October 29, 2022

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo’s The Granary Serves Heritage Cuisine on a Modern Table


We know that dining is a multisensory experience, but with Ilonggo cuisine, it becomes completely immersive because every bite brings with it the unique character and charm of the region’s culinary history. 

Chef Ariel Castañeda of Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, knows this well, having been born and raised in Iloilo City and exposed to authentic Ilonggo cooking all his life. When he took over the reins of the hotel’s kitchen as Executive Chef in December of last year, he made it his mission to promote heritage cuisine not only to the visitors of Iloilo, but also to Iloilo’s younger generation by introducing creative ways of presenting heirloom recipes and serving them in a contemporary setting that’s worthy of global recognition. And his first step towards achieving this is by revamping the a la carte menu of Richmonde’s all-day dining restaurant, The Granary.

Inspired by the concept of a “modern Filipino table”, the young Executive Chef gave innovative twists to a number of well-loved and popular Ilonggo fare while retaining the essences that made them famous. For instance, the typical pancit molo would consist of a garlicky soup with wonton dumplings. 
Pancit Molo Xiao Long Bao

Batchoy Ramen

In Chef Ariel’s reimagined version, the savory broth and diced pork and shrimp are placed inside the wonton to make a Pancit Molo Xiao Long Bao. Another soup favorite, batchoy, gets a Japanese makeover. The Batchoy Ramen looks like a ramen with its spring onion, nori, and seven-minute egg, but still tastes like batchoy with its broth, lechon kawali, grilled barbecue pork liver, and egg noodles.
 Linagpang na Ilonggo Inasal
Dinagyang Adobo Ilonggo

The menu also features dishes famous for the region’s distinctive cooking techniques like the Linagpang na Ilonggo Inasal where slices of chicken and pork roulade are grilled and added to a linagpang broth with blistered tomatoes; and the Dinagyang Adobo Ilonggo where chicken and pork are combined in a roulade and cooked in annatto sauce and topped with crispy shallots that look like a festive headdress.

Native to the islands of Panay and Negros is the batuan fruit which is a common souring agent in Ilonggo cooking. Thus, it is but natural for Chef Ariel to include Sinigang sa Batuan in the menu. This rich broth which you can enjoy with shrimp, salmon, lechon kawali or beef ribs, is guaranteed to hit the spot when you’re craving for some soupy comfort. But batuan is not just for soups and entrées. 
Batuan & Guimaras Mango Pavlova

To demonstrate its versatility, Chef Ariel combined batuan compote, fresh Guimaras mangoes, goat cheese, and meringue shards to create a one-of-a-kind dessert, the Batuan & Guimaras Mango Pavlova. There’s even a batuan-flavored French macaron!
Baked Talaba Bombs 

Other must-try items on the menu include Baked Talaba Bombs (fresh oysters, milk butter and garlic confit served on white lava stones), L3 or Latik, Liempo, Lukon (puree of kalabasa, coconut milk, lechon kawali, sea prawns, and market vegetables), Green Curry Seafood Adobado (flash-fried sea prawns, butterflied squid, market fish fillet and mussels in Ilonggo green curry), and many more. Richmonde’s signature dishes and local & international favorites are also available.

“As Ilonggos, my kitchen team and I are honored to present our own interpretation of the dishes, ingredients, and flavors we grew up with to our fellow kababayans. With our modern take on classic Ilonggo fare, we hope to bridge the gap between the past and the present,” shares Chef Ariel. General Manager Natalie Lim adds, “There is no replacing Iloilo’s treasured original heirloom recipes. We, however, believe in keeping these fresh, exciting, and interesting. This is our way of preserving the legacy of the region’s food culture.”

Indeed, every item in the new menu of The Granary is an ode to the rich culinary origins of Iloilo and an exciting preview of the future of Ilonggo cuisine. Visit The Granary now and experience for yourself a deliciously unforgettable gastronomical journey in time.

The Granary is open daily from 6am to 10pm. For inquiries and table reservations, call +6333 328 7888 or message Richmonde Hotel Iloilo on Facebook @RichmondeHotelIloilo.

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo is the first hotel outside Metro Manila of local real estate giant, Megaworld Corporation. With its strategic location within the modern 72-hectare development of Iloilo Business Park, coupled with its world-class facilities, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo elevated the standards of the hotel industry in Western Visayas when it opened in 2015. Richmonde is among the growing number of homegrown brands under the Megaworld Hotels and Resorts group. For more information on Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, log on to www.richmondehoteliloilo.com.ph and for the latest news on the hotel, follow @RichmondeHotelIloilo on Facebook and Instagram.


Camp COMCO honored at IABC Quill Awards for its program for communication students and graduates, opens application for its Cycle 19

The International Association of Business Communicators’ (IABC) 19th Philippine Quill Awards recently bestowed top honors on Camp COMCO Mentorship Program, the groundbreaking and proprietary talent incubation initiative, industry linkage course, and apprenticeship platform of trailblazing inter-regional integrated communications agency COMCO Southeast Asia.
Camp COMCO won Excellence Awards in Internal Communication for “Camp COMCO House Wars – The Force of Learning in New PR and Smart Social” and “Igniting the Alumni Culture – The Camp COMCO Alumni Society”. It also bagged the Excellence Award in Communication Training and Education for Camp COMCO House Wars and Merit Award in Internal Communication for “Celebrating the Alumni Culture – The Camp COMCO Alumni Society Unity Games”. Ultimately, Camp COMCO earned one of the highest honors in Quill Awards as it received the finalist citation for the much-coveted Top Award in Communication Training and Education. Launched in 2016, Camp COMCO Mentorship Program also won the 2019 IABC Quill Award of Excellence in Communications Training and Education and the 2019 Gold Anvil Award in Specialized Public Relations Program.

One of the many reasons why the program is vastly successful is because it strategically and structurally covers training in diverse communication areas empowered by the COMCO’s culture of mentorship. Camp COMCO apprentices are assigned to their respective mentorship houses – House Bearcat, Hawksbill, Flying Fox, and Whaleshark where they are co-trained by their respective house stewards alongside mentors from COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises, Camp COMCO Alumni Society and the industry. These young talents go through the process of Skills Calibration, Strategic Communications Immersion, and a Specialization Elective.

In House Wars, the culminating activity of the Camp, the apprentices through their mentorship houses are given the opportunity to use what they have learned in the program and develop communication proposals for some of the most renowned brands in the industry. Some of the brands and organizations that have participated in House Wars were Starbucks, FWD Insurance, Theo & Philo Chocolates, CARA (Compassion and Responsibility for Animals) Welfare Philippines, and ABS-CBN, among others. The houses compete for the best communications proposal to be presented and pitched to the brand, and the winning house will be declared as the House Wars Champion!

Over the past 6 years, Camp COMCO Mentorship Program has already produced 100 graduates from 18 cycles. Graduates of the program become members of the Camp COMCO Alumni Society and continue to be involved in many of the organization’s initiatives, such as the COMCOlidays with Kids outreach program, emergency response fundraisers (e.g. for PGH during the COVID-19 pandemic and for Tuguegarao Bloggers Society during Typhoon Ulysses) and Camp COMCO Unity Games. Camp COMCO alumni have become top caliber young professionals and many of them are now award-winners and are holding key positions in COMCO as well as in other companies and sectors in the industry.

“I’ve done many projects throughout my career but bringing Camp COMCO Mentorship Program to life is probably my proudest accomplishment. Camp COMCO is designed to give the best internship or apprenticeship for aspiring communication professionals as I believe that a good mentorship program is the one that will fully prepare these students and young practitioners, provide them with the best jumping board for the practice of our craft, and ultimately help them define their future,” said COMCO SEA Group Chief Executive Director and Camp COMCO Mentorship Program Creator and Head Mentor Mr. Ferdinand L. Bondoy,

Camp COMCO Mentorship Program is now accepting young communications talents for its 19th cycle. If you think you have the edge to become the next communication rockstar, send your application and curriculum vitae (CV) to headquarters@comcomundo.com or commandcenter@comcosea.com.

To know more about COMCO Southeast Asia, visit comcosea.com. Follow them on social media: facebook.com/comco.southeastasia on Facebook, linkedin.com/company/comcosea, and @comco_sea on both Instagram and Twitter.

The eco-friendly Nokia X30 5G and dazzling Nokia C31 are now up for grabs in the Philippines

HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, brings to the Philippines its newest smartphones – the Nokia X30 5G and Nokia C31 for Filipino fans who desire to play the long-game.

The most eco-friendly Nokia smartphone yet, the Nokia X30 5G sports a new planet-friendly design made of robust and recycled materials but with zero compromise on performance including the best-ever PureView photography.  The best of the C-series at an accessible price point, the Nokia C31 presents signature durability, improved 6.7” HD display and long-lasting three-day battery life1 with AI-powered battery saving features.

Ravi Kunwar, Vice President APAC & GCR, HMD Global:

“At HMD Global, we are thrilled to introduce a phone that is eco-friendly to its core. Nokia X30 5G combines our passion for helping our users keep their devices for longer without costing the earth. The Nokia X30 5G will also be available in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Thailand.”

Sancho Chak, General Manager, Pan Asia, HMD Global:

“We at HMD Global believe Filipinos should be able to enjoy a great mobile experience that delivers the longevity that fans have come to expect from a Nokia phone. We are delighted to introduce the Nokia X30 5G that not only is eco-friendly to its core but also delivers the best Pureview photography. And the Nokia C31 that is a true testament of the C-series which is all about making quality and durability accessible devices.”

The most eco-friendly Nokia phone yet – inspired by nature, built to protect it

       Love it: Made with 100 percent recycled aluminium and 65 percent recycled plastic, Nokia X30 5G delivers the brand’s smallest eco-footprint to date and brings premium features including the best ever PureView photography

       Trust it: Nokia X30 5G comes with three years of monthly security updates1 and signature two-day battery life2

       Keep it: Nokia X30 5G has been built to push the limits of smartphone life-expectancy. It is protected by a big three years of warranty3 and delivers 3 OS upgrades. Plus, it's designed for every-day life, with a robust metal frame and a tough display

The Nokia X30 5G is HMD Global’s most eco-friendly smartphone yet right through to the box it comes in. Designed in Finland with less plastic and fewer chemicals, the smartphone is built from a 100 percent recycled aluminium frame and 65 percent recycled plastic back.The reduced packaging size – made possible by the decision to remove chargers from X-series to tackle e-waste – saves on transportation CO2 emissions. Using 100 percent FSC certified and 94 percent recycled paper box, HMD Global seeks to promote responsible forestry and support the circular economy. This all means that Nokia X30 5G delivers the smallest eco footprint of a Nokia phone to date.

Packed with new, game-changing features

Take breathtaking imagery with the big pixel 50MP PureView camera which uses AI and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) to capture content in even higher detail. The Nokia X30 5G features an all-new, intuitive dropdown menu giving users faster access to most used camera settings. Capture Fusion brings the power of the main camera to the ultra-wide-angle shots, for more details in the centre of the picture. While Night Mode 2.0, with Dark Vision, Tripod Mode and Night Selfie, give sharper and more vibrant shots even after sundown.

Nokia X30 5G’s camera is also protected by Corning® Gorilla® Glass with DX+, permitting 98 percent of all light through the lens to deliver industry-leading optical performance and scratch resistance.

Sporting the best display on a Nokia phone yet, Nokia X30 5G with its 6.43” 90Hz PureDisplay delivers a smoother, more responsive experience. The AMOLED PureDisplay technology means more brightness and vibrant colours to make streaming, scrolling, browsing, and holding the device a joy.

Power up faster than ever before with 33W fast charging and enjoy its signature two-day battery life remaining healthy even after years of charging. Equipped with Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 695 to optimise the potential of 5G, Nokia X30 5G is ready for long-term use.

Safe, secure and up to date for years

The Nokia X30 5G comes with standard three OS upgrades so users can enjoy new features way beyond Android™ 12. Equipped to store the most private and personal information securely, the device has up to three years of monthly security updates guaranteed for the user’s peace of mind. HMD Global’s activation and device performance data are all stored on servers in Hamina, Finland and protected by rigorous European data laws.[KB(TH2]

For businesses – Nokia X30 5G is verified by Google Android Enterprise Recommended.


[1] Avoided emissions are calculated extending the life of a Nokia X30 5G from 3 to 4 years. For the conversion of avoided emission we used the United States Environmental Protection Agency Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator (available at: https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator#results)

The best of the C-series at an ultra-friendly price point

       Love it: Nokia C31 comes with Android 12, improved 6.7” HD display and triple rear and selfie cameras powered by Camera by Google

       Trust it: Nokia C31 sports AI-powered three-day battery life1 and two years of quarterly security updates for maximum security

       Keep it: Nokia C31 has superior durability with IP52 protection from the elements from one of the toughest manufacturing standards in the world

The Nokia C31 is always robust and reliable. A device that’s beautiful to look at and tough under the surface, the Nokia C31 has met industry-leading durability standards required by HMD Global, so users know it can handle life’s most hectic moments, courtesy of IP52 protection and the durable build quality.

An incredible three-day battery coupled with AI-powered battery-saving technology ensures Nokia C31 is one’s trusted partner to do and go wherever they want. Super Battery Saver mode lets users choose where energy savings should be made, so they can still access the key feature needed when they’re running on low battery.

Capture all memories in dazzling quality and enhance day-to-day experiences

Nokia C31’s triple rear and selfie cameras powered by Camera by Google delivers incredible images day or night – including beautifully blurred portrait shots on the selfie camera and powerful night imagery. Fans will never be surprised by the “storage full” notification - Nokia C31 tells exactly how much storage users have left for all of their memories.

The improved 6.7” HD display brings users' experiences to life in brilliant definition, whether when streaming their favourite show, answering emails on the sofa, or taking a trip down memory lane looking through photos. It also comes with the GoPro Quik App pre-installed so users can shoot, edit and share their creativity from anywhere.

Reliable security features

As concerns about how companies use personal data continue to grow, Nokia C31’s updated privacy controls give users power over their own information. The device’s security is convenient with its fingerprint sensor and face unlock that works even with a protective mask on, for quick yet secure access. Signature HMD Global security promises are included as standard, so fans can get two years of quarterly security updates.

Optimal android innovations

Taking full advantage of Android 12, the Nokia C31 lets users enjoy the newest innovations from Google. Dynamic colour personalities, the look and feel of the phone based on its wallpaper, and conversation widgets put the people users care about front and centre on the home screen. This form of software with less preloads means one can maximise their data plan and storage.

Pricing and availability

The Nokia X30 5G comes in 8/256 GB memory and storage configurations, and in Cloudy Blue colour. The device can be purchased for Php 27,990 and will be available first on Lazada.

The Nokia C31 comes in 4/128GB memory and storage configurations, in Charcoal and Mint colours is priced at Php 8,490.

The devices will be available in all Nokia mobile authorised resellers online and physical stores nationwide starting October 28, 2022.

How the e-commerce ecosystem enables brands to unlock new growth opportunities

Over the last few years, the e-commerce industry has rapidly evolved into a vast ecosystem that enables mutual value creation, collaboration, and communication between consumers and sellers. Southeast Asia holds the highest e-commerce sales growth projection in the world, and is expected to continue growing[1]. In the Philippines, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has set a goal to increase e-commerce revenue to $24.2 billion[2]. Given this, more local and international brands are recognizing the need to grow their businesses online.

Recognizing the need to grow businesses online and meet the changing needs of Filipinos, Shopee aims to equip brands with the necessary tools and features to grow their online presence. Through various platform features, initiatives, and campaigns, brands are able to create awareness with new customers, strengthen relations with existing ones, and drive innovation to enhance the overall online shopping experience.

The e-commerce ecosystem enables brands to increase their brand awareness to grow their customer base. They are able to reach new customers without the limitations of geographical borders. For Gaabor, a German home appliances brand entering the Philippine market for the first time, establishing their online presence with Filipinos was their main priority. With Shopee’s different initiatives, they were able to cement their reputation and establish their trust with Filipinos. Since their launch on the platform just over a year ago, Gaabor has become one of Shopee’s leading home appliance brands by actively participating in Shopee’s monthly Double Day campaigns, Super Brand Days, and Brand Spotlights.

“As a new player in the Philippine market, we knew that we needed all the support that we could get to establish Gaabor’s presence nationwide. With Shopee’s various initiatives, we’ve been able to expand our reach and cement our reputation as a trusted brand among Filipinos. From our humble launch just over a year ago, Gaabor has quickly become a top pick on Shopee,” shared Jenny Liu, CEO at Gaabor Philippines.

For brands that already have an established presence in the Philippine market, their challenge is to strengthen and sustain their relationship with their customers. As e-commerce provides vast opportunities for innovation, brands are able to discover new ways to enhance their customers’ experience. Together, Shopee and L’Oreal Philippines revolutionized the experience of shopping for beauty and skincare products online through the launch of the SkinCam. This Shopee-exclusive AI-enabled skincare diagnostics tool identifies different areas for improvement on one’s skin and recommends a skincare routine complete with products to address each concern.

Bea Morales, Online Brand Manager at L’Oréal Philippines, shared, “Introducing SkinCam together with Shopee has enabled us to work through the many challenges that Filipinos face when shopping for beauty and skincare products online. With the use of the SkinCam on Shopee’s platform, we are able to meet the needs of our customers by providing them with a personal, simplified, and accurate online shopping experience.”

With e-commerce, brands have access to a wide variety of in-app tools and features to help them achieve their goals. For Promil, a trusted milk brand among Filipino parents, the challenge was to explore new ways to create value for their customers. Shopee has enabled Promil to offer customers a rewarding online shopping experience with their exclusive brand membership program on the platform, where customers can enjoy perks such as earning points with every purchase, redeeming exclusive vouchers, and using earned points to claim special gifts.

“Promil’s Brand Membership program on Shopee has enabled us to expand our reach and nurture our relationships with new and existing customers. Through exclusive perks and benefits, we are able to provide our shoppers with greater value for an even more rewarding online shopping experience,” shared Christine Alvarez, Customer Manager at Promil.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, shared “We are incredibly humbled by the trust and support that we receive from our brand partners. At Shopee, we continuously maximize our platform for brands to discover new growth opportunities in the e-commerce ecosystem. Together with our brand partners, we will continue to provide Filipinos across the country with easy, convenient, and reliable access to their everyday needs.”

Each aspect of the e-commerce ecosystem works toward propelling businesses to grow in the online space. Platforms like Shopee enable brands and aspiring entrepreneurs to maximize their reach and engagement by customizing the shopping experience to meet the needs of Filipino customers. Gaabor, L’Oréal Philippines, and Promil are just some of the many brands that have found success when they ventured into e-commerce with Shopee.

If you want to grow your business online and enjoy the numerous benefits of e-commerce, start your online selling journey with Shopee today. Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.




MMFF 2022 Official Entries Announced


The biggest, most popular and the widely supported and anticipated 48th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) completes its eight 8 official entries with the selection of the 4 finished films from a record high of 22 film submissions.

The esteemed members of the Selection Committee headed by the multi-awarded and much respected leader of the film industry Boots Anson-Rodrigo chose the Top 8 based on the following criteria - Artistic Excellence - 40%, Commercial Appeal - 40%, Filipino Cultural Values - 10% and Global Appeal - 10%.

The Official 8 entries to the MMFF 2022 are:

1.DELETER by Viva Communications, Inc.
2. FAMILY MATTERS by Cineko Productions, Inc.
3. MAMASAPANO NOW IT CAN BE TOLD by Borracho Film Production
4. MY FATHER, MYSELF by 3:16 Media Network
5. LABYU WITH AN ACCENT by ABS-CBN Film Productions
6. NANAHIMIK ANG GABI by Rein Entertainment Productions
7. PARTNERS IN CRIME by ABS-CBN Film Productions
8. MY TEACHER by TEN17P

Rodrigo said members of the selection committee heavily deliberated on all of the entries, following the rules and judging them as films.

"It is a collegial decision of a deliberative body," said Rodrigo.

With this year's message "Balik Saya sa MMFF 2022” the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and MMFF Concurrent Acting Chairman Engr. Carlo Dimayuga III urged moviegoers to support the festival, which has been part of the Filipinos’ Christmas tradition over the years.

“Let us watch the MMFF in theaters once more. We are happy with the list of entries, which has a wide mix of genres. We are excited and looking forward to MMFF 2022 becoming a success," said Dimayuga.

Hereon, the production can now start their promotional efforts which will be highlighted by the Parade of Stars to be hosted by Quezon City.

The 48th MMFF will run from December 25, 2022- January 7, 2023 back into theaters nationwide observing the required health protocols.

The Gabi Ng Parangal will be on December 27.

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