Author: WILMAR NICOLAS DULDULAO

  • Professional Results At Home: Recreating Take-Out Favorites With The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer

    Professional Results At Home: Recreating Take-Out Favorites With The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer

    For all avid home cooks out there, here’s a question we want you to answer truthfully: As much as you love making creations in your own kitchens, how often do you find yourself craving take-out food?

    If your answer is “a lot,” then you’re definitely not alone in your plight. Ordering in is as convenient as it goes, especially now in a time of food delivery services being available anywhere you are. More than that, there’s just something different about enjoying something prepped by your favorite restaurant. The magic lies in not having to slave in front of a stove–and enjoying restaurant-quality dishes in the comfort of your own home.

    But then again, what really is the true meaning of restaurant-level food nowadays? What if we tell you that you can still enjoy the same quality of take-outs by cooking in your kitchen?

    Convenience and quality come in the form of the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer, the new kitchen must-have for every discerning homemaker. The newest in the line of the premium brand’s standout oven models, the Smart Oven Air Fryer boasts an outstanding product DNA that can help anyone create restaurant-quality food at home.

    Versatility-wise, this unit from Breville is packed with ten cooking functions that include toasting, grilling, roasting, slow cooking, and a dedicated air frying function. It also uses a dual-speed convection technology that reduces cooking time by 30 percent so you can enjoy your food faster. What makes the Smart Oven Air Fryer even better, moreover, is that it cooks without oil so you can enjoy healthier versions of your favorite dishes. Thanks to its trademarked Element IQ System—a smart algorithm that helps create the ideal cooking environment for a range of different cooking techniques—the guesswork for the right settings is taken out of the equation, making this unit ideal even for newbie home cooks. It’s like bringing a professional restaurant-level kitchen partner that does the work for you right in your very home.

    If you’re wondering how far you can take your creativity with the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer, here are some recipes that you can try on your own. Fair warning, you might NEVER want to order take-out again after having a bite of them!

    LIME DOUGHNUTS

    Donuts are never a miss if you have a sweet toot. Make your own handcrafted donuts at home by following this recipe.

    975 g Flour, All Purpose

    1.5 g Groceries, Yeast

    20 g Sea Salt

    100 g Refined, sugar

    8 pcs Eggs, raw

    220 ml Water

    130 ml Dairy, Full Cream Milk

    900 g Dairy, Unsalted Butter

    60 ml Groceries, Buttermilk

    20 ml Juice, Lime

    1.5 g Salt, Kosher

    300 ml Vegetable Oil

    400 g Lime

    Doughnut Procedure: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, water, and milk. Whisk in the butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a rubber spatula until the liquid is absorbed and there are no lumps. The mixture will resemble muffin batter. It may look a little lumpy and slightly greasy but be assured that all of the butter will be absorbed by the time the dough rises. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 4 to 6 hours.

    Uncover the bowl and use a rubber spatula to gently loosen the dough from the bowl. Dampen your hands with cool water and slide one hand under one side of the dough. Fold that side of the dough into the center and press it down gently so it adheres to itself. Give the bowl a quarter turn and repeat the folding process two more times. After the fourth fold, flip the dough over so the seams are on the bottom. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours, or overnight.

    Uncover the bowl and repeat the folding procedure in the previous step. Put the dough onto a plastic wrap–lined baking sheet. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and pat the dough into a flattened dome. Refrigerate the dough until it is firm, at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.

    Line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly dust them with flour. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and dust a countertop lightly but evenly with flour. Turn the dough out onto the floured countertop and dust it with flour. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough out to a 3⁄8-inch (9 mm) thickness. Use additional flour if it begins to stick. Use a 3-inch (8 cm) doughnut cutter to cut out the doughnuts and put them onto the parchment-lined pans. Separate the holes from the doughnuts so they may be fried separately. Cover the pans loosely with plastic wrap and let the doughnuts proof for 1 hour. Gently ball up the trimmings from the doughnuts, put them in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until they firm up, at least 1 hour or up to 24. These trimmings may be rerolled to make additional doughnuts.

    Pour 2 inches (5 cm) of oil into a large pot and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 350F (177C). Set a wire rack over a baking sheet. Put 4 to 5 doughnuts at a time in the oil and cook for 1 minute. Use a slotted spoon or spider to flip the doughnuts over and cook them for 1 minute on the other side. Flip one more time and cook for 1 minute more. The doughnuts should be golden brown. Use the slotted spoon to transfer the doughnuts from the oil to the rack to cool. Repeat to cook the remaining doughnuts. To cook the holes, put 12 into the oil at a time and cook for 45 seconds. Use the slotted spoon to turn the holes over and cook for 45 more seconds. Some of the holes may not flip, so use the slotted spoon to stir them in the oil so they cook evenly. Transfer the holes to the wire rack.

    Lime Glaze Procedure: Put the confectioners’ sugar in a bowl and pour in the buttermilk, lime juice, and salt. Use a whisk to stir the mixture together until it forms a smooth glaze. Reserve at room temperature and whisk until smooth before using.

    Dip one side of each doughnut into the glaze, then flip glaze side up and return to the cooling rack.

    Grate the zest of 3 of the limes over the glazed doughnuts.

    Once all the doughnuts are glazed, put the doughnut holes into the bowl with the glaze and grate the zest from the remaining lime into the bowl.

    Use a spoon to mix the holes in the glaze and evenly coat them.

    Transfer the holes to the wire rack and let the glaze harden. Serve once the glaze is firm to the touch, if you can wait that long.

    AIR FRIED INASAL CHICKEN WINGS

    Get your fill of chicken wings with this easy air fryer recipe. Chicken inasal is one of the most famous dishes to be seen in a wide table of Filipino cuisine.

    3 pcs Ginger, thumb

    3 pcs Lemongrass

    500 g Poultry, Chicken WIngs

    2 tbsp Fish sauce

    2 tbsp Garlic powder

    2 tbsp Onion powder

    3 tbsp Atsuete oil

    1 tbsp Black Pepper Crushed

    10 pcs Calamansi (juiced)

    4 pcs Lemon wedge

    Using the Breville Juicer, juice the ginger and lemongrass to make a concentrated extract of ginger and lemongrass.

    Combine the extract in a Ziplock with the chicken wings, fish sauce, soy sauce, calamansi, garlic powder, onion powder, astute oil and ground pepper.

    Shake up the contents of the ziplock to combine thoroughly.

    Allow to marinate for at least 3 hours. Marinate overnight for best results.

    Empty the contents of the ziplock onto the black tray provided with your Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer.

    Air Fry the chicken wings for 12 mins 360 Deg F.

    Serve with lemon wedges.

    Flex your kitchen magic with the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer. For more information about it, check out Breville Philippines’ website or follow their Facebook and Instagram pages.Managing your own space is as fulfilling as it is challenging sometimes. For anyone living in a modern apartment or a condo set-up where every square foot holds its weight in gold, finding the sweet spot between maximizing space and making it conducive for everyday living can be a real struggle.

    It’s because of this need that so many multi-functional and space-saving household essentials shot in popularity in recent years. But how effective are they for other parts of the home where we usually spend a lot of time doing manual work and prep? Case in point: our kitchens.

    Years ago, a regular kitchen was expected to have several appliances to be truly functional. But modern problems require modern solutions, and so a new wave of kitchen partners that can do multiple jobs started taking over households. Think about it: a few years ago, would you have even imagined that you could survive without a stove?

    Now you might say, “This isn’t even possible at present” Well, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer is here to prove you wrong. The latest model from the premium lifestyle brand’s best-selling line of kitchen partners, the Smart Oven Air Fryer is a versatile unit that can do almost anything and everything a home cook needs in their kitchen.

    The model’s dedicated air frying setting is just the tip of the iceberg of its note-worthy line of features. With ten cooking functions that include grilling, slow cooking, baking, roasting, and even a pizza-cooking feature, you can skip having a stove–and a dozen other appliances in your kitchen. Make your favorite roast or whip up your favorite crunchy fries in minutes with its dual-speed convection feature that raises hot air and sinks cold air to reduce the cooking time by 30 percent.

    The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer also has an Element IQ System that makes it ideal even for a newbie home cook. The technology is a smart algorithm feature that helps create the perfect cooking environment for different cooking techniques. The advanced sensing and temperature control of this model promises even cooking all the time, eliminating guesswork for its users.

    In terms of design, the Smart Oven Air Fryer is crafted for ease of use. It comes with a clear and easy-to-understand LCD Display and an interior oven light that automatically turns on at the end of every cooking cycle. Topping these is its sophisticated and sleek aesthetic which makes it so easy to fit in any modern, classy home.

    True enough, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer checks all the boxes a smart homeowner needs from a cooking appliance. It is sleek, versatile, user-friendly, and can elevate anyone’s creativity in the kitchen regardless of their cooking level. Small space or not, this model is a definite must-have for anyone looking for a kitchen partner that can meet their modern needs.

    Do you want to learn more about the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer? Check out their website or follow their Facebook and Instagram pages now for more information.

    REFERENCE:

    Richard Mamuyac

  • HONOR Announces the Global Launch of the HONOR Magic5 Series and HONOR Magic Vs at MWC 2023

    HONOR Announces the Global Launch of the HONOR Magic5 Series and HONOR Magic Vs at MWC 2023

    Bringing its latest flagships to the global market, HONOR empowers smartphone users with human-centric innovations.

    [BARCELONA, SPAIN – February 27, 2023] On the 27th day of February 2023, Global technology brand HONOR has unveiled its new human-centric approach to technology, “Tech to Inspire”, at Mobile World Congress 2023. During the event, HONOR brought its dual-flagship strategy to life in global market, and also announced the global availability of the HONOR Magic5 Series and the HONOR Magic Vs, which are the latest iterations to the successful HONOR Magic Series line-up, all set to deliver a true flagship smartphone experience for users around the world.

    “Committed to addressing the real needs of customers, HONOR adopts a human-centric approach to product innovation, offering intuitive technology solutions to improve the daily lives of everyone,” said George Zhao, CEO of HONOR Device Co, Ltd. “The HONOR Magic5 Pro, our latest flagship all-rounder, and the HONOR Magic Vs, our first foldable flagship to be launched in the global market, push industry benchmarks in every aspect of smartphone user experience, in line with our vision to enable a smarter life for everyone.”

    Introducing the All-New HONOR Magic5 Pro

    Packed with a whole host of significant upgrades, the all-round flagship HONOR Magic5 Pro boasts impressive breakthroughs in design, display, photography and performance, beating several industry benchmarks to deliver a best-in-class user experience.

    The Brand-new Star Wheel Aesthetics with Gaudi Curve

    Adhering to the ‘Eye of Muse’ iconic design, the HONOR Magic5 Pro evolves the concept, redesigning and introducing the Star Wheel Triple Camera system. Paying tribute to Antoni Gaudi, the HONOR Magic5 Pro features symmetry dual-curved ultra-narrow bezels on both sides and a Star Wheel Triple Camera Design sitting as the centerpiece on the back cover, blending the beautiful curves found in natural landscapes and modern architecture into the design of the cutting-edge device, demonstrating the harmonious combination of art and technology.

    A Premium Display Debuts at Top of DXOMARK Rankings

    Featuring a 6.81-inch LTPO Display[1] with a unique Quad-Curved Floating Screen, the HONOR Magic5 Pro guarantees an immersive viewing experience whether users are browsing, gaming or reading. Equipped with a Novel Display Luminance Enhancement Technology, the HONOR Magic5 Series delivers peak HDR brightness of 1800 nits[2], ensuring clear visuals even under bright sunlight. With the Dual-Luminance Calibration for typical 120nits indoor brightness and 800nits outdoor brightness, the HONOR Magic5 Pro provides the industry-leading display color accuracy.

    The HONOR Magic5 Pro also features a Discrete Display Chipset[3] to improve the visual quality of moving images. While offering an always-on high dynamic range (HDR) effect to enhance video clarity, the chipset delivers a higher frame rate with lower power consumption for a smoother, longer gaming experience. Certified with HDR10+ and IMAX Enhanced, the HONOR Magic5 Pro enables users to enjoy videos and movies with optimized picture quality.

    Relieving users’ eye strain, the HONOR Magic5 Pro boasts low blue light emission, as certified by TÜV Rheinland[4], and Dynamic Dimming that simulates natural light to alleviate eye fatigue. Other innovative eye comfort features include Circadian Night Display for improved sleep quality and an industry-first LTPO display with 2160Hz[5] Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Dimming technology to minimize screen flickering, perfect for those who spend long hours in front of their smartphone.

    The HONOR Magic5 Pro turned in an excellent overall display performance, reaching the 1st place of DXOMARK smartphone display ranking with a top score of 151.

    An Unrivaled Camera System Crowned 1st Place in DXOMARK
    The HONOR Magic5 Pro has also taken the first place in DXOMARK global camera ranking with a score of 152, making it the highest camera scoring smartphone tested to date. The HONOR Magic5 Pro features a powerful Triple Main Camera combination comprising a 50MP Wide Camera, a 50MP Ultra Wide Camera, and a 50MP Telephoto Camera[6]. With an increased sensor size for superior light sensing performance, the camera system produces photos in refined detail every time, no matter the lighting conditions. Ultra Fusion Computational Optics, a computational optical algorithm complementing the camera system, drastically improves image clarity at 3.5x-100x zoom, setting the device apart from other smartphones on the market.

    Equipped with the all-new HONOR Image Engine, the HONOR Magic5 Pro debuts an all-new Millisecond Falcon Capture algorithm, enabling users to capture complex scenes with remarkable ease and clarity. Users can also shoot low-light scenes clearly with high speed thanks to Super Night Capture capabilities. In addition, the HONOR Magic5 Pro boasts AI Motion Sensing Capture[7], which is capable of automatically detecting the highest point of a jump and capturing the frame in ultra-high definition. To put the technology to the test, HONOR has partnered with GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS TM, using the HONOR Magic5 Pro automatically to capture the amazing moment of an official world record attempt for the World’s Highest Between The Legs Slam Dunk. 

    Enabling budding creators to produce cinematic-level footage, the HONOR Magic5 Pro features IMAX Enhanced Movie Master, empowering users to shoot and edit stunning videos, all on their smartphone. 

    Enhanced Privacy and Security for All-round Protection

    The HONOR Magic5 Pro features a Dual-TEE Security System co-developed with Qualcomm®, offering hardware-level protection for users’ data. Equipped with a Discrete Security Chipset, the HONOR Magic5 Pro provides maximum security for passwords and biometrics like face IDs and fingerprints.

    Bringing compelling upgrades to AI Privacy Call 2.0[8], HONOR’s groundbreaking solution to sound-leaking, the HONOR Magic5 Pro introduces an industry-first Sound Energy Spatial Control Technology, which generates opposite sound waves to prevent sound leakage for private phone calls. While delivering a 100%[9] improvement in call volume for a clearer communication experience, AI Privacy Call 2.0 ensures that even if the user is in a crowded but quiet environment like an elevator, people nearby cannot clearly catch the caller’s voice.

    Flagship Performance Enabled by Cutting-edge Technology

    Powered by the latest Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform from Qualcomm®, the HONOR Magic5 Pro delivers an unrivalled flagship performance, enabling enhanced productivity and entertainment at all times. With the industry’s first Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standalone antenna architecture, the HONOR Magic5 Pro improves Wi-Fi performance by 200%[10] and reduces Wi-Fi latency by 30%[11] compared to the traditional antenna design in the industry, bringing users ultimate flexibility and mobility for work and play.

    Supporting 66W Wired and 50W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge[12], the HONOR Magic5 Pro packs with a super large 5100mAh[13] battery to deliver a full day of uninterrupted usage.

    Running the latest MagicOS 7.1 based on Android 13, the HONOR Magic5 Pro offers a range of smart features, such as MagicRing for multi-device collaboration and Magic Text for intelligent text recognition, helping users to further boost their productivity.

    Bringing the HONOR Magic Vs Foldable Phone to the Global Market

    As HONOR’s very first foldable flagship to debut outside of China, the HONOR Magic Vs boasts exceptional design, display, and performance upgrades, taking the foldable smartphone experience to the next level. The perfect companion for jet-setting entrepreneurs as well as those who put mobile entertainment above all else, the device offers the ultimate blend of style and substance.

    Robust Meets Portable: Introducing A Groundbreaking Hinge Design

    The HONOR Magic Vs is exceptionally slim and lightweight, measuring just 12.9mm[14] thin when folded and 267g[15] in weight. Despite its compact form factor, the HONOR Magic Vs features a 5000mAh[16] battery, the largest battery capacity among foldable smartphones under 270g that are available today.

    Contributing to the light weight of the HONOR Magic Vs is a revolutionary Super-light Gearless Hinge that has been carefully crafted using single-piece casting technology, reducing the number of structural components from 92 in the previous generation down to just 4[17]. Boasting exceptional durability, the hinge can withstand up to 400,000 folds[18] as tested by TÜV Rheinland, which is equivalent to more than ten years of use based on 100 folds per day, setting a new benchmark for foldable smartphone design.

    Thanks to the sophisticated structure of the hinge, the HONOR Magic Vs folds tightly without a gap and has an almost fully flat screen when unfolded, a feature that competing foldable devices on the market do not offer.

    Dual Display Delivers an Exceptional Viewing Experience

    To help boost productivity to the max, the HONOR Magic Vs features a user-friendly 6.45-inch external display[19] with a 21:9 aspect ratio and a 90% screen-to-body ratio[20]. When unfolded, the HONOR Magic Vs delivers a tablet-like experience with an extra-wide 7.9-inch internal display[21], enabling users to multi-task and view content with remarkable ease.

    Packed with professional eye comfort solutions, the HONOR Magic Vs features Dynamic Dimming, Circadian Night Display, and 1920Hz Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Dimming, the highest frequency ever achieved in the current foldable smartphones markets, to effectively reduce the effects of digital eye strain and fatigue. 

    Superior Configurations for a Powerful User Experience

    The HONOR Magic Vs is equipped with an impressive rear triple camera system comprising a 54MP IMX800 Main Camera, a 50MP Ultra-Wide & Macro Main Camera and an 8MP 3X Optical Zoom Camera, delivering an exceptional photography experience, no matter the shooting scenario[22].

    Powered by the Snapdragon® 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform[23] from Qualcomm, the HONOR Magic Vs delivers enhanced performance with higher power efficiency for a faster and smoother user experience. With HONOR’s Turbo X engines, it strives to bring you longer battery life and a smoother experience.

    The HONOR Magic Vs runs the latest HONOR MagicOS 7.1 based on Android 13. In addition to MagicRing for multi-device collaboration and Magic Text for intelligent text recognition, the foldable flagship features Smart Multi-window and APP Extender to support multi-tasking across applications and within the same application, respectively, helping users save time and achieve more in life.

    Color and Availability

    Designed for adventurous spirits, the HONOR Magic5 Pro is available in Black and Meadow Green[24] while the HONOR Magic5 is available in Black and Blue[25], all inspired by the wonder of nature.

    The HONOR Magic Vs will be available in two stunning colorways, Cyan and Black[26]. 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).

    About HONOR

    HONOR is a leading global provider of smart devices. It is dedicated to becoming a global iconic technology brand and creating a new intelligent world for everyone through its powerful products and services. With an unwavering focus on R&D, it is committed to developing technology that empowers people around the globe to go beyond, giving them the freedom to achieve and do more. Offering a range of high-quality smartphones, tablets, laptops and wearables to suit every budget, HONOR’s portfolio of innovative, premium and reliable products enable people to become a better version of themselves.

    Reference & Media Contact:

    Pao Oga

    PR Manager

    paoo_honor@prl.ph

    09190016898  

    Denis Santos

    Sr. PR Officer

    deniss_honor@prl.ph

    09171745327


    [1] Only available on the Pro version. The Standard version is equipped with a 6.73-inch OLED Display. With a round-corner design on the display, the diagonal length of the screen is 6.81 inches when measured as a standard rectangle (the actual field of view is slightly smaller).

    [2] Only available on the Pro version. The Standard version has a peak HDR brightness of 1600 nits.

    [3] Only available on the Pro version.

    [4] The screen has passed TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certification. This product is not for medical use and does not have a therapeutic function.

    [5] The screen supports a maximum high-frequency PWM dimming of 2160Hz, which takes effect in low-brightness scenarios. Please refer to the actual experience. The phone is not medical equipment and is not available for treatment.

    [6] The camera combination is only available on the Pro version. The Standard version features a 54MP Wide Main Camera, a 50MP Ultra Wide Camera, and a 32MP Telephoto Camera. The pixels of photos and videos may vary depending on different modes. Please refer to the actual situation.

    [7] AI Motion Sensing Capture supports an intelligent high-speed shutter, which quickly captures the wonderful moments of people smiling, jumping, etc., or motions of cats and dogs. The actual effect can vary depending on the scenarios. The standard version also supports this feature.

    [8] AI Privacy Call takes affect at 8 bars of volume and below. This feature reduces sound leakage, but is not completely soundproof, the sense of sound leakage is related to the noise level of the environment. Please refer to your actual experience.

    [9] Data from HONOR labs compared to the previous generation.

    [10] Data from HONOR labs.

    [11] Data from HONOR labs.

    [12] 50W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge is only available on the Pro version. The supported maximum wired charging power is 66W with the original HONOR SuperCharge and cable. And the maximum wireless charging power is 50W with a 50W charging adaptor. Actual data may vary owing to differences in individual products, software versions, application conditions, and environmental factors. Wireless Charger is a separate purchase.

    [13] Typical value. The rated capacity of the non-removable battery is 5,000mAh.

    [14] The HONOR Magic Vs features thickness of 12.9mm (Folded screen) and 6.1mm (Unfolded screen). Product size may vary with its configuration, manufacturing process and measurement methods. Specification details are for reference only.

    [15] Data from HONOR labs. The lightest version weighs 261g which comes in a vegan leather back. Total weight includes battery. Actual weight may vary due to product configurations, manufacturing processes, and measuring methods.

    [16] Typical capacity. The rated capacity is 4900mAh.

    [17] Data from HONOR labs compared with the HONOR Magic V.

    [18] Data from HONOR labs.

    [19] With rounded corners design applying on the display, the diagonal length of the cover screen is 6.45 inches when measured according to the standard rectangle (the actual viewable area is slightly smaller).

    [20] Data from HONOR labs.

    [21] With rounded corners design applying on the display, the diagonal length of the main screen is 7.9 inches when measured according to the standard rectangle (the actual viewable area is slightly smaller).

    [22] The front camera is 16MP. Cameras are available on both interior screen and exterior screen. The pixels may vary with different photo modes. Please refer to the actual situations.

    [23] Qualcomm and Snapdragon are trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries.

    [24] Color availability may vary by region.

    [25] Color availability may vary by region.

    [26] Color availability may vary by region.

  • Sterling Bank of Asia visits Masungi Georeserve for its Environmental Campaign

    Sterling Bank of Asia visits Masungi Georeserve for its Environmental Campaign

    Sterling Bank of Asia’s (SBA) annual CSR Activity, tagged as Kind Heart Gives, turns green this year as they conducted an environmental initiative at Masungi Georeserve in Baras, Rizal.

    Masungi Georeserve is an award-winning conservation project dedicated to conserving the Masungi landscape in Baras, Rizal. Joined by 50 SBA employees, the activity allowed them to participate in the reserve’s “Nurture-a-Grove” reforestation campaign.

    Sterling Bank of Asia is committed to fulfilling its role in upholding environmental and social responsibility.

    “Sterling Bank of Asia takes part in saving the denuded forests around the reserve. It is also one of our ways to strengthen our sustainability efforts and to give back to the environment,” said Arlene Siongco, Head of Human Resources Group at Sterling Bank of Asia.

    “We’d like to thank Masungi Georeserve for welcoming us. Activities such as these are necessary for the company as it is one of the ways we uphold environmental appreciation and conservation,” said Cecilio Paul San Pedro, SBA’s President and CEO.

    In photo: Sterling Bank of Asia employees during the Nurture-A-Grove activity at Masungi Georeserve.

    The Masungi Georeserve project has been awarded for protecting the 60-million-year-old limestone formations and more than 400 species of flora and fauna in Baras, Rizal.

    For more information, visit https://www.sterlingbankasia.com/.

    REFERENCE:

    Lariza Garcia

  • The Stoveless Kitchen: Modern Solutions for Modern Problems

    The Stoveless Kitchen: Modern Solutions for Modern Problems

    Managing your own space is as fulfilling as it is challenging sometimes. For anyone living in a modern apartment or a condo set-up where every square foot holds its weight in gold, finding the sweet spot between maximizing space and making it conducive for everyday living can be a real struggle.

    It’s because of this need that so many multi-functional and space-saving household essentials shot in popularity in recent years. But how effective are they for other parts of the home where we usually spend a lot of time doing manual work and prep? Case in point: our kitchens.

    Years ago, a regular kitchen was expected to have several appliances to be truly functional. But modern problems require modern solutions, and so a new wave of kitchen partners that can do multiple jobs started taking over households. Think about it: a few years ago, would you have even imagined that you could survive without a stove?

    Now you might say, “This isn’t even possible at present” Well, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer is here to prove you wrong. The latest model from the premium lifestyle brand’s best-selling line of kitchen partners, the Smart Oven Air Fryer is a versatile unit that can do almost anything and everything a home cook needs in their kitchen.

    The model’s dedicated air frying setting is just the tip of the iceberg of its note-worthy line of features. With ten cooking functions that include grilling, slow cooking, baking, roasting, and even a pizza-cooking feature, you can skip having a stove–and a dozen other appliances in your kitchen. Make your favorite roast or whip up your favorite crunchy fries in minutes with its dual-speed convection feature that raises hot air and sinks cold air to reduce the cooking time by 30 percent.

    The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer also has an Element IQ System that makes it ideal even for a newbie home cook. The technology is a smart algorithm feature that helps create the perfect cooking environment for different cooking techniques. The advanced sensing and temperature control of this model promises even cooking all the time, eliminating guesswork for its users.

    In terms of design, the Smart Oven Air Fryer is crafted for ease of use. It comes with a clear and easy-to-understand LCD Display and an interior oven light that automatically turns on at the end of every cooking cycle. Topping these is its sophisticated and sleek aesthetic which makes it so easy to fit in any modern, classy home.

    True enough, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer checks all the boxes a smart homeowner needs from a cooking appliance. It is sleek, versatile, user-friendly, and can elevate anyone’s creativity in the kitchen regardless of their cooking level. Small space or not, this model is a definite must-have for anyone looking for a kitchen partner that can meet their modern needs.

    Do you want to learn more about the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer? Check out their website or follow their Facebook and Instagram pages now for more information.

    REFERENCE:

    Richard C. Mamuyac

  • Henry & Sons to bring new life to local coffee market

    Henry & Sons to bring new life to local coffee market

    Henry & Sons, the leading supplier of premium coffee products and services in the country, continues its mission to bring the local coffee industry to the international spotlight with their commitment to providing premium and quality education to aspiring baristas.

    “With the rising demand for specialty coffee in the ever-growing coffee market, Henry & Sons is determined to provide aspiring baristas with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed,” said Michael Harris Conlin, Henry & Sons president and CEO.

    Conlin said the company recently signed a memorandum of agreement with the National University Laguna to establish the Global Coffee School (GCS) in Calamba City.

    GCS courses are recognized and offered in over 40 cities worldwide. The company provides comprehensive educational courses to equip aspiring baristas with the necessary skills and knowledge to create the best coffee products.

    Courses include instruction on brewing methods and techniques, the science of coffee production, and different types of coffee drinks. Baristas will also be given hands-on experience with the most up-to-date coffee equipment, enabling them to develop their skills and gain the confidence needed to become top coffee professionals.

    Conlin, a former Philippine National Barista Champion and semi-finalist in the World Barista Championship, said the collaboration aims to elevate Laguna Liberica to a global coffee brand and teach aspiring baristas in Laguna the skills they need to become sought-after in the coffee industry.

    Last year, Conlin represented Laguna’s Liberica and Benguet’s Arabica at the Global Coffee Championship in Korea. Laguna’s Liberica won silver in the latte competition, while Benguet’s Arabica bagged bronze in the brewer competition.

    According to experts, the Philippine coffee industry is expected to generate $6.3 billion this year or P345 billion.

    Conlin, however, said 97% of the coffee in the country is imported.

    “Our local coffee farmers do not benefit from the billions of revenue generated by the coffee industry. If this continues, Philippine-grown coffee is at risk of extinction. This is a loss not only for our economy but also for our culture and heritage,” he said.

    Conlin noted that the program aims to help Mabato coffee farmers introduce their products to the international market and provide stability and sustainability for their livelihoods.

    He also encouraged people to buy coffee sourced from local farmers to support them.

    Recently, Henry & Sons’ opened two new branches of The Giving Café (TGC) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños and SM Marikina.

    TGC is part of the company’s social enterprise program established to support the Foundation for Sustainable Coffee Excellence (FSCE) in its drive to make the Philippines a major player in the global coffee industry through sustainable local coffee farming.

    The FSCE has been supporting farms in La Trinidad, Benguet, for some years now to help and provide farmers and their families with essential needs such as irrigation, medicines, and educational assistance.

    DTI Laguna witnessed the Ceremonial Signing of Memorandum of Agreement between National University Laguna and Henry and Sons PHTrading and Manufacturing Company, Inc. for the establishment of the Global Coffee School (GCS) Philippine Operations in Calamba City, Laguna. Present during the event were the executives of NU Laguna, Mr. Michael Harris Lim of Henry & Sons, Laguna Vice Governor Karen Agapay, and representatives of Calamba City Congresswoman CHA Hernandez and Calamba City Mayor Ross Rizal.

    Opened in July 2017, Henry & Sons opened TGC to provide a haven for coffee lovers. The café serves comfort food, such as champorado, sopas, and arroz caldo, and Chinese dishes, including yang chow, Taiwanese fried chicken, and sweet and sour pork.

    For more information, visit www.henryandsons and www.thevault.ph.

    REFERENCE:

    Lariza Garcia

  • Jolly Empowers Home Cooks By Feeding Their Creativity In The Kitchen

    Jolly Empowers Home Cooks By Feeding Their Creativity In The Kitchen

    They say the easiest way to someone’s heart is through the stomach. For many homemakers, especially moms, this is very much true the moment they step into the kitchen. One simply gets an unexplainable feeling when you put the time and effort into preparing something special for the people who matter to you the most. The same also goes, of course, if you’re at the receiving end of such a selfless effort.

    While moms are real geniuses in the kitchen, however, there are also some downtimes when inspiration can run low. Fortunately, Jolly is here to curb that challenge for our home cooks. As the leading brand of packed fruit and vegetable products, Jolly brings convenience straight into our pantries by giving us easy access to fresh ingredients. The brand—which was born from the vision of empowering homemakers and unlocking their creative potential in the kitchen—has continuously enabled this by providing freshly packed fruits and vegetables straight into our pantries. This convenience, combined with the high quality of its products, has made Jolly a market leader in its industry and a top choice among home cooks.

    To prove this, we had some moms take on the challenge of creating something special for their loved ones using some of Jolly’s best-sellers. Stephanie Lontoc of StefTheMomma shared one classic dish that never fails to impress her family—Creamy Beef with Mushrooms made with beef sirloin and her go-to Jolly Mushrooms and Jolly Cream of Mushroom Soup! It’s the perfect dish to make if you want to impress without spending too much time in the kitchen as it can only take thirty minutes to prep and cook! Watch her quick recipe here to cop it.

    (video link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CnBwgh0J6gL/ )

    Dyosa The Momma is another big fan of the tatak Jolly love. For her, she loves how she can still make healthy but also affordable dishes that never fail to be big hits for her family. One of her go-to recipes is Pork Picadillo which is perfect for all types of occasions . The dish is colorful, easy to make, and most of all, delicious and healthy. Go watch her recipe here

    (video link: https://www.facebook.com/dyosathemomma/videos/1317862722317855)

    For the recipe, she used Jolly Premium Sliced Mushrooms, Jolly Green Peas and Jolly Garbanzos to make sure that the dish is bursting with flavor and nutrition. More than the convenience and easy access to these ingredients, she also loves how Jolly makes everything easier for the budget.

    “With a growing family, dapat mas mindful na tayo sa gastos. Kaya hindi dapat mahal ang delicious meals. Konting creativity lang, pwedeng i-level up ang delicious meal. Kapag nabibigay mo ang sarap at sustansya, yan ang Jolly Love.”

    Versatility is also something that’s very important in the kitchen. Thankfully, with easy access to fresh ingredients, you will never run out of dishes to try. The Peach Kitchen proves this by creating her version of Ginataang Gulay using Jolly products . She shares, “Isa sa paraan natin ng pagpaparamdam ng pagmamahal natin sa pamilya natin ay ang pagluluto natin para sa kanila. Kaya naman as much as possible gusto natin na masarap at healthy ang hinahanda natin para sa kanila.”

    Check out her recipe below: (video link: https://www.facebook.com/PeachKitchen/videos/1812729012435899/ )

    Jolly is a brand that was created by a family for families. Since its conception, it knows that when it comes to expressing love, Filipino households use the language of food to make connections and express their emotions. Still the undisputed leading brand of freshly packed fruits, vegetables, and other pantry essentials, it continues to fulfill its promise of empowering home cooks by expanding their creativity in the kitchen through its wide range of products. When you put your heart into every food you make and when you never run out of ideas in the kitchen, #YanAngJollyLove!

    Shop your favorite Jolly products in leading supermarkets nationwide or online via Ace Market, Lazada, and Shopee. Don’t forget to follow their Instagram and Facebook accounts to keep updated on their latest news and offers.

    REFERENCE:

    Richard C. Mamuyac

  • Philippine Veterans Bank invites cyclists to join Ride for Valor 2023

    Philippine Veterans Bank invites cyclists to join Ride for Valor 2023

    The Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) invites everyone to join the Ride for Valor, a bike-for-a-cause event on March 5, 2023 to raise funds for the maintenance of the Bataan Death March markers and other World War 2 heritage sites.

    Mike Villa-Real, PVB first vice president for marketing and communications, said the event, which is in partnership with the Department of National Defense, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, Provincial Government of Bataan and Wartime Heritage Guild-Philippines, aims to preserve the legacy of Filipino and American soldiers who fought for freedom and democracy during World War 2.

    The Bataan Death March is a somber reminder of the bravery and selflessness of Filipino veterans during the Second World War. It is an essential part of Philippine history and culture, and the Ride for Valor is an important way of honoring the veterans and preserving their legacy. Plus rider get to learn more about this

    historic event as they will be be traversing the actual route of the Death March; he said.

    The ride is open to fully vaccinated cyclists and all types of bikes with brakes.

    Villa-Real said the event will start at 6 a.m. from the Kilometer Zero in Mariveles, Bataan, to Capas National Shrine in Tarlac.

    The non-competitive bike ride will have four pitstops: Mt. Samat, Balanga Provincial Capitol’s The Bunker, San Fernando Train Station, and Angeles Museum. Giveaways will be given in selected pitstops.

    Villa-Real said participants may ride at their own pace, adding there will be a 12-hour cut-off during thee vent.

    He noted that the event will also implement a ;No Helmet, No Ride; policy to ensure the safety of the participants.

    Villa-Real also said a mechanic will be available to help those who encounter mechanical difficulties, while roving marshals will be present to keep track of the riders; progress. Support vehicles are allowed, but riders should only ride in the vehicle if they choose to drop out of the event.

    The registration fee for the Ride for Valor is P1,000, which includes an official event shirt, a race bib, at rucker cap, a loot bag, an e-certificate, and meals.

    Interested individuals may register online at bit.ly/rideforvalor2023 until March 1, while groups may email rideforvalor@gmail.com.

    Participants may also register onsite at RD Cycles Libis Branch and RD Cycles Timog Branch.

    Those who will join the bike ride must download the Traqs Philippines app to enter the event.

    Prior to the bike ride, we will be raffling off an overnight stay for lucky joiners, and on March 5, we will be

    giving two bikes as well as hotel gift checks and other exciting prizes to our raffle winners,; Villa-Real added.

    Organized by Without Limits PH – IGEM, Ride for Valor 2023 is co-presented by Traqs Philippines,

    OneLGC, AIR21, Panahon.TV, and the Integrated Waste Management Inc. Sponsors include Neo Zigma

    PH, Hotel Sogo, Booster C Energy Shot, and Fitbar.

    The Bataan Death March is one of the darkest chapters in Philippine history, where around 80,000 Filipino

    and American soldiers were forced to march more than 100 kilometers in grueling conditions by Japanese

    forces in 1942.

    Thousands of soldiers survived but many also died due to starvation, dehydration, diseases, and the

    brutality of Japanese captors. The markers serve as reminders of the tragedy and heroism that occurred

    during that period.

    PVB is a private, commercial bank owned by World War 2 veterans and their families. With Its new Charter

    signed into law, the Banks ownership now includes Post War Veterans and AFP Retirees.

    For more information about the event, follow Ride for Valor on Facebook at

    www.facebook.com/RideForValorPH.

  • Listen, Think, Feel, with the New Song from The Dawn

    Listen, Think, Feel, with the New Song from The Dawn

    “Is love still a thing?”

    This can easily be a line in a love song. But, this is a question raised by one of the country’s original rock bands, The Dawn, in their new song “Earth.”

    Known for its anthem songs like “Salamat” and “Iisang Bangka,” “Earth” asks the existential question especially amid all the political, social, and even personal uncertainties.

    The Dawn frontman Jett Pangan explains, “We, as human beings, when we’re faced with troubles that seem insurmountable, we tend to look the other way. Maybe not to say we’re in denial, it’s more of the fear of the unknown. It’s been a struggle to be a human being. There’s always the question, can we go on like this? Is this the way we’re supposed to deal with things? Is there a better way?”

    He pointed out that it’s not condescending but, in fact he asks himself the same question. The pandemic also raised that big question. “We’re all hoping that after all these we become better people,” he said.

    Trust The Dawn to come up with a song that is timely and relevant. The society has seen a rise in mental health concerns among the youth. In fact, in a study by the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI), it highlighted that between 2013 and 2021, there are twice the number of young Filipinos who felt loneliness, sadness, and being disliked.

    One of the band’s guitarists Rommel “Sancho” Sanchez, emphasized that “Is love still a thing,” can also be read as “is empathy still a thing?” Sanchez said that with the mode of communications now, it’s easy to be snarky. Their hope is that through this song and with this one powerful line, people will pause, reflect, and hope that they can be a little kinder.

    Apart from the significance of its lyrics, there are a lot of reasons that make “Earth” distinct.

    It was recorded during the pandemic and every member of the group had to record individually. The Dawn drummer JB Leonor shared he made a story with the drum parts alone. There’s a reason for every note of the drum.

    “Earth” is the last song that their bassist Mon Legaspi recorded before he passed away. And it was an ode to him that they committed to finish the track.

    Sanchez was the last one to record the guitar parts. “I lost the recordings when my hard drive failed. We had to ask permission from Mon’s sister and asked a friend to help extract his parts. It was really difficult for me to record my parts,” he said.

    The song itself went through a lot and now that it’s here, it is definitely a treat not only to the loyal fans of The Dawn but to everyone who appreciates great music.

    The reception to “Earth” inspires the band to keep on going. Credit goes to Francis “Kiko” Reyes, one of the guitarists, who said that during the pandemic, the band continued to connect creatively. Pangan enthused that with all his rally calls and with the reception to the new song, all fingers point to a new collection of songs, or an EP.

    Recognizing also how dynamic the music industry is these days, The Dawn wants to make sure they are a part of it. He added that the labels and genres now are blurred and people are more accepting when they listen to music. They do not specify if a song is too rock or too hiphop.

    Through the years, The Dawn has been blessed with a platform to be heard and this time, it’s their new song “Earth.” There’s no line to cross now that music has melded in all genres. And The Dawn has a lot to offer and being a true rockstar that they are, they are just going where music takes them. No pigeonholing, just true love for music.

    Listen to The Dawn’s Earth now on Spotify and YouTube.

    REFERENCE:

    Lariza Garcia