purchase of MC32 and MC35 Samsung Smart Oven. This recipe book is a collection of 35 easy to follow, tasty, and healthy recipes that anyone can do. Offer is valid until December 31, 2019.

Know more details on Samsung’s Smart Oven and newest refrigerator models by liking SamsungPH on Facebook or visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/cooking-appliances/microwave-ovens/ and https://www.samsung.com/ph/refrigerators/

###

Baby Shark’ comes to PH for the first time

Tweet

Baby Shark’s simple “Do Rut Dut Dut Dut Do Do” song, believe it or not, has been played over 3,700,000,000 times. (3.7 billion times as per You Tube). Why?

If You are a recent Mom, Pop, Grandpa or Grandma you’ll know what this means and the good thing about it is, it will be performed for the first time in the Philippines by non-other than the guys behind it themselves led by Pink Fong.

Pink Fong is the sly Pink Fox in the story. The story revolves around the loss of Baby Shark and the recurring missteps of the entire Shark family till they employ the services of the all magical Pink Fong. Of course, included in story is the whole Shark family singing the ever so popular sing-along of Baby Shark. 

This “Baby Shark” special has been touring the world since last year (2018) and this is the first time they come to the Philippines, under the auspices of Circles Entertainment, organizer.

Baby Shark will only appear four times. Twice on December 21 2PM and 5PM and December 22 2PM and 5PM at the Theater in Solaire.

Tickets to the show are available online at Ticket World and its outlets.