DULDULAO DOT NET This Day & Beyond

Category: Food & Beverages

  • 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

  • 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

  • PCPPI champions quality excellence culture

    PCPPI champions quality excellence culture

    Quality assurance and food safety are at the core of Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc.’s (PCPPI) operations. The organization recently reinforced their commitment to uphold excellence in line with PCPPI and PepsiCo’s observance of World Quality Month this November.

    “Customer satisfaction drives our commitment to excellence at PCPPI. We encourage employees to perform beyond expectations in line with our vision to be the country’s leading beverage company,” said PCCPI president and CEO Frederick D. Ong.

    Compliance to stringent safety regulations ensures quality at PCPPI. All facilities received the Safety Seal Certification from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), certifying all plants and offices practice public health standards and occupational safety and health standards set by the government. PCPPI was also recognized for its compliance and enforcement efforts of COVID-19 health standards.

    Accreditation and Certification

    The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is among the various organizations conducting regular audits on PCPPI’s facilities. Aside from ensuring compliance to food safety regulations, the FDA reviews PCPPI’s implementation of Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and compliance to the provisions of the facilities’ Licenses to Operate.

    Currently, six of PCPPI plants have retained their Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) V5.1 through a comprehensive audit by reputable testing, inspection and certification authority SGS in early 2022. PCPPI’s plant in San Fernando, Pampanga also completed the first McDonald’s Social Welfare Accountability (SWA) and Supplier Quality Management System Audit (SQMS).

    Quality and Food Safety Training

    At PCPPI, development programs are in place to support ongoing learning for employees and business partners. Since 2015, over 1,800 employees and partners have enrolled in Level 1 Capability Building Program courses to broaden their understanding about quality assurance and food safety. Courses include Food Fraud Mitigation, Vulnerability Risk Assessment, and Statistical Process Control.

    PCPPI’s pool of PepsiCo-certified site expert trainers have also conducted nearly 5,000 training hours. Certified training leaders have also completed courses focused on improving product quality and productivity.

    Fostering Values through Engagement

    Among PCPPI’s initiatives to further enhance the company-wide commitment to excellence are regular communication on policy updates, as well as best practice sharing across teams. Employees also undergo refresher courses on managing customer feedback in compliance with national regulations.

    The organization’s focus on ensuring product and service quality goes beyond mere process. PCPPI upholds excellence as one of its core values. “Excellence is a shared responsibility. By holding ourselves accountable to our standards, we aim to continuously inspire our employees to remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering the best value to all our stakeholders,” added Ong.

    PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country. It sells well-known brands such as Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton, Milkis, Aquafina, and Premier.

    REFERENCE:

    Lariza Garcia

  • Greenfield District holds Celebrity ‘Car Boot Sale’

    Greenfield District holds Celebrity ‘Car Boot Sale’

    Since Christmas is just around the corner, Greenfield Development Corp. (GDC) will hold a “Car Boot Sale” featuring celebrities and influencers from November 18 to 20 at the Mayflower Parking Area of Greenfield District.

    Atty. Duane A.X. Santos, GDC executive vice president, said the event is in celebration of the Food Truck Fest’s first anniversary. It is the biggest gathering of food trucks parked regularly in one venue in Metro Manila.

    “We added the Car Boot Sale to complement the Food Truck Fest, which offers a unique and safe al fresco dining experience to the public with 18 food trucks set up at the heart of Mandaluyong’s Greenfield District,” he said, adding strict health protocols are in place to ensure the safety of the public.

    This year, Santos said GDC invited celebrities and influencers, including Maxine Medina, Kim Baranda, Jome Silayan, Louise delos Reyes, Chris Tan, Karel Marquez and Kevin Ty, to sell pre-loved items, plants, food, and other products.

    “We wanted to have a shopping component that would go well with the Food Truck Fest, especially during the ‘Ber months’ so we came up with the concept where vehicles will serve as merchants’ stores,” he explained.

    Santos also encouraged entrepreneurs, including startups, to sell their products and test the market.

    He said the event also aims to raise awareness among the public on supporting local sellers and protecting the environment by using reusable bags.

    “Soon, we intend to come up with more interesting and fun activities and offer a possible venue for outdoor corporate events like product launches, especially since it already has a captured market,” Santos added.

    The Car Boot Sale: Celebrity Edition will operate from 4 pm until 12 midnight, while the Food Truck Fest runs daily from Monday to Thursday, 12 noon until 10 pm, and Friday to Sunday, from 12 noon until 12 midnight.

    Greenfield District is a cutting-edge development that redefines the future of Mandaluyong. Its green spaces and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods are just some features worth mentioning about this innovative cityscape.

    GDC’s 15-hectare urban development has become an emerging destination in Metro Manila for outdoor activities that promote holistic health. It is home to future-ready condominiums, Twin Oaks Place and Zitan, which showcase GDC’s commitment towards providing quality living spaces while promoting wellness among its residents.

    With GDC’s food park, condominium residents of Greenfield District can enjoy a fun night out with their friends and family. With the Food Truck Fest situated conveniently near them, this area is accessible from major business districts around Metro Manila.

    For more information, visit www.greenfield.com.ph, www.facebook.com/greenfielddistrict, www.instagram.com/greenfielddistrictretail.

    REFERENCE:

    Lariza Garcia

  • World winning Laguna Liberica Coffee soon to be available at The Giving Café: UPLB!

    World winning Laguna Liberica Coffee soon to be available at The Giving Café: UPLB!

    Residents of Laguna along with tourists will soon get to taste Sta. Maria town’s Liberica Coffee that recently won the Silver award in Signature Coffee Award: Latte at the Global Coffee Championship in Korea. The global winning coffee of farmers from Santa Maria, Laguna will be available at The Giving Café (TGC) in UPLB that opened yesterday. The store is located at the UPLB’s Student Union’s Soda Fountain.

    “The Giving Cafe, a Social Enterprise by Henry & Sons, aims to build a beautiful coffee future by helping coffee farmers through its advocacy arm, The Foundation for sustainable coffee excellence (FSCE),” shares Michael Harris Conlin, 2019 PH Barista Champion and President and CEO of Henry and Sons.

    Proceeds of TGC: UPLB will support its adopted coffee community, Barangay Juan Santiago, Santa Maria in Laguna. Barangay Juan Santiago coffee farming community is home to 38 families with 85,000 Liberica and Excelsa trees, the largest concentration of Liberica and Excelsa in Laguna and possibly in the entire Calabarzon. The funds raised by TGC: UPLB will be used towards bio-dynamic farming practices, improving harvesting, processing, and the communities much needed coffee drying solutions.

    Henry & Sons, in partnership with UPLB leadership, makes what’s old new again by bringing back the Student Union’s Soda Fountain cafeteria to life with mouthwatering home-cooked meals, ice cream, and coffee. Flank by TGC’s iconic cozy antique furniture, lighting, and books, the space is designed to encourage students, faculty, and visitors to strengthen the community around them and encourage to indulge in giving.

    The Giving Café, with over 80 food and beverage offerings, is a hybrid restaurant and coffee shop that aims to contribute to the betterment of the local coffee industry and be part of something beyond the business. A place for comfort, The Giving Café is designed to be a safe haven for people looking to indulge in coffee experiences served with both excellence and compassion. The Giving Cafe focuses on bridging the community around it with the farming communities it adopts.

    Beyond the advocacy, The Giving Café also offers guests multi-sensory experiences highlighting Henry& Sons’ F&B expertise. “We want to everyone to enjoy, eat well and indulge in giving by supporting laguna coffee farmers with every cup of coffee you purchase,” Conlin, adds.

    TGC will also be featuring its popular Bloom Coffee collection, which is a unique line of coffees created by Henry & Sons to generate funds that will support the following purposes:

    BEANS FOR THE LITTLE ONES – access to basic health necessities

    BEANS WITHIN REACH – access to programs promoting traceability and accessibility

    COFFEE FOR GREAT MINDS – access to education

    CUP TO SEED – access to livelihood and harvest implements

    THE GIVING WELL – access to clean and potable water.

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

    REFERENCE:

    Lariza Garcia

  • Discover Malabon’s Best of the Best

    Discover Malabon’s Best of the Best

    Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022 happens November 18 – 19.

    With Christmas just around the corner, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry Malabon (PCCI Malabon) is opening the city’s doors and inviting everyone to discover Malabon’s best of the best as it holds the first ever Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022. The event is in partnership with the Local Government of Malabon with the support from Honorable Mayor Jeannie Sandoval.

    Event starts tomorrow, Friday, November 18 until Saturday November 19 at the Malabon Sports Complex. Explore the homegrown treasures of the city. You will be surprised to see how Malabon’s food business landscape is thriving from local delicacies to food products as well as the value chain in the food industry from equipment, tools, packaging, and distribution network in the city.

    Through this expo, PCCI Malabon is creating a platform to help push Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) to grow and thrive. In line with the organization vision to be the voice of business owners and entrepreneurs and its mission to provide technical assistance through job matching, credit access and financial planning, and digital transformation in marketing.

    The expo is the testament to PCCI Malabon’s goal of fostering and position Malabon as the Philippines primary food industry hub and leading supply chain through warehouse and distribution facilities, according to PCCI Malabon President Elsie Chua.

    “The Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022 provides a platform for our Malabon MSMEs to showcase our products and services that are proudly ‘Made in Malabon.’ Being a businesswoman who slowly built Melawares 45 years ago, I firmly believe in the power of mentoring and the right support. Through projects like this expo, we are giving them the chance to grow so they too can thrive together with the homegrown Malabon business big brothers and sisters like Liwanag Candle, Rufina’s Patis, Master Sardines, Dolor’s Kakanin, Melawares or Remilly’s Yema Cake,” Chua said.

    The event is free admission to the public — just present your government issued ID to register.

    The two-day expo is filled with fun activities with learning and inspirational sessions. If you are online, you can join the event through the live and interactive online selling on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PCCIMalabonInc.

    To maximize the experience, join the expo onsite. Learn from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) food safety program on how to keep shelf life of food and BIST/ financing support program. From the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) / Small Business Corporation is about credit access financing program. Also, KMME Program and BMBE Program. Learn from Francorp Philippines on how to grow their business through franchising.

    To further ignite the passion from our MSMEs, Philippines esteemed entrepreneurs will share some inspiring talks to be led by Vice President of FFCCCII Cecilio Pedro of Founder and CEO, Lamoiyan Corporation and Mrs Natividad Cheng, Founder and CEO, Uratex and Ms. Tess Ngantian, Owner of Lotsa Pizza and AVP, PCCI National.

    Guest can also watch out for the live cooking demonstration by celebrity Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou and learn how to create brand marketing from Mr. Ian John White Hyndman, Manager Partner of Dagaz Consultancy from Dubai, UAE.

    Plan your itinerary tomorrow and on Saturday and head on to Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022. Tara na, Masarap sa Malabon!

    The expo was made possible by Platinum Sponsors Melawares / Max Ideas and Spring Oil; Gold Sponsors include CDO, Dolores Kakanin, Remilly Cake, Ni Hao Express, Jamicos, Eagle Food, and Fudsource, and; Silver sponsors Pares Ave, Universal Canning, Manila Cocktails, Longlife, and Ideal Spaghetti.

    REFERENCE:

    Lariza Garcia

  • Ginebra San Miguel unveils 2023 Calendar Girl

    Ginebra San Miguel unveils 2023 Calendar Girl

    Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) introduces Filipino-British actress and Queen of the Dance Floor Yassi Pressman as its 2023 Calendar Girl in an event attended by friends from media, social media celebrities, GSMI dealers, and other brand ambassadors.

    Yassi was surprised and honored when she got a call that she was chosen to be the newest member of the GSMI family. “Being a part of such a great legacy is something that is going to be a milestone in my life,” says Yassi. “It’s really something special to be part of a company that serves world-class quality products, and it means a lot to me that they chose me to be a part of the brand,” she continued.

    It was the first time again, after two years, that the event was held face-to-face. “We are excited to finally hold our Ginebra San Miguel 2023 Calendar Girl launch live again! For us, this launch also signals the atmosphere for next year. The pandemic has affected many Filipinos, but now is the time to recover—armed with Bagong Tapang, to dream and hope again, and to spread that positivity to others,” says Marketing Manager Ron Molina.

    With the theme “Queen of the Barangay,” the calendar features Yassi as a modern Filipina that is able to adjust to the new normal with positivity and productivity through her “matapang,” “ganado,” and “never-say-die” attitude.

    YASSI AS “QUEEN OF THE BARANGAY”

    Yassi prepared herself physically and mentally to be the best representation of what an ideal Ginebra calendar girl should be. She admits that prior to her selection, she was always trying to keep herself fit. “Of course, there were times that I also had to give in to my cravings, but at the end of the day, I knew my priority was to be stronger, healthier, and happier.”

    Preparing for the calendar shoot, Yassi pushed herself to do weight training, boxing, and having a healthy diet. “My fitness journey helped me become a better version of myself.” As for her mental preparation, she just kept in mind Ginebra’s taglines like “Ganado sa Buhay,” and “Never-Say-Die.”

    With Yassi’s positivity and optimism in life, her personality shined through the six layouts of the Ginebra San Miguel 2023 calendar. The photo shoot was also done on location after two years, reflecting the relaxed and open atmosphere we anticipate in the coming year.

    The six layouts are inspired by different cocktail mixes. The first one is “Ginsu Mix” set in an auto repair shop, reminding the importance of hard work and passion in everything we do. The second layout is “Calamansi Surprise,” showing Yassi amidst greenery and nature.  

    “Kula-Orange Fizz” is the third layout, featuring a background filled with dried pampas grass with wooden trays where one can display spirits and mix cocktails. According to Yassi, she could relate to this design as she had her dream home renovated recently, which now features a lot of touches of brown wood furniture and neutral shades. “I also have a mini bar in my living room–an open space to bond with my family and friends.”

    The fourth layout is the “Velocity Mix,” something that seems like it’s from a blockbuster summer movie complete with a ref full of Ginebra products. While “Sky Prisma” is the fifth layout, also in a beach setting, but this time with a picturesque sunset in the background. Last is the “Mango Daiquiri,” where Yassi is magnified by a bonfire by the beach, the best place to experience Ginebra’s creative cocktails and concoctions. Just don’t forget your coolers and ice boxes for that perfect night!

    Personally, it was hard for Yassi to choose a favorite among the six calendar layouts, but she has a bias toward the “Velocity Mix.” “It’s because I always enjoy beach time with family and friends–a ‘ginstronomic’ trip with our favorite food and gin. The drink also has candies and gummies–the perfect combo for me, as it is sweetness with a kick!”

    YASSI ON BEING A MODERN FILIPINA

    During the pandemic, the actress and entrepreneur has gained new discoveries about herself–a new purpose, pride, and passion that resonates not only with her family but the whole barangay.

    As an empowered Filipina woman, Yassi owns multiple businesses, knows how to tend to her organic garden, fixes things at home, and concocts rejuvenating drinks for herself and her family—all while fulfilling her commitments in the entertainment industry.

    With her self-discovery, Yassi also realized to be kinder to herself and has become the “matapang” woman she is by refusing to let difficult circumstances pull her down. “When I was younger, my father always advised me to keep trying because, as he said—if you try and try and you succeed, you’re going to be happy, but if you try and try and you fail, I’ll be there to catch you,” says Yassi. Her family, the source of her “tapang,” made her fearless in the face of whatever trials or tribulations she may face.

    Despite her personal struggles, Yassi continues to hone the talents that she already has and allows her inner beauty to radiate, too, in order to inspire others. According to her, she shows her most natural self online and sometimes even reveals some not-so-glamorous side of a celebrity because she believes that it would be healthy for people, especially the youth, to see that genuine side of her.

    “I am open to everybody [on social media] about my battles and journey toward being healthier and stronger,” says the 2023 Ginebra calendar girl. “Whenever I get messages from little girls or any netizen saying that I inspire them to dance, act, and to keep moving forward, it gives me the ‘ganado’ feeling and hope and aspiration to empower more women!”

    If there are things that the pandemic or the recent months have made women realize, it’s that they can accomplish things that are not expected from them and deliver more than the ordinary. “I think Ginebra San Miguel chose me because I embody courage, passion, and its never-say-die spirit. Growing up in showbusiness, you’d experience a lot of rejections and comments from people, and while we know we should just brush them off—especially the non-constructive criticisms—they sometimes get to you,” adds Yassi.

    But amid all these rejections and disappointments in the past, Yassi just soldiered on, keeping a “never say die” attitude. Eventually, she became unstoppable, brimming with positivity and personality, allowing her to rise above the crowd.

    As “Queen of the Barangay,” Yassi and her friends know how to have a good time—with good music and drinks, as seen on her social media posts. “We love theme parties; the last one we did was about sunflowers. We also did disco and Coachella.”

    The new brand ambassador also shared that her favorite gin drink is the GSM Blue Mojito because of its light taste and her friends can easily enjoy the drink by just simply putting ice or adding any fruits like pineapple for a fruity flavor.

    As GSM’s newest brand ambassador, Yassi hopes to spread positivity and continue to inspire and empower women and the youth—sharing the “ganado” spirit with her 28 million followers on social media.

    THE GINEBRA CALENDAR TRADITION

    The Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl is a long-held tradition in GSMI and an important part of the brand’s history. Since its inception in 1988, beauty queens, actresses, and models who have made their mark in their respective fields have graced the Ginebra San Miguel calendar. Among them were Marian Rivera (2009 and 2014), Anne Curtis (2011), Solenn Heusaff (2012), Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach (2019), Sanya Lopez (2020), and Chie Filomeno (2022).

    GSMI is the producer of Ginebra San Miguel, the world’s largest-selling gin, according to the leading global drinks journal Drinks International. GSMI’s other quality distilled spirits include GSM Blue Light Gin, GSM Blue Mojito, GSM Blue Margarita, GSM Blue Gin Pomelo, Ginebra San Miguel Premium Gin, 1834 Premium Distilled Gin, Antonov Vodka, Añejo Gold Rum, Primera Light Brandy, and the Philippines’ no. 1 Chinese wine Vino Kulafu.

    For more details, log on to www.ginebrasanmiguel.com or visit the official Ginebra San Miguel Facebook page www.facebook.com/BarangayGinebra.

    REFERENCE:

    Ed Uy

  • Balai Palmera Pursues Passion By Helping Other Businesses

    Balai Palmera Pursues Passion By Helping Other Businesses

    In 2019, during the height of the restriction caused by the pandemic, Chef Ryan Dimapilis, President of Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center, keeps himself busy by thinking of ways to keep his business afloat as well as his employees employed. “I’m a firm believer that we, Pinoys, are very resilient and at the same time supportive and loyal in many ways. This was strongly proven during the pandemic when many businesses turn online to sell their products. Most of our clients at first were mostly family and friends, which branched out and reached many more people who find our products worth a try,” he shared.

    A Eureka Moment!

    Along with his partners and staff, Balai Palmera concocted their version of Calabarzon’s beloved Buko Pie, which has led to a new triumph for the company. Gathering supplies from local suppliers from Laguna and Quezon, Balai Palmera uses all-fresh and no-preservative Buko Pie that instantly gained patrons in Silang and nearby municipalities in Cavite. As soon as restrictions were eased out and news spread out, Balai Palmera’s kitchen became so busy with hundreds of orders of this Buko Pie day after day.

    “As much as we want to concentrate on this success, as a businessman, I know that there other smaller businesses that need help to bounce back from the pandemic. So, as soon as we were able to reopen some of our other businesses, we started reaching out to local manufacturers to promote and even sell their products in our Pasalubong Centers,” he added.

    From one Pasalubong Center, Balai Palmera recently expanded its footprint by opening one more Pasalubong Center in Silang providing more choices and convenience to its customers. This extensive and expasive center carries other local brands that made their way to the palette of domestic and international guests of the region.

    One-Stop Pinoy Favorite Shop

    Balai Palmera takes pride in its merchandise for only being 100% Pinoy-made but also being DTI-approved.

    “This goes to show that how dedicated we are in making our customers’ visit to our Pasalubong Centers an experience they would love to do again and again. By having DTI-approved products in shops, we are bringing the best of the region within their arms reach,” Dimapilis happily shared.

    Aside from Buko Pie, Balai Palmera guests can also enjoy locally produced Pedro’s Kangkong Chips, J. Fernandez’s Chichapop, Nikimat’s Tahong Chips, Binan’s Okoy, Pastillas De Leche, Banana Chips, Mushroom Cracklings, Calamansito, Basimatsi, Coco Jam, Jacobina, Biscocho, Piaya Ube, and R&l Chicharon.

    From healthy snacks to filling and heartwarming pastries and bread, one can also find comfort and enjoyment in Balai Palmera’s version of Chocolate Almond Babka, Raisin Bread as well as Ensyamada which use local ingredients from local manufacturers.

    “While we continue to pray for the day to come where we are all safe and free to move around again, we will keep working with various industry leaders to create a collaborative effort that transcends Pinoy pride,” he concluded.

    Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center have two branches, first at Tagaytay-Sta. Road Brgy. Pasong Langka, Silang, Cavite, and second at Aguinaldo Highway, Bypass Road, San Vicente 2, Silang, Cavite.

    For more information, updates, and other news, you may follow them on their official Facebook and Instagram accounts.

    REFERENCE:

    Lariza Garcia