Ballet Philippines' BLUE MOON GALA set on September 26 – 27

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Ballet Philippines, the country’s premier classical and contemporary dance company proudly announces the BLUE MOON GALA set on September 26 – 27, 2014 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines - Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater).

THE BLUE MOON GALA shall feature BP’s favorite masterworks and other acclaimed award-winning works in line with the company’s sapphire milestone.

The dances to be featured are as follows: 

JE TU ELLE (Choreographed by Redha Benteifour; Music by Vangelis)

The dance features five sensuously sinewy assertive women. It strikes with its sensual, bravura movements. In this dance, a contemporary view of women’s sinuous strength and arrogance underneath the exterior of gentleness, women proclaim they are the stronger sex.

FARANDOLE (Choreographed by George Birkadze; Music by Georges Bizet)

This neo-classical piece set to music of Bizet showcases the dancers’ athleticism and bravura with a slightly Spanish flair that echoes the Filipino’s hispantic history and tradition.

SALOME (Choreographed by Agnes Locsin; Music by Isaac Albeniz)

This piece features guest artist Kris-Belle Paclibar as Salome, sweetheart of Elias, is left alone in her grief and passion as Elias leaves her to join the revolutionary forces against Spain. She expresses a woman’s resigned anguish over Elias’ choice of a higher love – the duty to defend one’s country so that future generations may live and even love more freely.

COLD SONG (Choreographed by Max Luna III; Music by Klaus Nomi)

The choreographer’s tribute to Alvin Ailey, whom he danced and worked with as a member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Luna is a former artistic director of Ballet Philippines. 

BUNGKOS SUITE (Choreographed by Alice Reyes; Music by Velarde- Obispo (Dahil Sa Iyo), Kasilag (Chitchiritchit), Kasilag-Velasco (Dandansoy), Paguio (Manang Biday), Obispo (Telebong)

A collection of traditional and popular folk songs reflecting various moods but especially highlighting the playfulness, amorousness and sense of humor of the Filipino.

NOCTURNE (Choreographed by Carlo Pacis, Music by Felix Mendelssohn)

The final duet from A Midsummer Night’s Dream showcases the reconciliation of Titania and Oberon as imagined by Hong Kong- based Flipino choreographer, Carlo Pacis. The production won a lion’s share of awards at the 2013 Phil¬stage’s Gawad Buhay! Awards including Outstanding Modern Dance Production and Outstanding Choreography.

R/J (Choreographed by George Birkadze; Music by Dmitri Shostakovich)

“R/J" condenses the ubiquitous Romeo and Juliet love story in a 7-minute pas de deux, which ends right before the moment Juliet awakens from her drug-induced slumber.

FOR THE GODS (Choreographed by Denisa Reyes; Music by Fabian Obispo)

Inspired by the ‘Dugso‘ folkdance from Bukidnon, this modern workTribal women celebrate the age-old rites of birth and sacrifice in this passionate affirmation of the timeless female principle of life.

DON QUIXOTE GRAND PAS DE DEUX (Music by Ludwig Minkus)

Former Ballet Philippines principal dancer Candice Adea and her partner Shen Jie, both currently soloists of Hong Kong Ballet perform one of the most challenging duets in the classical repertoire. Taken from Miguel Cervantes’ classic story about the adventures of the chivalrous Don Quixote and his sidekick Sancho Panza, the Don Quixote Grand Pas de Deux is better known as the wedding celebration of Basilio and Kitri in the ballet’s third and final act.

SONGS OF THE WAYFARER (Choreographed by Norman Walker; Music by Gustav Mahler)

This is the second major work that Norman Walker created especially for the company. He drew his inspiration from the composer's own experience as a young man, of a totally unrequited love. In his grief, he composed the bittersweet song-cycle used in the ballet. We follow the hero brooding while his love is being wed, out into the fields that bring him no comfort but only show him his love's likeness wherever he looks. The tormented hero leaves the town in the dead of night and spends it under a linden tree, where sleep makes all well again. Critical and popular acclaim has made this work a piece de resistance in the company's repertoire.

As a special treat for balletomanes, the repertoire for the matinee show will feature selected works of the Ballet Philippines show “MASTER PIECES” that will tour around the United States and Canada in October.

The works include: 

AKU (Choreographed by Alden Lugnasin; Music by Jessie Lucas)

This is a technique piece to test man’s physical limits and possibilities in body movements. This dance was heralded at the 9th Concours International De Danse de Paris in France in December 2000. Described as different and beautiful, it showcases the dancers’ unique understanding of the contemporary Filipino dance style.

HALIK (Choreographed by Paul Alexander Morales; Music by Jed Balsamo)

This dance excerpt from Ballet Philippines’ 41st Season production Crisostomo Ibarra, a dance retelling of a seminal novel Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) authored by Philippine National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Managing to escape prison with the help of Elias, Ibarra visits Maria Clara to give his forgiveness and to say goodbye. She tells him the truth about her real father again asking Ibarra for his forgiveness. Finally he understands. They embrace each other and kiss.

AFTER WHOM (Choreographed by Augustus “Bam” Damian III; Music by Jerrold Tarog)

After Whom is a bold showcase for BP’s dynamism and bravado. It highlights the company’s prowess in the modern, contemporary and neo-classical genres.

MORIONES (Choreographed by Agnes Locsin)

Inspired by the Moriones Festival of Marinduque, Locsin’s Moriones was choreographed for Ballet Philippines II’s participation at the Recontres Festival Du Danse in La Baule, France. It was also a study for movement for the Guardias Civil dance for the modern ballet “Encantada”.

TAMBOL AT PADYAK (Choreographed by Tony Fabella; Music by Samuel Asuncion, Malek Lopez, and Pinikpikan)

Set to local beats, global beats and heartbeats, this award-winning and audience-rousing work is full of youthful energy which mirrors the Filipinos’ joy of living. This showstopper, utilizing the local “bakya” (wooden slippers) to amplify its rich rhythm, has wowed adults and children, foreigners and expatriates ever since it premiered at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

THE BLUE MOON GALA will be performed at the CCP Main Theater on September 26 at 8 PM and September 27 at 3 PM and 8 PM. 

For bulk reservations, show buys, and inquiries, visit www.ballet.ph or call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003. For tickets, call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.

Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/balletphilippines

Twitter: @balletph

Instagram: @balletphilippines

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/balletph

The 45th Anniversary Sapphire Season. Rare scenes of power and grace. Love, valour and redemption. Under the artistic directorship of Paul Alexander Morales, this is a toast to 45 years of dance excellence.

 

BACKGROUNDER: FEATURED CHOREOGRAPHERS

Redha Benteifour Je Tu Elle

Often described as an “unclassifiable choreographer”, Redha distinguished himself as a personality oriented towards total liberty that draws his inspiration from everyday life from where censorship is absent. He identifies his model in choreography as Baryshnikov to which influences of Lester Wilson, Alvin Killiam or Luis Falco as added. Redha choreographed for several of the world’s leading dance companies such as Le Jeune Ballet de France, The National Ballet of the Netherlands, San Francisco Ballet, Ballet Philippines and Nomads of Switzerland.

George Birkadze Farandole, R/J

Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, Birkadze began his dance training at National Academy of Dance of Tbilisi with Wahtang Chabukiany. He was then invited to attend the School of the Bolshoi Ballet in 1991, where he graduated with Honours in Classical Ballet, Pas de Deux, and Traditional Dance. He has since choreographed and danced in numerous countries including Russia, Portugal, France, Spain, and the U.S.. He has choreographed the likes of Angel Corella, Carmen Corella, Herman Cornejo, Cory Stearns, Ashley Ellis, and Misa Kuranaga, among others, and molded the careers of many dancers around the world.

Augustus “Bam” Damian III After Whom

Hailing from a family of dancers, Bam had a twenty-year long career in Europe that took him through six differ­ent theaters all as soloist or as principal dancer. For four consecutive years, he was awarded “Best Dancer” by the public of the United State Theaters of Mönchengladbach and Krefeld. Moreover, he has had the chance to dance with Europe’s great stars as well as work with world famous choreographers including Maurice Bejart, Hans van Mannen, and Christopher Bruce. He has toured extensively and performed in many of the world’s most prestigious theatres.

Tony Fabella Tambol at Padyak

Called a “master craftsman,” Tony Fabella choreographed in all the dance styles but is best known for original works using Filipino themes set to music by Filipino composers. Dance critics have described his works as “witty, humorous, clever, refreshingly novel, rich, exquisite, lyrical, exhilarating, captivating.” Fabella was an Artistic Council member of Philippine Ballet Theater, and former lead member of the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company and was the company’s Artistic Consultant before his demise in 2009.

Agnes Locsin Salome, Moriones

Recognized as the pioneer of neo-ethnic dance, Agnes Locsin is a force in the Philippine dance scene. Drawing inspira­tion from Philippine tribal dances, practices, beliefs, and stories, Locsin reworked and reinterpreted these into the frame­work of existing classical ballet and modern dance technique, resulting in a unique dance form suited for the Filipino’s physical frame, temperament, and culture.

Alden Lugnasin Aku

Exposed to world class ballet masters and choreographers, Alden is strongly motivated and has created some of the most stirring dance works such as Impasse, Life Is A Rope, Fire, Water, Woman, and Buhay. He is currently the Artistic Director of BP 2, Ballet Philippines’ junior performing company.

Max Luna III Cold Song

A former artistic director of Ballet Philippines, Max Luna III’s dance career spanned almost four decades and six continents as an internationally acclaimed performer, teacher, and choreographer. As a teacher, he has been praised for a keen movement sense complemented by an in-depth knowledge of dance techniques.

Paul Alexander Morales Halik

Paul unites his varied interests and experience in the arts in the service of dance. He is a director, choreographer and independent filmmaker. Artistic Director of Ballet Philippines since 2009, Paul’s works typically involve multi-media collaborations. Leading BP in its Main Theater season was his childhood dream that was made a reality by the skills and talents he strengthened by the mentoring, sharing, exploration and celebration of his fellow artists.

Carlo Pacis Nocturne

Carlo is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer. A former soloist of the Hong Kong ballet, he currently works freelance and is based in Hong Kong. Aside from his award winning A Midusmmer Night’s Dream in 2013, his work for Ballet Philippines, Shifting Wait, received a GAWAD BUHAY 2010 from PhilStage for Outstanding Choreography for a Dance Production.

Alice Reyes Bungkos Suite

Alice Reyes, the woman who professionalized dance in the Philippines and founded Ballet Philippines, the country’s flagship company in classical ballet and contemporary dance, has been bestowed with the Order of National Artist for Dance. As founder and Artistic Director Emeritus of Ballet Philippines, Alice Reyes paved the way for dance to be recognized in the Philippines not only as an art form, but as a viable profession.

Denisa Reyes For the Gods

Denisa is a former Artistic Director of Ballet Philippines (1990-1994 and in 2000-2004) and introduced the NEO-FILIPINO Dance Series, her most significant contribution to the Philippine dance scene. It served as a platform for inter-disciplinary collaborations between local and international artists. A recipient of the Philstage Gawad Buhay! Award for Outstanding Choreography for a Musical, Philstage Lifetime Achievement Award, , Denisa is now currently very much involved in arts education.

Norman Walker Songs of a Wayfarer

Norman Walker is best described by critic Walter Terry as “a choreographic talent of towering proportions.” One of America’s multi-talented director-choreographers, Walker is known by those who have worked with him for his high energy level. A disciplinarian, perfectionist, and a demanding choreographer, Walker makes certain that the dancers’ potentials surface to the fullest. He created a number of original works for Ballet Philippines, namely Season of Flight (1972), Songs of a Wayfarer (1973), Wanderings of a Wayfarer (1980), and Summer’s End (1980).

Max’s Group ventures to open hotel in Quezon City, names it Meranti

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The Max's Group of Companies, the House that Fried Chicken built, is now getting into the hotel business, with its first project expected to open next year. The Max’s Group confirmed that is preparing to launch its first hotel, the Meranti, in Quezon City.

"The Max's Group of Companies will be venturing into the hotel business with its first project expected to open early 2015," reports ABS-CBNnews.com.

The 59-room hotel, which will be under the Meranti brand, will operate under Max’s subsidiary RooM Ventures Corp.

Along Scout Tuazon Street and across the company’s heritage store in Quezon City, the Meranti will be equipped with recreational facilities at the start of commercial operations in 2015.

The report noted: "The Max’s Group and Pancake House Inc. recently merged through a PHP4.05 billion share-swap deal to create the country's largest restaurant group. The combined entity now operates Max's Restaurant, Max's Corner Bakery, Krispy Kreme, and Jamba Juice, Pancake House, Yellow Cab, Le Coeur De France, Dencio's, Teriyaki Boy, Singkit, Sizzling Pepper Steak, Kabisera, the Chicken Rice Shop, and Maple."

Sharp Calculators launched the search for Ten Outstanding Young Mathematicians

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‪The Search for Ten Outstanding Young Mathematicians has been launched recently and is open to all public and private high school students in the National Capitol Region. The Sharp TOYM has been announced at the media launched held at the Makati Shangrila Hotel last Friday, September 12, 2014, hosted by Atom Araullo. 

The importance of mathematics has never been greater than now and for the foreseeable future and is crucial for a wide array of analytical, technological, scientific, and economic applications. 

The search for Ten Outstanding Young Mathematicians seeks to promote the development of science culture among young Filipinos by recognizing their accomplishment in the field of mathematics and inspire more students to be better at Math. 

Six years ago, Sharp Calculators through Collins International Trading Corporation launched the SHARP Minds Program to help uplift the standard of education in the Philippines particularly in teaching Math subjects.

Partnering with two of the biggest Mathematics organizations in the country, Mathematics Trainers Guild, Philippines (MTG) and Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines (MTAP), the SHARP Minds Program sponsored Mathematics activities and programs in member schools with the goal of recognizing the sharpest math minds and transforming the pedagogy of mathematics teaching in the Philippines.

This year, Sharp Calculators furthers its advocacy by partnering with more educational institutions such as the Department of Education-National Capital Region (DepEd-NCR), Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), Mathematics Trainers’ Guild Philippines (MTG), Mathematical Society of the Philippines (MSP), Philippine Council of Mathematics Educators, Inc. (MathTEd) as it launches the very first search for the TEN OUSTANDING YOUNG MATHEMATICIANS (TOYM) from National Capital Region.

“With TOYM Awards, Sharp Calculators aims to foster the academic excellence of the Filipino Youth in Math as we recognize their extraordinary math skills to motivate them further in becoming the future think tanks of this country. We also hope to raise the status of mathematics in society -- to stimulate the interest of the students, the academic and the general public to the significance of Math in the development of the society,” said Collins International Trading Corporation’s Assistant Vice President Mr. Lucero Ong.

“Notable Filipino mathematicians such as Raymundo Favila, Casimiro del Rosario, Gregorio Y. Zara, Amador Muriel, Tito A. Mijares and Jose A. Marasigan have all been recognized for their contributions to diverse fields of physics, astronomy, biophysics and biotechnology. Who knows maybe the next great Mathematician would be among our TOYM awardees,” Mr. Ong added.

The search is open to all public and private high school students in the National Capital Region who have completed at least two years of high school. They must be Filipino citizens, either naturalized or born. The nominee must be among the Top 3 students in math as certified by the school principal and the award will be based primarily on the nominee’s performance on national and international competitions.

A recommendation from School principal / Mathematics head with supporting documents will be the basis of judging. For students who are chosen to the top 20, each involvement on activities included in the recommendation of the principal/math head or other recognized authority will be reviewed and assessed by judges/co-presenters. The said recommendations will be the basis of the judges’ questions for the panel interview. 

The Deliberation/ Final interview of finalist will be conducted by representatives from Department of Education NCR, DOST-SEI, MTG Philippines, MSP, MathTed

The TOYM awardees will be the first batch of Sharp Calculators’ Youth Ambassadors that will inspire and encourage the Filipino youth to strive and achieve academic excellence through school tours and mathematics symposiums. They will be receiving plaque of excellence, cash prizes and gifts from Sharp Calculators and sponsors.

The deadline for nominations will be on January 5, 2015, with the awarding ceremonies scheduled on February 2015.

Nomination kits are now available at selected National Book Store Branches in National Capital Region or can be downloaded through www.sharpminds.ph For more information please contact Sharp Calculators at 681-6161/646-2867 and look for Ms. Mary Rose Rocha or Ms. Clara Camille Ocampo.

NOMINATION MECHANICS:

1.     Open to all public and private high school students in the National Capital Region who have   completed at least two years of high school. They must be Filipino citizen either naturalized     or born.

2.      Nominee must be among the Top 3 students in math as certified by the school principal.

3.  The award will be based primarily on the nominee’s performance on national and     international competition. These competitions must be recognized by the Department of   Education or Department of Science and Technology.

4.     Presentations or publications of original work in mathematics are desirable.

5.   Students who contribute to the promotion of Mathematics and show leadership skills are desirable. Good moral character will be considered

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING:

CRITERIA	PERCENT
Performance in Mathematics Competition	75%
Research and Publications in Mathematics	10%
Leadership and Promotion of Mathematics	15%
TOTAL	100%

a.   Performance in Mathematics Competitions 75%

Nominee’s performance on international, national and regional mathematics competitions that are recognized by the Department of Education and Department of Science and Technology.

b.   Research and Publications in Mathematics 10%

c.   Leadership and Involvement in Promotion of Mathematics

A recommendation from School principal / Mathematics head with supporting documents will be the basis of judging. For students who are chosen to the top 20, each involvement on activities included in the recommendation of the principal/math head or other recognized authority will be reviewed and assessed by judges/co-presenters. The said recommendations will be one of the bases of the judges’ questions for the panel interview

SCREENING PROCEDURES

The screening procedure is summarized in the diagram below. All nominees will undergo a pre-screening process by pre-screening committee. On the basis of a nominee’s performance in mathematics competitions and their research and publications, 20 nominees will be selected for an interview by a panel of judges. Interview questions may be based on the nominee’s involvement in activities that promote mathematics, as indicated in (1) the recommendation from the school principal/mathematics head, (2) the nominee’s essay, and (3) other information submitted.  

Atom Araullo

·   In the latest World Economic Forum WEF Global Competitiveness Report for 2013-2014, the Philippines has been ranked 96^th out of 142 countries in perceived quality of Math and Science education. The survey questioned business executives around the world to rate the quality of education, among other things, in their respective countries.

·     

It is a considerable improvement from being ranked 115th(WEF 2011-1012), but still far behind our other Asian counterparts such Indonesia (35th), Japan (34th), Malaysia (27th), Taiwan (11th) Hongkong (10th). Singapore continues to be on top of the list.

Dr. Raymundo Favilais famous for advancing the knowledge and education of math throughout the Philippines contributing to many fields of mathematics including theoretical physics, geometry, algebra and trigonometry.

Casimiro del Rosario received the Presidential Award in 1965 in honor of his achievements in astronomy, meteorology and physics. He also researched soft X-rays, which helped bring him national acclaim.

Amador Murielfounded the Quantum Theory of Turbulence, contributed to theoretical physics, kinetic equations, stellar dynamics and self-gravitation.

The works of Tito A. Mijares have been internationally published in the Annals of Mathematical Statistics with his research into multivariety hypothesis and its analysis. He also serves as the executive director of the National Census and Statistics Office as well as deputy director-general of the National Economics Development Authority.

Jose A. Marasigan was among those who launched the Philippine Mathematical Olympiad and created the Program for Excellence in Mathematics. He has received a number of mathematical honors, including the Outstanding Young Scientist Award from the National Academy of Science and Technology.

*http://www.ask.com/question/list-of-filipino-mathematicians

New KakaoTalk features: Anipang capturing the hearts of Filipinos

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SundayToz’s signature puzzle game jumps in popularity among KakaoTalk users

Anipang was featured on Pinoy Big Brother All In. In the episode, current housemates took on eliminated cast members in a heated game of Anipang for Kakao, with the winners receiving limited edition character items. With user interest in the game high, Kakao Philippines made Anipang a featured app within KakaoTalk for both Android and iOS so user could gain easy access.

The popularity of SundayToz’s Anipang for Kakao seems to be reaching its apex. The puzzle game available on KakaoTalk’s mobile social platform is climbing up the charts and ranking among the top downloaded games in various app stores. 

Anipang is already a blockbuster hit in Korea, where it has been downloaded more than 30 million times. Approximately 80% of all smartphone users in Korea have played Anipang, making it the undisputed no. 1 game on mobile platform. Many of the country’s top stars, including G-Dragon of Big Bang, Lee Byung-hun, as well as members of TVXQ and SNSD, have expressed their love for Anipang and its characters.

A major part of Anipang’s appeal is the ability to send and receive hearts with other KakaoTalk friends. Hearts function as play tokens within the game, and with Anipang being the perfect game to enjoy with friends and family, exchanging heart messages has emerged as huge cultural phenomenon among players since it debuted two years ago.

“Kakao Game is one of the successful aspects of KakaoTalk’s various social platform services, with around 520 million subscribers worldwide,” said Jean Lee, Head of Kakao Philippines. 

“The key reason for its popularity is the fact that you can compete and compare scores with other KakaoTalk users, making it a very social, connective experience. Anipang is certainly a great example of this, and we’re glad Filipinos are embracing this great game,” Lee added.

For more information on KakaoTalk’s features and offerings, visit www.kakaotalk.com.ph/

Sugarleaf Makati and Jertie’s Kitchen Tie Up for The Green Guide To Eating Right, A Healthy Food Preparation Workshop Series

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Sugarleaf Organic Market and Café Makati recently launched another healthy food preparation series dubbed The Green Guide to Eating Right workshop series running from October to February 2015 to be held at the Makati Café in MEDICard Lifestyle Center. 

In another of its signature fun, learning-filled media events, well attended by friends from the media and blogging community, attendees got a sneak preview of vegan dishes included in the four workshops.

Sugarleafer Angelo Narciso Songco emceed the event while vegan and gluten-sensitive resource speakers Jertie and Jaclyn Abergas shared their story and knowledge in healthy yet affordable and practical healthy cooking.

"We all know that we need to eat more fruits and vegetables, that’s a fact. In this workshop, we’ll teach you five easy-to-prepare plant-based dishes that’ll incorporate more of these nutrient dense food into your existing diet," Songco said.

Jertie and Jac introduced how to cook healthy, vegan and gluten-free lifestyle using plant-based ingredients.

Here's the Green Guide to Eating Right workshop series, as you can enjoy your journey towards health.

Sugarleaf Organic Market and Café Makati launches another healthy food preparation series dubbed The Green Guide to Eating Right workshop series. In tandem with Jertie's Kitchen, Sugarleaf invites all to any or all of our four exciting workshops from October to February 2015:

18 October–Eating A Plant‐Based Diet On A Budget

We all know that we need to eat more fruits and vegetables, that’s a fact. In this workshop, we’ll teach you five easy-to-prepare plant-based dishes that’ll incorporate more of these nutrient dense food into your existing diet. Demo menu includes coconut fried rice, corn and tomato stew, basil pesto, minestrone, chow mein, lettuce wraps, Thai vegetable stew plus bonus recipes!

22 November–Noche Buena Vegan Feast

Eat heartily this Yuletide season without the guilt with these plant‐based versions of your favorite festive dishes! Demo menu inludes ginataang halo-halo, paella, "chick"pea sopas, arroz Valenciana, macaroni/fruit salad, casserole and Christmas dessert!

10 January 2015–Lose Holiday Weight with Green Smoothie*

Had a little or way too much fun during the holidays? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you get back to your old self–or maybe even better! Green smoothies will help you slip back into those skinny jeans without having to jump and down.

7 February 2015–Love, Chocolate

Love is in the air! And chocolate definitely rules this month. Let us teach you new plant-based chocolate dishes to romance your lover (or would-be lover) – mostly sweet with a savoury dish as well.

Sugarleaf and Jertie's promise another info-filled and yummy series complete with handouts, hearty samplings of at least five recipes, bonus recipes and tips.

Jertie Abergas and her sister Jaclyn have always believed great-tasting nutritious food should be accessible to anyone and everyone. And more than that, everyone should be able to make it easily without burning a hole in your pocket. Eating a plant‐based diet should not be any different. Neither should it be complicated, intimidating and boring!

"A lot of people hesitate to commit to a plant‐based diet because they believe it to be difficult and expensive to create. Me and my sister Jaq want to debunk that misconception! It can be expensive, especially if you always go for the high-end option but most of the time it’s as affordable as it can get. In The Green Guide to Eating Right workshop series we’ll show you how affordable plant-based dishes can easily be prepared even by those who’ve never stepped into a kitchen before. And the great thing about this workshop, you don’t need lots of fancy equipment. You just need a toaster, a rice cooker or a pan with a stove.

When my sister Jaq became vegan, she pressured me to create vegan pastries she can eat. I felt inspired and added it to my line-up of home-baked goodies. Then, almost at the same time I found out I was gluten‐intolerant and tweaked my products to include gluten‐free and vegan items.

Since then, me and Jaq have devoted ourselves to sharing their plant-based and gluten-free lifestyle with the people we meet and those interested. We strongly believe people need to start taking charge of their health and not wait until it’s too late.

Aside from creating great‐tasting food, we teach health and cooking workshops and offer health coaching. We know how difficult it is to transition and want to support other people in their own journey towards health," Jertie shares.

“After a long hiatus, we are happy to have partnered with Jertie who shares our commitment in promoting a heathy and sustainable lifestyle. After four separate series over the past three years, we’ll hold another four part food preparation class–not completely raw anymore as healthy can be cooked! With the promise that all ingredients are easy to find and affordable,” Angelo of Sugarleaf shares.

Sugarleaf invites all to any or all of our four exciting workshops from October to February 2015. 

Each class stands on its own and builds up your stock knowledge on healthy vegan food prep.

P1500 per person per workshop. P1300 for early bird, senior citizens, students, pairs and groups. 

Attend three and get the 4th at 50% discount! 

Contact Angelo Narciso Songco on 0917 8039 055 and/or e-mail: ansongco@yahoo.com.

Visit and Like Sugarleaf on Facebook by clicking here.
Visit and Like Jertie's Kitchen on Facebook by clicking here.

Pay P1300 one week before each class at Sugarleaf Makati or deposit to Healthy Eats Inc. checking account number 0012 4002 7660 (Union Bank World Center branch) to avail of early bird rate. Please bring your deposit slip which will be collected upon registration.