Delectable creations from sweet to savory

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The McVitie’s Digestive is a delicious wheat biscuit made using the traditional recipe since the very first McVitie's Digestive was made in 1892.

How much you love the McVitie's Original Digestive, there are tasty ways to help maintain your digestive system! 

McVitie’s Digestive has always been paired with tea time or enjoyed as a snack item during breaks, especially now that it has come out with more variants for everyone to enjoy. Consumers are also encouraged to be creative with what they can do with the Digestives, particularly the original recipes. 

Some of these most delectable creations can be sweet or savory.

Here are some of the recipes that can be done with everyone’s favorite digestive that highlight the range of flavors to increase your enjoyment of McVitie’s:

Just by using crumbled Original McVitie’s Digestive, you can already make some delicious desserts for serving to your family and friends. One popular use of crumbled digestive is to make it as a base for cheesecakes. You will have one of the sweetest yet healthy cheesecakes because of its crust that is made from McVitie’s Digestive.

The same crumbled original recipe digestive can be used as a main ingredient for pudding. Just by mixing it with cream, butter, sugar, eggs, and other ingredients to highlight a flavor like hazelnuts, then put the mixture in a mold. Bake it in the oven, and McVitie’s pudding comes out afterwards ready to be stuffed in your hungry tummies.

For all those chocolate addicts, McVitie’s perfected the ultimate biscuit; theMcVitie’s Dark Chocolate Digestive. The mouth-watering combination of strong, almost bitter cocoa flavour of dark chocolate with the sweet crumble of the Digestive and the simplicity of the topping makes it an ideal treat.

For chocolate lovers, McVitie’s Milk Chocolate Digestive can also be used as an ingredient for a cream mixture that will be used for stuffing peaches or other stuffed recipes. Original Digestive can also be used as a base to carry the stuffed peach. The sweet treat can be topped or drizzled by other confectionary items to add some accentuated taste.

Crumbled Original and Milk Chocolate Digestive can also be used not only with sweet delectable desserts but also with savory dishes to add some different taste to the food. Crumbled Original Digestive can be used as an ingredient in making a Piadinas. Ingredients like strawberries will create difference with the taste.

Another recipe where you can put McVitie’s is Milanese Risotto. Top the risotto with McVitie’s Milk Chocolate Digestive crumbs, and sweetness is mixed with the savory taste. 

These are just a few of the recipes you can do with McVitie’s Digestive Enjoy the taste more than you would a normal snack.

McVitie’s Digestives are available at leading supermarkets nationwide. It is distributed in the Philippines by Delfi Marketing Inc. 

For more about McVitie’s Digestives, visit www.mcvities.com, or click “Like” on its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/mcvitiesdigestives.

Essilor's Ambassador Piolo Pascual launches campaign for healthy vision

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Philippine's top actor, a sportsman and a known health buff, Piolo Pascual headlining the Essilor's campaign for healthy vision. Essilor's campaign launches today, Monday February 16, 2015 held at the 55 Events Place, Quezon City. 

As Piolo believes prevention is the first step towards healthy vision, will appear in Essilor’s latest TVC and educational materials.

“Good eye health is a serious matter because it is essential to performing practically all our daily tasks. Without good vision, we can only do so much and this limitation can stand in the way of achieving our goals," Piolo said.

In response to reports that over 20 million Filipinos are in need of visual correction, top global ophthalmic lenses manufacturer Essilor has launched a public awareness campaign on the importance of good vision, with top celebrity Piolo Pascual as brand ambassador.

Essilor is the world leader for corrective lenses. The success of the company, which is present in more than 100 countries, is the result of a strategy that has been driven by innovation for more than 160 years. It has been awarded by Forbes magazine as “The World’s Most Innovative Companies” for four consecutive years.

From design to manufacture, Essilor develops a wide range of lenses to protect and correct eyesight. Its mission is to enable everyone in the world to see well using lenses tailored to their needs. The company devotes 150 million euros a year on research and development to offer increasingly efficient products. 

“Across the globe, 4 billion people need visual correction, and in the Philippines, over 20 million individuals need visual correction. As a leader, we feel it is our responsibility to do something to alleviate the situation and this is the reason we are doing this campaign,” said Dr. Emelita Roleda, Essilor general manager. 

“Essilor's ‘Seeing the World Better’ campaign is our company's way of helping the world see better by raising awareness about the importance of healthy vision and address the alarming number of visual impairment cases in the country. We also hope that through this campaign, Filipinos will start paying more attention to their eyes so they can see the world in a clearer and brighter view,” Dr. Roleda added.

To effectively raise awareness, Essilor launched its latest infomercial featuring brand ambassador Piolo Pascual performing various activities – swimming, reading, driving – and how good vision helps him accomplish these tasks effectively. The newest TV ad will air on March 1, at primetime slots on select cable channels.

The campaign will drive three important messages: 

1) Prevention: Essilor lenses help prevent age-related eye diseases

2) Protection: It also helps provide everyday protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays 

    and harmful blue light

 

3) Correction: promote the initial purpose of Essilor which is to help correct eyesight.

Dr. Roleda cites the plethora of electronic devices that we are exposed to everyday, which emits harmful blue lights that damage the retina. “Repetitive exposure to blue light posts threat to our eyes. It may cause oxidative damage, and may be responsible for causing age-related macular degeneration, which can result to blindness.” Wearing protective lenses like Crizal Prevencia, she adds, can do a lot in preventing the detrimental effects of harmful blue light. Crizal Prevencia is the only clear lens that selectively filters harmful blue light from gadgets, LED and UV light while letting through the healthy blue light.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays, on the other hand, contribute to the development of cataracts. Wearing Crizal Forte UV lenses can protect our eyes from these harmful rays. 

For those starting around age 40, our eyes can gradually lose the ability to focus on nearby objects; this is an unavoidable condition but it can be corrected, says Dr Roleda. “Essilor Varilux progressive lenses offer a smooth transition from distance vision through intermediate vision to near vision. This means that instead of having just two different viewing zones (near and distant), like with bifocals, Varilux provides the most natural vision correction,” said Dr. Roleda.

Founded in 1972, Essilor is a worldwide leader in developing and manufacturing ophthalmic lenses, lens coatings and dispensary technologies. Premium eyeglass lenses from Essilor are the result of more than 150 years of advanced research, innovation and technology.

A true leader in innovation, Essilor revolutionized the vision correction industry in 1959 with the invention of the world’s first progressive lens. The brand provides consumers and the eye care professionals with quality spectacle lenses, diagnostic tools, services and support in business. 

Photos: Arts Travel Magazine 

Truly a #SarapNgFirst as Ph tastes the chilled #PerfectCoke for the first time again!

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Did you taste the #PerfectCoke for the first time? Or for the first time again? This is truly a #SarapNgFirst!

Coca Cola . . .  always refreshing! And when you experience drinking the chilled coke, you can say #PerfectCoke! 

Many wondered how this could possibly happen as the popular drink has been in the Philippines for more than 100 years.

The past couple of weeks have been a guessing game for many Filipinos as beverage company Coca-Cola teased about “tasting Coke for the first time again” through social media, TV, and several billboards along major highways.

This Sunday afternoon, February 15th,  we got the answer. Coca-Cola revealed that there is a way to enjoy an even better tasting and more refreshing Coke, as if having Coke for the first time! The secret? Chill your Coca-Cola bottle up to 3˚ Celsius and voilà! You now have a perfectly chilled Coca-Cola!

Gigantic coolers – the first of its kind in the Philippines – were filled with ice and Coca-Cola bottles and were set up on each site. These came with giant thermometers showing the coolers’ temperatures, which started at 10˚ Celsius.

Mr. Derek Sotto, Coca-Cola Philippines Group Manager

Jasmin Vinculado, Vice President for Marketing of Coca-Cola Philippines engaged the crowd with Coca-Cola trivia that gained oohs and aahs . . . 

“What’s the first word that comes to mind when asked about the taste of Coca-Cola? Some will say a bit spicy, others will say refreshing, or it may even be described as having a bite in the throat. No matter who you ask, there is not one word to describe the taste of Coca-Cola. This is what we call flavor amplitude – because flavors are well blended and balanced, it triggers all five primary tastes that creates the “bloom” in the mouth that is hard to describe. Basta masarap!”

So what exactly is the Perfect Coke experience? It is drinking from a Coca-Cola bottle chilled to perfection. Normally we get to taste Coke at 4 degrees Celsius or even warmer. But drinking it at 3 degrees takes the experience to a whole new level. It brings out that great Coca-Cola taste, like you’ve never tasted it before.

This was launched to the public through a simultaneous event done across the country – with key venues in Abreeza Mall Davao, Ayala Center Cebu, and Glorietta Mall in Makati. The afternoon was made more fun by performances from the Coke Ambassadors. Julia Montes & Jerome Ponce joined the celebration in Abreeza, Joseph Marco & Janella Salvador fired up Cebu, and Miles Ocampo & Manolo Pedrosa doubled the happiness in Glorietta.

Miles Ocampo

Manolo Pedrosa 

The highlight of the event was when the Coke Ambassadors, together with key Coke representatives in each venue, poured buckets of ice in the coolers – which made the temperature drop to 3˚ Celsius. It was a eureka moment as the audience realized that the key to getting the perfect Coke is simply by chilling it to 3˚.

The ambassadors and Coke officials then gave away samples of perfectly chilled Coca-Cola to the audience. True enough, Coke chilled to perfection is nothing like you’ve ever had before. Even avid Coke drinkers must be wondering how they’ve never had Coca-Cola this good. 

Diego Granizo, the newly appointed General Manager of Coca-Cola Philippines, says this is the company’s way of re-connecting with the consumers. “We want them to re-discover the thrill, chill, and refreshing feeling of drinking a bottle of Coke, as if it’s their first time again,” he says. 

In able to reach out to as many Filipinos as possible, Coca-Cola also introduced the new Coke Happy Cycles. After the simultaneous launch, these coolers on wheels were sent out to the streets and have since been going around barangays to serve perfectly chilled Coke.

For more details on the #PerfectCoke and how to chill one on your own, check out the official Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts of Coca-Cola Philippines. Feel free to post about your #SarapNgFirst time taste of the #PerfectCoke experiences online. 

19th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

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The historic weekend that everything that flies at the 19th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta gives us excitements as colors spread across the sky once again!

With the Philippine Bloggers Network team, Eli Villagonzalo, Ted Claudio and Azrael Coladilla, four of us were excitingly got there at Clark Freeport Pampanga at 10:30 evening last Thursday February 11. The baloon fiesta starts at February 12, entrance at 4:00 am. At 5:00 am, the official chase team and crew with their off-the road vehicle Land Rovers, started rolling with the articulated carts where it carried the Hot Air Balloons, to get ready for the flight , the most anticipated exhibition of the whole fiesta. 

It is fun and thrilling, as watching different designs and shapes of hot air balloons get inflated before the break of dawn starts 5:30 am. Very fortunately, we had a closer look on the preparations needed before the flight.

At around 6 am the Philppine National anthem was played while the Philippine Air Force skydivers team and a sky jumper carrying a Philippine Flag.

We roamed around and had to take some more photos as the balloons are stretched out, parachute cords are tied , the crew and all made sure for the safety, a powerful large blade fan blows air inside the balloon, burn the fuel into the balloons, and to soar high up in the clouds! Burst with fire and finally fly up up and away to the sky! 

Many groups of families, groups of friends, kids, couples, people had their picnic and enjoying and flying their kites.

The air field was full with stalls selling mostly memorabilia, miniature hot air balloons, shirts, and many more.

We witnessed the 19th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2015. We will assure to be back next year for the 20th!

It’s a fun and enjoying weekend of everything that flies! Thank you Millet Liberato for the awesome experience.

Join the 19th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival set up to February15, 2015 at the Philippine Air Force ADAC Hangar in Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.

Entrance tickets are at Php300 each, which is a donation to the PIHABF Foundation Scholarship Fund, granting scholarships to deserving but underprivileged students pursuing an aviation career in partnership with Air Link International Aviation School and the Philippine Air Transport and Training Services.

Tickets may be purchased at the fiesta’s official website, at Ticketnet outlets, or at the event gates.

For those interested to ride the hot air balloon, it costs USD200/head.

Click HERE  here for 2015 pics.

 www.philballoonfest.net or its official Facebook page, at http://www.facebook.com/pihabf.

Here's the 19th PIHABF Schedule of Activities:

The PIHABF 2015 was made possible with the support of the Bases Conversion Development Authority, Clark Freeport, Clark International Airport, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, together with media partners the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Malaya Business Insight, Business World, Business Mirror, Pilipino Mirror, Natural 97.9 FM, DWIZ, ABS CBN, and sponsors, SM City Clark, UPS, Prudential Guarantee, Hotdog on Stick, CDO Bibbo Hotdog, Segway, Qube, Kopiko, Rudy Project, The Medical City, Yellow Cab, Tempra, Snow Cone, Flanax, Bonamine, Garant Group and Radio Republic.

I'ts more fun flying in the Philippines! Enjoy wonderful world of Hot Air Balloons!

Other related Post :
Historic weekend of everything that flies: 19th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival on Feb 12-15
A Weekend of Everything that Flies at 17th International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2012

The 17th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival
Everything Flies ! Hot Air Balloons at Pampanga

Official Statement of PIHABF Organizing Committee

18th Philippine Intenational Hot Air Balloon

Driving Directions: 

Getting to the Clark Freeport Zone, otherwise known as the Clark Special Economic Zone by car is easy. Simply take the North Luzon Expressway from Manila and exit at Dau, Mabalacat. After your exit, a left turn towards Angeles City, and a little Angeles City/Dau traffic, will bring you to within an easy right turn of the Clark Zone itself. The trip should take about an hour and a half from Manila without heavy traffic.

By Public Transport: 

Clark is approximately 80km north of Manila and may be reached by land or air. Public buses travel on a daily basis. Ride a Victory Liner bus bound for Dagupan and go down at Dau common terminal. Walk a bit towards the highway where jeepneys or tricycle are available. These public utility vehicles can take you to Clark

By Air: You can hop on regular commercial flights to Clark International Airport. Carriers that land at Clark are Cebu Pacific Air, Air Asia, and Tiger Airways.

For more information and updates on the 19th PIHABF, visit:

Email: info@philballoonfest.net

Website: www.philballoonfest.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pihabf

Multiple Intelligence International School creates Green School Movement to prepare the youth to be environmental stewards and progressive-minded leaders

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At a time of environmental destruction and a backward mindset, the Multiple Intelligence International School (MIIS) brings back a spark of hope by introducing to Filipinos the concept of progressive learning that advocates for Multiple Intelligences and the development of future leaders and entrepreneurs.

The generations that will be produced from this educational approach will most likely utilize their intelligences for the greater good and to make a difference.

The Multiple Intelligence International School believes that this goal can be best achieved by piloting the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified Green School in the country which would hopefully encourage other campuses to adapt the core practices of education for sustainable development. 

This is where the Green School Movement led by MIIS comes into the picture. Established to invite stakeholders to share knowledge and expertise, it will ultimately create a network of individuals and organizations who share MIIS’ environmental advocacy, encourage the creation of Green Schools, enhance environmental literacy through input into curriculum of relevant research and practice, and engage the youth to be leaders and advocates for sustainability.

Among the initiatives of the Green School Movement led by MIIS are MAD for the Environment Cambantoc Reforestation Project that aims to reforest the Makiling Watershed; the Rainforest Café which through funds raised will create awareness about the current state of the Philippine Rainforest; the information campaign called One Act for Mother Earth; Kids Can! Save the Environment, a call for the young to use their intelligences to protect the environment; Go Green, Go Zero Waste, an awareness campaign targeted for homes and schools; Energy Pledge which will have families and students vow to reduce energy consumption in their homes and submit progress done to an energy audit meter in the school; and LEAD with LEED which provides mentorship and leadership fora to ensure the understanding and implementation of best practice to meet the LEED accreditation standards.

Overseeing the MIIS Green School Movement is the Green Advisory Council which is composed of experts well-versed in the "5 Core Practices of the Green Schools Network" namely Environmental Literacy & Sustainability, Stewardship, Sustainable Design, Health & Well Being, Partnerships. The Green Advisory Council is also tasked to support the three pillars of sustainable development: environment, social, and economic. 

A greener future for the Philippines has been a long-held dream. Through the creation of the Green School Movement, the Multiple Intelligence International School, true to its commitment to sustainable, green education seeks to address the many issues that pose peril to the environment. 

By molding forward-thinking, internationally competitive young leaders within the premises of the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified Green School in the Philippines, these young Filipinos can be relied upon to stir the country towards a future that is lush, abundant, and sustainable.