DULDULAO DOT NET This Day & Beyond

Month: December 2012

Thankful for chocolate with Goya chocolates from Deli Foods, Inc.

There was a quote that says“chocolates are made of cacao beans, and bean is a vegetable and that sugar that makes chocolates sweet came from either sugar cane or sugar beets, and since both are plants they would be in the vegetable category, therefore chocolate is a vegetable.” If this is really true, then hooray goes for those who love chocolates!

Well, hold your horses, chocoholics and vegans. Before you jump for joy or go up in arms, this is just a little twist of logic to give humor to a universally loved concoction that has withstood the test of time. Whatever your race, religious or political beliefs, or social and economic status, chocolate—in whatever state—will always be chocolate and should be loved by all and be thankful for.

And the Philippines is definitely not an exception. A nation recognized for its love for chocolates, it certainly is not left behind in the global and continuously evolving love for chocolate. This is thanks in large part to Delfi Foods, Inc., maker of “Goya” and other delicious chocolatey treats that ensures that this love affair between chocolates and Filipinos will continue towards eternity.

With flavors like Goya Milk Chocolates, Dark Chocolates, Cookies & Cream, Krispy Krunch, Goya Almonds, Goya Almonds and Raisins, Goya Splendor and Goya Pretzel Twists, Filipino chocolate aficionados will surely be happy munching on them.

Man’s love affair with chocolate has certainly surpassed and evolved tremendously throughout several centuries and industrial revolutions. From the time of the Mayans and Aztecs, to the efforts of Spanish explorer Hernando Cortez and the discovery of “praline” by the French, the first chocolate-making factory in the US where the modern chocolate bar was introduced, to the day that chocolate was given a smoother and finer texture, thanks to a revolutionary machine, man still continues with its relationship with chocolate. It has now become a ubiquitous part of peoples’ and nations’ lives, whether as a glorious drink or as an emotionally fulfilling chocolate bar.

This month, Delfi Foods, Inc., maker of Goya, pays tribute to the true originators of chocolates. Without their pioneering contribution to man’s sweet palate, the people of the world would never have known chocolates—and Filipinos would never have known Goya.

For this holiday season, get-together and other festive celebrations will definitely overflow with Goya chocolates. Holiday parties will have enough supplies of Goya chocolate candies, chocolate drinks, and other choco-coated treats. Goya chocoholics of all ages will have a blast enjoying the season even more with these world-class quality chocolates many of us have grown to love.

With Goya chocolates an inarguable part of the Filipino psyche, expect the Philippines to solidify its position as a true chocolate-loving nation—and absolutely proud because Goya, a fully Filipino-made chocolate treat, is undeniably among the best in the world.

Goya products are available at major supermarkets, groceries, convenience stores nationwide. Be a Goyaholic, join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/GoyaChocoholics.

Reference:

AMPR Publicity and Communications Inc. (02) 706-1971

December 22, 2012
Perk-up Your Holidays with Yummy Gardenia Treats!

This is the time of the year when the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the everyday gets transformed to something magical.

You see it in homes already dressed up in glittering and bright lights, or in the warm feeling that wafts in the air during family reunions, or perhaps on how we uplift our character and mindset to become better persons.

Indeed, the holiday season is a time to look with fresh eyes on all that surrounds us in our daily lives.

Take the dinner table as an example. While we love to pile it up with all things special for this season like delectable hams or exquisite cheeses, it will not be complete without our bread to brighten up our dining experience and make it even more extraordinary and exciting.

And if you’re one of the millions of households that chooses only the best in breads for your dining table on a day-to-day basis, then Gardenia will continue to remain part of your festive table.

While Gardenia has already proven to be healthylicious with or without palaman, the season calls for turning the bread you love to eat every day into remarkable holiday treats.

All you need are imagination, delight and bags of your favorite Gardenia bread to make the happy, festive change!

Why not go delightfully retro with Gardenia Chocolate Fondue? Along with cubed apples, bananas and white marshmallows, pick up bags of Gardenia Double Delights Ube & Cheese Loaf and Choco & Mocha Loaf, along with Gardenia High Fiber Wheat Raisin Loaf. Cube the assorted breads and watch adults and kids have fun as they dunk them in a bowl of melted chocolate!

Ingredients:

2 slices                  Gardenia Double Delights Ube &Cheese Loaf, cubed

2 slices                  Gardenia Double Delights Choco & Mocha Loaf, cubed

2 slices                  Gardenia High Fiber Wheat Raisin Loaf, cubed

1 cup                     Melted chocolate

1 piece                 red apple, cubed

1 piece                 green apple, cubed

1 piece                 banana, cubed

1 30g pack           white marshmallows

How to do it? Simply serve all the ingredients using a fondue set.

Or you can get into the amazing festive indulgence mode using any of Gardenia’s amazing loaves like Gardenia Black Forest, that decadent, succulently soft and moist chocolate bread heaping with rich chocolate filling and luscious cherries, or Gardenia’s Amazing Dates and Walnuts, the soft, juicy and freshly baked bread layered with a delectable mix of fruit and nut. If not, indulge on Gardenia’s Butterscotch Loaf with its smooth-tasting caramel goodness with rich and flavorful butterscotch chips found in each slice.

Speaking of butterscotch treats, try the special Gardenia Butterscotch Loaf and tweak it a bit to become a rich teatime snack or a true morning indulgence. In a loaf pan, simply layer the trimmed bread slices with sliced kiwi, almond and nut chocolate, cream and honey and then chill to make the awesomely delicious Gardenia Butterscotch Kiwi Cake.

Ingredients:

8 slices                  Gardenia Butterscotch Loaf, edges trimmed

3 pieces               kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced

2 bars (30g)        almond and nut chocolate, chopped

1 240ml pack     all-purpose cream, chilled

3 Tbsp.                 Honey

How to do it: Combine all-purpose cream and honey in a small bowl then mix until well blended. Spread the mixture at the bottom of a loaf pan then top it with 2 slices of Gardenia Butterscotch Loaf, cream mixture and the kiwi slices. Repeat the procedure until the pan is filled. Chill the cake at least an hour before serving.

Indeed, Gardenia remains the best of breads whether you eat it every day or transform it into scrumptious morsels fit for the season of turning the ordinary into the extraordinary and the everyday into something magical.

The Gardenia Flavored Loaves are available nationwide at leading supermarkets and convenience stores.

Reference:

AMPR Publicity & Communications Inc.- (02) 7061971

December 21, 2012
Make your nights shine bright with Uratex Premium Mattress

After a long day at work, whether a stressful time at the office or at the field, we can’t seem to stop ourselves from constantly looking at the clock and hope it’s the end of another work day. The image of our bed bellowing on top of our head doesn’t help, for it somewhat pulls your eyelids to close and rest your tired and weary body.

And the onset of the breezy and cold, Christmas night is pulling you to deep slumber even further.

But never worry. It’s a good thing that your bed is one place in your house where you can just lie down and doze off all your stress and worries away. And it’s also a good thing that you have Uratex Premium mattresses to lie down your tired body on for that ultimate comfort.

The Uratex Premium Touch Viscoluxe Memory is an example. With advanced and combined pocket-spring system and body-molding memory foam that provides for that soothing slumber, this outstanding mattress is sensitive to body heat and weight and gently matches to the body’s contours in order to provide relief to pressure points. It also allows the joints and spine to be in natural alignment for that full-body feeling of relaxation and a comfortable sleep with less toss and turns for those who work hard all day long.

Or if you’re someone who desires mostly designer-made items, then the Trapunto by Rajo Laurel is perfect for you. Meaning “to embroider” in Italian, the Trapunto, designed exclusively by globally renowned fashion designer Rajo Laurel, features classic European quilting style known for fine elegance and exquisite beauty for that unmatched luxury, support and comfort. The contoured cut and knitted fabric cover provides a soft, posh feel for a cool and relaxed sleeping pleasure. The foam and cover are treated with Sanitized® so you’re protected against bacteria, fungi, dust mites, mold, mildew and odor. And being a 3-zone mattress, Trapunto ensures superior support in the shoulder, lumbar and hip areas.

Say goodnight and goodbye to: back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, leg pain, joint pain, headaches, muscle aches, sciatica, bed sores, pressure points, numbness, stress, fatigue and insomnia if you use the Uratex Senso Memory Foam Mattress. It is made of high-quality memory or visco-elastic foam developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the US for its astronauts and relieve them of extreme pressure during takeoff. It is also treated with Sanitized® to provide safe and effective protection against bacteria, fungi, dust mites, mold, mildew and unpleasant odor.

The Uratex Orthocare Mattress, meanwhile, is a Phil. Orthopaedic Association trusted mattress that helps relieve pain, especially for sleepers with back-pain problems. This medical-grade mattress combines a high-density polyurethane mattress and a multi-zone topper with breathable open-pored cell structure, plus fashionable jacquard-woven damask fabric treated with Sanitized® and quilted cover with an elegant, classic design.

For those sensitive to dust mites, allergens and other harmful microorganisms in the bedroom, use the Uratex Purifoam.® Treated with Sanitized® for long-lasting, safe and effective defense against bacteria, fungi, dust mites, mold, mildew and unpleasant odors, Purifoam® offers superior quality and made with first-class knitted fabric cover for combined strength, comfort and assured long-lasting protection. This mattress is also a definite must-have even for kids, who spend long and tiring days at school—physically and emotionally.

If you desire deep that’s sound enough for you to be able to relax in the most comforting way ever, then the Therapoint Mattress, a superior grade, high-resilient foam with the Coolmax® Technology Mattress cover, is for you. Its high-performance fabric dries fast and balances body moisture and helps minimize exhaustion caused by perspiration during sleep and maximizes sleep quality. The Therapoint® Mattress is one of the most durable and long-lasting foam mattresses ever designed, perfect for athletes and highly active individuals.

So how would you know what type of bed is best for you based on your physiological needs? Well, Uratex still has the right tool. The “Pressure Imaging System” uses advanced technology to match an individual with a type of mattress by measuring pressure, comfort and support. To do that, Uratex uses the system connected to a computer with custom-designed software. The result is a graphical display of an individual’s various pressure points in one’s body that would help you choose the best mattress for you.

Ah, the mattress. Next to buying healthy food, a mattress that fully supports our body for a restful sleep should be a priority. It doesn’t really have to be a fancy-looking mattress; as long as it functions well in protecting our body, relieving us of pain and other discomfort while we sleep so that we may be recharged the next day, the mattress should be perfect.

It just so happens that its name is Uratex, the trusted mattress brand in the country, that makes our nights—or Christmas nights—shine bright.

For more information, you may check Uratex website – www.uratex.com.ph, their facebook account – facebook.com/Uratex Philippines – and through consumer hotline – 888-6800.

Reference: AMPR Publicity and Communications Inc.

706.1971

December 13, 2012
Pagpapailaw ng Christmas Tree, hudyat ng Kapaskuhan sa Tutuban Center

Sa gitna na malamig na simoy ng hangin, ginanap sa Tutuban Center, ang paboritong shopping hub ng bayan, ang taunang pagpapailaw ng kanilang Christmas Tree na matatagpuan sa Open Parking area ng naturang mall. Habang ang mga tao ay matiyagang naghihintay na mangyari ang kaganapang ito, mararamdaman ang excitement ng bawat isa at nang ibigay ang hudyat para sa simula ng countdown, lahat ay nakangiting nag-aabang sa mga mangyayari. At sa sandaling magliwanag ang daan-daang mga ilaw ng higanteng 35-talampakan na Christmas tree, lahat ng mga taong nakapaligid sa Christmas tree ay nagsigawan sa tuwa at pumalakpak bilang pasasalamat na ang pinaka-masayang bahagi ng taon ay nagsimula na. Ang tradisyonal na pagpapailaw ng Christmas Tree sa Tutuban Center ang siyang pinaka-tampok ng bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng Bonifacio Day, na gumugunita sa tapang at kabayanihan na ipinamalas ng isa sa mga pinagpipitagang bayani ng bansa, si Gat Andres Bonifacio.

Makikita sa larawan sina (mula kaliwa) Inigo Cruz, JM Lagumbay, Yayo Aguila, Tutuban Properties, Inc.’s Business Unit Head Ms. Gina Villamor, VP for Special Projects Mr. Stephen Yap, Tenant Relations Manager Mr. Chris Sioson and celebrity twins Kenny & Toffi Santos.

Reference: AMPR Publicity and Communications, Inc.

(+632)7061971

December 13, 2012
Transform Gardenia loaves into irresistible holiday treats

You’ve made your list and checked it twice; hauled out the tree and strung up the lights. So, what’s missing?

A festive table, that’s what!

With the Yuletide party season in full swing, chances are, you’ll be hosting one or two get-togethers with long-lost friends or balikbayan relatives, not to mention the grand culmination of all that seasonal eating: the Noche Buena table.

Make sure your table reflects everything that’s celebratory and indulgent. It is Christmas, after all. In addition to the Classic White Bread you know—and love to eat—on a daily basis, stock up on Gardenia’s line of flavored loaves inspired by special occasion cakes.

The Amazing Dates and Walnuts Loaf, for one, captures the flavor of your favorite Food for the Gods. Indulge your senses in the soft, moist and freshly-baked goodness studded with a luscious mix of fruit and nut. HOLIDAY INDULGE TIP: A perfect accompaniment to cheese, salads, or to eat as is or slightly buttered.

Gardenia’s Amazing Black Forest Loaf recalls the decadence of its inspiration: a lusciously soft and moist chocolate bread with generous twirls of rich chocolate filling and laden with sweet, succulent cherries. HOLIDAY INDULGE TIP: Great with your holiday ham and cheese, a bowl of soup, or as an accompaniment to a holiday breakfast of scrambled eggs and fruit salad.

The loaf that’s been rhapsodized about in blogs, Gardenia’s Butterscotch Loaf not only captures the smooth, caramel-y goodness of butterscotch candies, it’s also got irresistibly rich and flavorful butterscotch chips. HOLIDAY INDULGE TIP: If you can’t stop yourself from eating it straight off the bag, you can toast it and slather with butter or sprinkle sugar on top of the butter. Great, too, as the Singaporean favorite Kaya Toast, a popular snack among Singaporeans. Simply spread with coco jam.

Now who can resist Gardenia’s Ube-Cheese Loaf? It’s a tempting fusion of flavors: ube-licious on one side complemented by cheese-tastic yumminess on the other. HOLIDAY INDULGE TIP: Top with all-purpose cream, some milk and your favorite holiday fruit for an easy but decadent treat.

Make kids of all ages merry this season with Gardenia’s Chocolate Chip Loaf. Each slice comes with generous sprinkling of delicious chocolate chips. HOLIDAY INDULGE TIP: Make cream and jam or jelly sandwiches, slice diagonally into triangles, and watch the kids (and a few adults) fight for their share!

Get the best of all worlds this Christmas with Gardenia’s Choco Ripple and Mocha Marble Loaf. It’s an irresistible pairing of rich chocolate and creamy mocha in one loaf, generously laced with ripples of premium chocolate. Also available in mini loaf size. HOLIDAY INDULGE TIP: Lightly toast, spread a little cream cheese, sprinkle with crushed walnuts or pistachio, then slice into long rectangles to mimic biscotti and serve with after-dinner coffee or tea.

After a night of Yuletide merrymaking, wake up to delicious Gardenia California Raisin Loaf, baked with juicy bursts of sun-dried California raisins and raisin juice that are both nutritious and delicious. Savor its oven-baked aroma, natural sweetness and soft, moist texture with every bite. HOLIDAY INDULGE TIP: Serve as French toast on Christmas morning.

Trusted for its quality and freshness, Gardenia remains your choice when it comes to the Noche Buena table for deliciousness as is…or dressed up in the festive flavors of Christmas.

Gardenia Classic White and Flavored Loaves are available nationwide at leading supermarkets and convenience stores.

Reference: AMPR Publicity and Communications Inc.

706.1971

December 13, 2012
Local hog and poultry industry cries foul over BOI decision

Hog and poultry producers in the country are up in arms over a recent decision by the government allowing a Thailand-based agribusiness company to operate a multi-billion peso integrated facility in the country.

“All our hard work, blood, sweat and tears will be put to waste if the Thai company is allowed to operate here. It will not only kill the business of local producers who worked very hard for many years but will also be detrimental to the national economy,” a local producer, who requested anonymity, said.

The Board of Investments (BOI) released a decision recently allowing Charoen Pokphand (CP), a large agribusiness enterprise and Asia’s largest swine and poultry producer, to put up Charoen Pokphand Foods Philippines Corporation (CPFP).

CPFP has been given the green light to build a P2.32-billion integrated hog facility that will produce 3,647 metric tons of slaughter hogs, and six huge poultry farms, with an annual parent stock capacity of 25,453 heads producing 21,847 metric tons of chicken.

“What we are complaining is that CPFP, a foreign company, was given the license to operate a facility in our country with multiple tax incentives, including tariff-free importation of feeds and equipment. Local producers were not given these same incentives at all,” the local producer said.

With these tax perks, CPFP will get a 6% to 10% pricing advantage over local poultry and hog producers, a huge disadvantage already because of the fact that chicken and pork are two highly price-sensitive commodities.

And once the CPFP facility is operational, its production output will bring about a flood of low-priced poultry and meat products in the local market, according to the local producer. This will kill the business of backyard, small and medium-scale hog and poultry producers. Even corn farmers, who have all waited for real substantial government support and subsidy, will be affected by the tax-free feed importation granted to CPFP, not to mention massive loss of jobs.

“The government is supposed to protect local business from the entry of foreign companies and unfair competition. With the (BOI) decision, the government is effectively killing the local industry, aside from causing the loss of jobs to thousands of Filipinos who depend on the local agribusiness sector in order to put food on the table,” the local producer lamented further.

The local producer even invoked the protection guaranteed by Section 1, Article XII of the Philippine Constitution for Filipino businesses, which provides for the State to “protect Filipino enterprises against unfair foreign competition and trade practices.”

“We can accept if our business was wiped out by natural disasters like typhoon or floods. We can easily rebuild it but the impact of this development is far worse than any natural disaster, and I don’t believe we can ever recover from it,” the local producer said.

Reference: Richard Mamuyac

December 2, 2012