Month: March 2023

  • Fujifilm Philippines partners with Shinagawa to provide better healthcare to patients using modern tech

    Fujifilm Philippines partners with Shinagawa to provide better healthcare to patients using modern tech

    Fujifilm Philippines, a leading provider of digital imaging and healthcare solutions, will sign a memorandum of agreement today with Shinagawa Healthcare Solutions Corporation to bring advanced technology to patients.

    Masahiro Uehara, Fujifilm Philippines President, said that through this partnership, the two companies aim to combine their strengths to deliver innovative and high-quality healthcare solutions to patients.

    “We are thrilled to partner with Shinagawa Healthcare Solutions Corporation to provide better healthcare services to patients in the Philippines. Our advanced technology and expertise in the healthcare industry, combined with Shinagawa’s commitment to providing personalized care, will enable us to deliver innovative and high-quality healthcare solutions to patients in the Philippines,” he said.

    Shinagawa Healthcare Solutions Corporation, a subsidiary of the country’s top Lasik provider, Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics Center Corporation, is set to open a diagnostic and preventive care center in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, next month. It will be the first Japanese standard health facility in the Philippines that focuses on preventive care.

    Through the collaboration, Uehara said Fujifilm will bring its innovative equipment to Shinagawa Diagnostic and Preventive Care Center to offer quick and comfortable procedures to patients.

    These include the Eluxeo Lite 6000, an endoscopy machine that features Multi-Light Technology to deliver high-quality imaging and superior visibility for enhanced patient comfort through flexible scope options.

    Another key instrument is the Supria 128 Slice CT Scan Machine, which offers painless and low-dose scanning capabilities. It also produces high-speed and top-notch quality images with lower power consumption.

    The Amulet Innovality is a mammogram machine designed with ergonomic armrests to ensure patient comfort and secure positioning, producing quick image intervals of just 15 seconds.

    Fujifilm’s FDR Smart X x-ray machine offers advanced functionality and compatibility with any X-ray system, delivering high image quality for precise and accurate results.

    Meanwhile, the Arietta Series is an ultrasound machine renowned for its broad diagnostic capabilities and top-notch imaging quality, producing reliable results that help with immediate critical surgical decisions.

    “Fujifilm Philippines’ commitment to quality and innovation aligns with their vision to provide exceptional healthcare services. We are thrilled to partner with them to bring their state-of-the-art imaging technology to our patients in the Philippines. Together, we can make a significant impact on the healthcare industry, revolutionizing the way healthcare is delivered and experienced,” he said.

    Prevention is key

    Masako Uemori, Shinagawa President, said the partnership will enable them to provide patients with the best possible care.

    “We believe that investing in preventive care is not only a wise decision but also a responsible one. By breaking the social stigma of reactive care and shifting our mindset towards proactive prevention, we can help Filipinos achieve better health outcomes and ultimately lead more fulfilling lives,” she said.

    Aside from Japanese standard health checkups, Shinagawa Diagnostic and Preventive Care Center will offer brain exams (MRI/MRA), full body exams (CT scan), digestive exams (ultrasound/endoscopy), health exams for women (mammography/ultrasound), laboratory, and allergy tests.

    Uemori said Shinagawa will partner with health maintenance organizations (HMOs) in the country to provide accessible, affordable, and comprehensive medical services to Filipinos.

    She also said they plan to promote health and wellness through events and seminars to raise public awareness about their overall well-being.

    “Our success in the field of eye care has enabled us to build a reputation as a leader in the industry. Our commitment to the latest technologies and Japanese standards for medical services has helped us to earn the trust of our patients, and we are proud to continue to deliver exceptional care that exceeds their expectations,” Uemori added.

    The future of healthcare

    Uemori said Shinagawa’s new Diagnostic & Preventive Care Center is committed to providing comprehensive and personalized healthcare plans that contribute to the early detection and prevention of disease.

    She said the company’s comprehensive medical examination process is designed to identify potential health issues before they become major problems, allowing for proactive intervention and treatment.

    Combined with Fujifilm’s cutting-edge and high-performance machines, Shinagawa’s state-of-the-art facility will enable doctors and health professionals to perform procedures quickly, comfortably, and stress-free for patients. Diagnosis and analysis will also have double reading by their partner Japanese doctors who have extensive experience in the field of preventive care.

    Shinagawa will also implement an efficient and streamlined operation using the Japanese Health Checkup Information System. With same-day results, patients can receive timely and accurate diagnoses and treatment plans without the added stress of waiting.

    Innovative imaging technology

    Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. (now FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation) was established in 1934 to produce high-quality photographic films. Within the first decade of its establishment, the company expanded its production to include motion pictures and X-ray films, in addition to its original focus on photographic films.

    In 2012, Fujifilm Philippines was founded as a sales subsidiary of Fujifilm’s regional headquarters in the Asia Pacific. The company primarily focuses on providing high-quality products and services to the Philippine market in areas such as electronics, photo imaging, industrial products, graphic design, and medical systems. To meet the increasing demand for its offerings and ensure consistent quality, the company opened its first branch in Cebu in 2019. This move also enabled Fujifilm Philippines to better serve customers in the Visayas and nearby Mindanao provinces by providing them with more localized support.

    During the height of the pandemic in 2020, Fujifilm Philippines supported local hospitals by installing the FDR Go PLUS, a digital mobile X-ray system that aided in diagnosing COVID-19 patients. The company also received FDA approval for the FDR nano and the FUJIFILM COVID-19 Ag Test Kit, which are expected to help healthcare workers diagnose and screen for COVID-19.

    The company is committed to supplying various products and services to support the medical frontline and promote human health.

    Reference:

    Lariza Garcia

  • Get Ultra-Clear photos with the new HONOR X8a for only Php 10,990

    Get Ultra-Clear photos with the new HONOR X8a for only Php 10,990

    With the new HONOR X8a and its DSLR-like 100 MP Ultra-Clear Camera, you can now capture more life moments in high definition! If you avail during pre-order until March 24, you can even get a FREE HONOR Earbuds worth Php 1,590.

    HONOR Philippines GTM Manager Steven Yan, Country Manager Sean Yuan, Vice President Stephen Cheng, Brand Marketing Manager Joepy Libo-on, PR Manager Pao Oga with Home Credit Philippines Partner Marketing Lead Richard Sarinas

    Manila, Philippines, March 21, 2023 – Still not over with concerts not allowing professional cameras such as DSLRs? Well, the all-new HONOR X8a will leave you feeling like you just brought one with its 100 MP Ultra-Clear Camera! And up until March 24, you can avail this new HONOR phone for pre-order at Php 10,990 and get a FREE HONOR Earbuds worth Php 1,590.

    “Believe it or not, phone cameras just keep on getting better and better. May it be for your photography hobby or you just like taking pictures, our new HONOR X8a is ideal for you. Portraits, landscape or concert photos, name it, you can get better quality shots using this new smartphone,” said Stephen Cheng, HONOR Philippines Vice President.

    HONOR X8a’s Powerful Camera System

    During its launch recently, the HONOR X8a 100MP triple rear camera system was put on a test in a sunset cruise. Guests took out their HONOR X8a to capture the beautiful sunset scenery of Manila. Comprising a 100MP Main Camera, a 5MP Wide & Depth Camera and a Macro Camera, the HONOR X8a can capture high-definition images in vivid clarity, even when shooting complex scenes. The HONOR X8a also features a 16MP Front Camera to ensure users can capture spectacular, high-definition selfies.

    Sunset Shot by Mr. Art Samaniego of Manila Bulletin

    Testimonials

    What better way to prove it than taking it from a budding professional photographer, GMA Artist, and HONOR Star, Khalil Ramos who recently attest to HONOR X8a’s superb camera quality.

    And if you are one with those who are still watermelon-sugar high from the Harry Styles concert, here are some shots taken by HONOR X8a.

    Are you convinced yet? The HONOR X8a comes in three stunning colors; Cyan Lake, Titanium Silver, and Midnight Black and is available for pre-order from March 14 to 24, 2023 with FREE  HONOR Earbuds worth Php 1,590 via all HONOR kiosks and partner online stores –  Lazada (http://bit.ly/40iFPjB), Shopee (http://bit.ly/3mNbds1), and Tiktok Shop (http://bit.ly/3ZYbqqy).

    HONOR fans can also avail the HONOR X8a via Home Credit for as low as Php 1,332 per month and on a 0% interest installment payment.

    For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorphilippines/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines).

    Reference & Media Contact:

    Pao Oga

    PR Manager

    paoo_honor@prl.ph

    09190016898

    Denis Santos

    Sr. PR Officer

    deniss_honor@prl.ph

    09171745327

  • Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. reaffirms commitment to responsible water stewardship

    Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. reaffirms commitment to responsible water stewardship

    Water remains the world’s top resource, as industry and community benefit from having access to clean, sustainable supply. Among the environmental commitments of Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI), the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country, is practicing sound, responsible methods that help manage its use of water in collaboration with its various stakeholders.

    The 22nd of March marks the commemoration of World Water Day, and aside from implementing industry best practices and policies, PCPPI encourages process improvement to further optimize how water is utilized across all areas of operations. “Upholding our commitment to responsible water stewardship goes beyond having the systems and protocols in place that allow our teams to carry out their responsibilities effectively. Our employees are encouraged to embrace innovation as part of our advocacy,” said PCPPI president and chief executive officer Frederick D. Ong.

    Strategic plans supported by strong partnerships

    The water resource management policies of PCCPI are embodied in the Luntiang Yaman program, which covers the organization’s sustainability efforts. These include the 3Rs approach to manage water consumption: reduce, re-use, and recycle. Other than reducing water use, PCPPI also has protocols in place to optimize electricity use, optimize fuel yield, manage solid waste output, and community engagement.

    PCCPI also works with government authorities in the communities where it operates. For example, the organization actively works with the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) to periodically assess the health of the waterways in the communities they operate alongside multi-sectoral groups.

    Sto. Tomas: Shifting the traditional mindset

    PCPPI’s commitment to responsible water management is demonstrated in its manufacturing facilities, particularly in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. The plant has twice-received PCPPI’s Galing at Sikap Plant Excellence Award in Sustainability in 2021 and 2022. This recognition is given to the business units with the highest performance ratings on key focus areas of operations, including environmental resource management. “The Sto. Tomas facility was lauded for its efforts in consuming water and energy in the most economical way, thereby minimizing environmental impact,” Ong added.

    According to Plant Manager Chrysler Salcedo, one of the best practices at work at the Sto. Tomas plant includes setting definitive operating hours for optimum target volume of water required, both for the products to be manufactured and for its manpower’s daily water consumption. This encourages all employees to become more mindful in their water use in daily operations. Regular training sessions on resource conservation are also scheduled, and serve as checkpoint meetings where employees can proactively address potential areas of concern.

    “Open communication and collaboration make even the most complex policies work. In Sto. Tomas, it remains important for our team to engage in discussions about how we can best manage the resources we look after: water, electricity, and oil, among others,” said Salcedo. “To become more effective in our industry, we recognize the value of implementing more creative, cost-efficient policies so that we can better serve our communities,” he added.

    Strategic and planned updates in the Sto. Tomas plant have also been implemented to further manage how the facility consumes water, one of which involves decreasing the frequency of production line Clean-in-Place (CIP) procedures. These pertain to the overall cleaning of equipment used after continuous production. “We shifted to a 72-hour cycle, which will allow us to save 780 liters of water a week. Combined with our stringent sanitation protocols, we are confident that our operations will continue to meet internal and industry standards while maximizing financial and resource savings,” Salcedo explained.

    PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country. It distributes well-loved brands such as Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Sting, Tropicana, Lipton Iced Tea, Milkis, Chum Churum Soonhari, and Premier. For more information about PCPPI and its products, please visit www.pepsiphilippines.com.

    Reference:

    Lariza Garcia

  • PCPPI recognizes exceptional employees at Gold Crown Awards

    PCPPI recognizes exceptional employees at Gold Crown Awards

    Excellence thrives where it is practiced consistently. Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI)—the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country—recently honored three outstanding employees with this year’s Gold Crown Awards. This recognition is awarded to employees for demonstrating professional dedication in line with PCPPI’s ICARE Values, which stands for Integrity and Innovation, Care and Respect, Empowerment and Excellence.

    The three awardees for this year are (in photo, from left to right) Faith Marie M. Zacal of from PCPPI’s Cagayan De Oro plant, Lucky J. Mallari from the Central Luzon Operations (CLO) and Jona Marie S. Rollan from the Davao manufacturing facility.

    Of the awardees, PCPPI president and chief executive officer Frederick D. Ong said, “Our people remain at the core of what makes us proud to be part of PCPPI. The Gold Crown Awards allow us as one team to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of our employees.” He added, “Jona, Lucky, and Faith are among the many brilliant team members who exemplify how true PCPPI Bravehearts are. We look forward to nurturing more inspiring professionals in the future.”

    For more information about PCPPI and the organization’s ICARE values, please visit pepsiphilippines.com.

    Reference:

    Lariza Garcia

  • BPI offers flexible payment options to Art in the Park 2023 fairgoers

    BPI offers flexible payment options to Art in the Park 2023 fairgoers

    Looking to build your art collection on a budget? Don’t miss this chance as the annual Art in the Park, famed for being the most anticipated affordable art fair in the country, returns outdoors on March 19, at Jaime Velazquez Park, Makati City to mark its 17th year of celebrating and championing Filipino artistry.

    The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) once again teamed up with Art in the Park 2023 to offer flexible payment options for fairgoers with BPI Cards when they shop for art at the exhibit-sale, which runs for one whole day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

    “BPI has been supporting Art in the Park for continuously uplifting the vibrant Filipino art scene and for providing a platform for our valuable contributors of art whose works truly merit more support and respect. It also makes art accessible to Filipinos, helping them learn more about art and Filipino artists,” said Jenny Lacerna, BPI Product and Sales Head for Unsecured Lending and Cards.

    For this year’s edition, 60 exhibit booths representing galleries, art collectives, independent art spaces, and student groups will be showcasing and selling an assortment of exceptional pieces by seasoned and rising artists.

    One of the galleries that will be participating is Art Cube Gallery featuring Isko Andrade for special exhibits.

    “Art Cube Gallery has been a backbone of the Philippine contemporary art scene since it was established in 2012 for helping Filipino artists get their well-deserved spotlight,” said Lacerna.

    The said Gallery provides a platform for talented young artists to showcase their works before an extensive roster of art collectors, as well as help promote the careers of seasoned artists by giving art aficionados a broad access to their work in international art exhibitions. The gallery has so far mounted over 100 art exhibitions here and abroad involving award-winning and seasoned artists, as well as promising young painters and sculptors.

    Francis Eugene E. Andrade, also known as Isko Andrade, is a young artist based in Bulacan who has been known for sharing his stories through his artworks that evoke a sense of nostalgia. He received several awards and citations such as Shell National Student Art Competition and Metrobank Art Design Excellence Competition. He is a graduate of fine arts with a major in visual communication at Bulacan State University.

    For his show titled Intersections II, Andrade uses knots as his art subject to depict his own impression of ‘persevering’ by utilizing oil paint on canvas.

    Lacerna said art as an asset remains an auspicious investment as it tends to hold its value over time in contrast with other asset classes whose value has the propensity to decline sharply when the market crashes.

    “What’s really enticing about collecting and investing in art is that aside from having a potential lucrative return in the long-term, they can also make stunning display pieces at home,” she said.

    BPI Cardholders can enjoy an exclusive Real 0% Special Installment Plan for up to 6 months and buy now pay 3 months later using their BPI credit cards.

    Organized by Philippine Art Events, Inc. and supported by BPI, Art in the Park will continue to benefit the Museum Foundation of the Philippines in support of its projects and programs for the National Museum of the Philippines and its network.

    One of the galleries that will be participating in Art in the Park 2023 is Art Cube Gallery featuring Isko Andrade for special exhibits. For this year’s art fair, 60 exhibit booths representing galleries, art collectives, independent art spaces, and student groups will be showcasing and selling an assortment of exceptional pieces by seasoned and rising artists

    For more information about Art in the Park and BPI’s special offers, follow www.facebook.com/bpi and www.facebook/artinthepark on Facebook, or visit www.bpi.com.ph/ and www.artinthepark.ph.

    Reference:

    Lariza Garcia

  • The Coca-Cola Foundation and Imagine H2O Launch Water Innovation Fund to Expand Access to Solutions

    The Coca-Cola Foundation and Imagine H2O Launch Water Innovation Fund to Expand Access to Solutions

    The Sustainable Access Solution Fund will pilot innovative technologies for water-stressed and climate-impacted communities

    The Coca-Cola Foundation and Imagine H2O, a global nonprofit that accelerates and deploys new water innovations, have partnered to scale entrepreneurial solutions for the global water crisis. The Sustainable Access Solution Fund (“Solution Fund”) unlocks targeted grants and technical support to help communities pilot and adopt innovation, doubling Imagine H2O’s annual pilot funding budget this year.

    As one third of the world’s inhabitants still lack access to safe drinking water, innovative technologies are emerging that can help boost water supply, mitigate pollution and strengthen climate resilience. However, widespread risk aversion and financial constraints prevent utilities, businesses and other end-users from testing and validating these solutions.

    The Solution Fund creates opportunities for innovators and their customers to overcome these barriers, building on Imagine H2O’s ongoing pilot initiatives supported by philanthropic and public sector partners including OceanKind, 11th Hour Racing, Enterprise Singapore, World Bank and Asian Development Bank.

    Since 2018, Imagine H2O has awarded $1.9 million for 69 pilots. This support has triggered up to seven times in matching or follow-on funding from other partners. Beyond financial support, the Solution Fund utilizes Imagine H2O’s global startup accelerator programs and in-country networks to mentor entrepreneurs as they design, execute, and monitor the impact of these projects. Awards will be recycled back to the Solution Fund when pilots succeed.

    “This partnership marks another milestone in The Coca-Cola Foundation’s commitment to accelerate progress towards the UN SDGs – all 17 of which will be affected by how our water resources are used, treated and managed in the future,” said Saadia Madsbjerg, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation. “By partnering with Imagine H2O, we want to not only showcase what is possible for water innovation, we also want to tackle the underlying obstacles preventing the faster uptake and scaling of these promising solutions.”

    The Solution Fund will source solutions that not only directly enable access to safe drinking water, but also help communities restore or sustain water resources threatened by climate change or environmental degradation. From biosensors for rapid contamination detection to rural water supply monitoring systems, a diverse range of technologies will be vetted from across Imagine H2O’s network of 175 startups.

    “From Johannesburg to Jakarta, the appetite to leapfrog conventional water management approaches is growing,” said Imagine H2O’s President Scott Bryan. “With The Coca-Cola Foundation, we will help underserved communities around the world embrace new technologies by providing dedicated funding and insight to entrepreneurs, local water providers and government partners.”

    Learn more about how you can support the Sustainable Access Solution Fund here.

    An Imagine H2O entrepreneur installs a decentralized wastewater treatment system in Hyderabad, India

    About The Coca-Cola Foundation

    The Coca-Cola Foundation’s mission is to make a difference in communities around the world where The Coca-Cola Company operates and where our employees live and work. We support transformative ideas and institutions that address complex global challenges and that leave a measurable and lasting impact. Our giving is focused on sustainable access to safe water, climate resilience and disaster risk preparedness and response, circular economy, economic empowerment, and causes impacting our hometown community. Since its inception in 1984, The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded grants of over $1.5 billion in service of its mandate to strengthen communities across the world.

    About Imagine H2O

    Imagine H2O is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization for entrepreneurs building transformative solutions for the future of water. The organization’s water innovation programs provide startups with the resources, insight, and visibility to launch and scale water solutions. By partnering with industry and policy experts and a global network of customers and investors, Imagine H2O has become a proven path to market for emerging water technology businesses. Since 2009, Imagine H2O has supported 175 startups who have deployed their solutions in 50+ countries and have raised more than $850M in investment.

    Reference & Contact:

    Annamarie Martin

    Senior Program Associate, Imagine H2O Asia

    annamarie@imagineh2o.org

  • Dr. Nielsen Donato and His True Heart for Animals

    Dr. Nielsen Donato and His True Heart for Animals

    “What makes you wake up early in the morning?” asks veterinarian Dr. Nielsen Donato while strolling through his animal sanctuary. “It’s not work. It’s something that you’re excited about.”

    When people think of veterinarians, they usually think of them tending to household pets, like cats and dogs. But Doc Nielsen isn’t a regular vet. He’s the managing partner and chief surgeon at Vets In Practice (VIP), which caters to not-your-usual pets, and he also has a background in Avian and Exotic Medicine.

    But what makes him so special is his unbridled care for virtually any kind of animal, be it crawling, flying, galloping, or slithering.

    Doc Nielsen’s passion started when he was around three years old. One of his favorite childhood memories was being excited about going to church just so he could see the yellow chicks and ducklings being sold by vendors outside.

    Today, Doc Nielsen helps run the Laguna Wildlife Park & Rescue Center, which sits within his family’s property in Pansol. This non-profit organization houses around 100 species of farm animals and wildlife, including domestic and neglected pets, as well as exotic animals that were rescued from illegal sellers and dangerous living conditions. The wildlife park has everything from chickens and goats to monkeys and a serval cat, which he tends to with the help of his staff. It’s also backed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which assists in acquiring and transporting animals to the park.

    The veterinarian calls the park his “happy place,” which he visits as early as 5 am to see all of the animals and listen to the different sounds that envelope the whole park. “When I’m walking here in the morning or afternoon, it relaxes me. Nalilimutan ko yung mga stress, that’s why I call it my ‘haven,’” says Doc Nielsen.

    Compassion project

    “We support the animals with our own resources,” Doc Nielsen says as he shows the many enclosures in the park that the animals call home. He also provides them with nutritious food and medicine to keep them healthy while they’re living in the park.

    He doesn’t do this alone. Apart from the staff he works with, Doc Nielsen’s family also helps. His kids, Cedric and Nina, are studying veterinary medicine, so they’re well on their way to following in their dad’s footsteps.

    Giving animals a second chance

    While giving a tour of the park, Doc Nielsen stops to feed and pet the animals he passes by. One of them is a bearcat (binturong), a nocturnal mammal with cat-like features that’s endemic to Palawan. Doc Nielsen explains that the bearcats were transported to the park with the help of DENR, and they are raised until they’re ready to be released back into the wild.

    “I promised that if I ever breed any endemic wildlife animal in the park, my goal is to help repopulate their species and bring them back to their natural habitat,” he says. He also takes time to assess animals who might need medical attention and treat them right away to prevent infections.

    It’s not always easy for Doc Nielsen to let go of animals, especially those that have been used to being around humans. Many of the monkeys, for example, lived in crowded areas and were treated as pets in their past lives. Releasing them back into the wild would be a safety risk for them because a troop of wild monkeys might hurt them.

    This is why he and his staff ensure that animals like these get the care they need so they can live a long and healthy life. The wildlife sanctuary is their safe haven until they are ready to be released in a protected space.

    Whether it’s at his clinic in the city or the wildlife park in Laguna, Doc Nielsen is always ready to offer his expertise and care to all types of species, no matter how scary they may seem.

    “I always dreamed of being someone like [British veterinary surgeon] James Harriot. I’ve always wanted to treat dogs and cats, and farm animals as big as horses, goats, and sheep,” he said. “There weren’t exotic animals to treat yet [when I was just starting out.] Now, I’m lucky because I get to treat more exotic animals, as well as farm animals, in my clinic and the park.”

    Doc Nielsen demonstrates how to bathe a Bayawak, with his resident monitor lizard, Bruce.
    On full display: Drake the Peacock struts around his pen.
    Zuma the Albino Burmese python and Doc Nielsen pose for the camera.
    Best Friends Forever: Doc Nielsen and Kulit.
    Feeding time: Violet, a rescued tortoise, snacks on papaya.

    Dr. Nielsen Donato in his wildlife sanctuary in Laguna: “I’m lucky because I get to treat more exotic animals, as well as farm animals, in my clinic and the park.”

    REFERENCE:

    Lariza Garcia

  • Khao Khai Introduces Thai Street Cuisine in BGC

    Khao Khai Introduces Thai Street Cuisine in BGC

    BGC branch is Khao Khai’s 7th in Metro Manila, weathering the pandemic

    The Thai diner concept Khao Khai “Thai Chicken House”, which introduced the authentic and unbeknown flavors of Northern Thai cuisine in the Philippines, has recently unveiled its new branch located at 2/f Crossroads, Bonifacio Global City.

    Seafood Khao Soi, Pork Khao Soi, and Chicken Khao Soi

    First opened in Poblacion, Makati in 2019, Khao Khai has expanded into a portfolio of seven branches all through the course of the pandemic – the most challenging years in the restaurant industry.

    : Signature Thai Chicken Gai Tod (3pcs)

    Owned and operated by Making Fine Group, the same F&B group behind Tiger Sugar, Gram Cafe & Pancakes, and Chunky Boss, its growth is being driven by the warm reception of the local dining crowd to some of the least known flavors of Thailand from Chiang Mai and Isan – one that goes beyond the usual Pad Thai or Green Chicken Curry.

    Chicken Krapao Platter

    In fact, diners coming to Khao Khai will not find the usual Thai staples on the menu. Instead of Pad Thai, Bagoong Rice, or Tom Yum, they will find Phat Mama, or ramen noodles stir dry; Seafood Khao Soi, a classic and aromatic Northern Thai soup with coconut curry broth, fried egg noodles, shrimps, and squid; Red Beef Curry, which are beef sirloin strips cooked in garlic and red paste with a hint of lime and aromatic Thai lemon grass; and Yaowaraj Fried Rice, or Thai-style chicken fried rice.

    Signature Thai Chicken Gai Yang (Large)

    At the heart of Khao Khai’s menu is its selection of fried and grilled chicken. Their signature Gai Tod fried chicken is battered and done carefully, ensuring the right moisture in the poultry to achieve the perfect outside crisp and a surprisingly flavorful and juicy meat. Meanwhile, Khao Khai also features a Thai grilled chicken dish called Gai Yang, a popular street food in Isan, marinated for nearly half a day before grilling.

    Khao Khai Thai Chicken Gai Tod

    Yet the unsung heroes in Khao Khai may not just be the food, but the sauces, many of which the restaurant does from scratch. Sauces are fundamental to Thai cuisine, and a number of dishes served – most importantly the grilled and fried chicken – are paired with two important ones: the Nam Jim Jaew (fish sauce with herbs and spices, prepared at least 8 hours before service) and Nam Jim Kai (homemade sweet chili sauce).

    Fried Chicken Krapao

    A roll of sides and salad will further parade across the table as diners enjoy many of Khao Khai’s delicacies, including Som Tam and egg salad sauce – allowing guests to appreciate the unique flavors in these parts of Thailand.

    Khao Khai BGC Branch Storefront

    From Som Tam Platter (hand-cut papaya salad) in the vegetable selection to Mango Sticky Rice as an ending to a great meal, Khao Khai brings not just flavors but also the Thai street experience in every restaurant, evident with design that dons all branches and the aromatic and flavorful smell that makes for a signature dining.

    Khao Khai BGC Branch interior

    Khao Khai is located in six other branches in Poblacion, Makati; Del Monte Avenue, Quezon City; Mall of Asia; Santolan Town Plaza; SM Manila; and SM Fairview.

    Chef at Khao Khai BGC

    Deliveries are available via Food Panda and Grab Food.

    Khao Khai BGC Branch

    Check Khao Khai on Instagram @khaokhaiph and Facebook.com/KhaoKhaiPH

    Reference:

    Lariza Garcia