Don't Drive Hungry. Get a Snickers

For the working class Pinoy, we spend most of our daily time in the workplace. Second to that is our homes and third in the roads or the vehicles. Because we are already overcrowded here in the Metro, we cannot avoid the slow, heavy traffic during rush hours.

Most stress are triggered when we lack something in our system. The slow, heavy traffic can drain us dry especially in this hot season. The slow traffic can leave us thirsty or even hungry. That is why Snickers drove a campaign, "Don't Drive Hungry."

Last April 23 at Capitol Commons, Snickers customized 400 temporary licensed plates written Don't Drive Hungry and it will be placed at the rear end. It is a good advice since it may help lessen tempers because people might get hungry along the way.

These are just one of the stressful conditions that we need to attend to. Because going through the slow, heavy traffic is like survival and you a chocolate bar can get rid of hunger for a longer duration of time. It can even do that for days.

Before driving, don't get hungry. Get Snickers. For more foodie posts, follow this blog and like

Cross-Cultural and Authentic Japanese Dining Experience at Sekitori

When I was invited to a food tasting at Sekitori, I was wondering where did I first heard it. Then I recall later that they have a branch in Little Tokyo, Makati. Sekitori is a title for a starting sumo wrestler.

The owner is Seto Masakazu. He used to be a sumo wrestler but he quit because he does not able to continue due to the pressures of the work. Instead, he succeeded in something else. He wanted to be a teacher but he end up operating a Japanese restaurant in the Philippines. Sekitori is located along Pasong Tamo since 2005.

For Seto-san, it was not an easy. It has a series of ups-and-downs before he settles down. You may compare his story to a known biographical TV series. Seto-San arranged that most of his ingredients are from the best of Japan has to offer. This is how authentic Japanese dining Sekitori is.

The difference in this new branch in Ortigas, Sekitori dishes is presented like art while in the original branch is presented like served in a typical Japanese home. The only ingredient that is local is the calamansi. Japan does not the same fruit that the Japanese also like.

Probably the most impressive dish to me was the Gokai Sashimi no Tairyou Funamori or Premium Sashimi displayed on a wooden boat bowl. What makes it impressive for me was the boat is designed as a Japanese fishing boat and was assort beautifully that not only the sense of taste is satisfied but also the sense of sight. The tuna used was the blue finned tuna that is brought fresh from Japan.

The artist and genius behind the Japanese dishes is Chef Kamimoto. For three decades, he already traveled around the world to introduce new dishes which is why he is called the Evangelist of Japanese Cuisine. Chef Kamimoto made these dishes I tasted exclusively for Sekitori in Ortigas only.  The Evangelist travels back and to Manila from Japan to ensure that most his dishes are served in his proper way. The Japanese are also meticulous about details. If you really wanted to be oriented with the proper way to eat Japanese dishes, Sekitori is the best cuisine to go to. Sekitori also serve the imported saki.

I will feature more of Sekitori dishes in my next posts, To get more updates on my Sekitori posts, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook. Sekitori's second branch is located in Jollibee bldg. along San Miguel avenue, Ortigas Center. If you see a giant Sumo wrestler behind the glass entrance is your landmark.

Holy Week Suggestions From GStuff

Press release

After your week-long Lenten retreat, hop in the Easter feast as you indulge with three guilt-free food from GStuff – Duck Eggs, Chewy Cashew Oatmeal Cookies, and Coco Natura Coco Jam. The perfect trio for your Lenten Season.        

Deck Your Easter with Duck Eggs! 

Usher your morning with an appetizing and filling breakfast this Easter! Serve yourself and your loved ones with delicious, healthy duck egg dishes.

Fresh from our farm, our duck eggs have more healthy benefits --- six times the Vitamin D and 2 times the Vitamin A compared to the usual chicken eggs. Also, our duck eggs have more Omega 3 fatty acids that further boost the brain cells and can improve a person’s skin complexion.

Cashew Oatmeal Cookies

Indulgently Chewy and carefully baked in pugon for their big and fragile flatness and circular shape to remain perfect, our Cashew Oatmeal Cookies are big! Making each a filling treat without the artificial flavours, no white sugar and no white flour! They only have organic Coco flour, cashew nuts, Himalayan untreated salt, butter and duck eggs as main ingredients. Very tasty and a perfect treat for camping, trekking, picnic and swimming!

Coco Natura Coco Jam

Devoid of artificial flavours, has no preservatives and additives and with low glycemic (low blood sugar), this is a spread to consider this Lent. In lieu of white rice and meat, this Coco Jam can be glazed on your breads and pastries. You can also just spoon it to enjoy without worrying about added weight you dread because it has only the real coco syrup and the fresh coconut milk

Enjoy this healthy trio, Duck Eggs, Oatmeal Cookies and Coco Natura Coco Jam, and satisfy your cravings for real food goodness this coming Easter!

G Stuff Healthy Store at Alabang Town Center, Rockwell Poweplant Mall and Trinoma has all your needs for a healthy Lent. Visit our website at www.gstuff.ph, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gstuffph and Instagram at @gstuffph.  Call 09175864530, 5005623, 5005587, 5005604, 4161828 for your orders.

Bacardi will send a Pinoy Bartender to U.S. for Bacardi Legacy

Speaking for myself. If ever I will leave this world, I will leave a legacy which is why I created a blog. In the case of Bacardi, cocktail drinks were already created as part of it's legacy. For the first time, the Philippines will send a bartender to U.S. to give a shot making a drink worthy of Bacardi Legacy.

5 selected bartenders from different bar establishments from all over the country will compete to give their shot for the Bacardi Legacy. Although there are already Filipinos competing for Bacardi Legacy, it is going to be the first time the Philippines will send their first competitor. The previous Filipinos represented a foreign country where they worked.

Held at Buddha Bar in Makati, 5 bartenders demonstrated and narrated their passion for making their own Bacardi Legacy drink. In random order, the five drinks presented are:

EL TINDERO by Richie Cruz of Café Enye Bar Eastwood

45ml Bacardi Gold

25ml Coconut Juice/Water

25ml Lager Beer

10ml Muscovado Syrup (2parts Muscovado and 1 part Water

4 Dash of Apple Cider Vinegar

Dessicated Coconut with Muscovado Sugar (toasted)

LITTLE MAN by Mark Alvin Tolentino of Revel ay The Palace Fort

60ml Bacardi Superior

3 Slices Green Apple

4 pcs Fresh Basil

30ml Fresh Lime Juice

2 bar spoon refines White sugar

30ml Soda Water

KALIKASAN by Mark Jerrold Bernandino of Scarlet Fort

30ml Bacardi Superior

15ml Triple Sec

15ml Pandan Syrup

30ml Lemon Green Tea

15ml Fresh Lime Juice

Top with Sprite

ISLAND SOUVENIR by Marnell Masallo of Skye Lounge Fort

60ml Bacardi Superior

10gms Fresh Ginger

10gms Fresh Lemon Grass

10gms Fresh Cucumber

10ml Honey

10ml Lime Juice

BEQUEST by Joey Cerdinia of The Exit Bar Makati

1.5 oz. Bacardi Superior

.75 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

.50 oz. Aperol

.50 oz. Home made elderflower Liqueur ( 1 part St. Germaine Elderflower Liqueur and 1 part Sugar Syrup)

Lime Spiral for Garnish

Among the five mixologists, Richie Cruz was triumphant with his El Tindero Mix. Mr. Cruz will go to San Francisco on April 24 for the Global Final. For more updates, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

Monde Nissin to bring global meat alternatives leader, Quorn, to PH

Press release

Manila, Philippines—Quorn, the world-leader in meat alternatives, is now turning to Asia as its newest domain. Fresh from a USD 831-million takeover by Monde Nissin Corporation, Quorn is easing its way into the region and banking on the network of the Philippine-based food company.

 

Chef Florabel’s Meat-less Beef Wonton with Quorn Mince, Bruschetta with Quorn Chorizo, Pigs in a Blanket using Quorn Nureburg Sausage, Beef & Corn Tartlet using Quorn Mince

To date, 80% of the meat alternatives market is concentrated in Europe and North America, while approximately 12 to 15% is in Asia. A report by Allied Market Research predicts that the industry can reach a value of 5.2-billion USD by 2020, with a forecasted compounded annual growth rate of 8.4 percent. The same report mentions Asia-Pacific as the faster growing market.

“Such is the case because most players prioritized the U.S. and U.K. markets early in the game, but the global trend towards better health, complemented by Asia’s economic growth and increasing domestic consumption means we have an opportunity to grow the business significantly,” said Kevin Brennan, Chief Executive Officer of Quorn at the sidelines of the Great British Festival, Bonifacio Global City.

He added, “There are a lot of meat alternatives whether from soy, wheat or mycoprotein, but combined, these account for only a fraction of the red meat market. Going to Asia means having the opportunity to create awareness about this new category and its benefits, as well as ensuring availability of high-quality products on shelves. With Monde Nissin, we are now in a better position to do that.”

Emerging Global Food Company

Monde Nissin Corporation completed the acquisition of the British company in the fourth quarter of 2015. It counted as one of the largest acquisitions by a Southeast Asian firm —a move that coincided with Monde Nissin’s thrust to further diversify its portfolio and become a global food company.

In the last 18 months, the company acquired three other entities with category leadership in their respective industries, namely: Black Swan, Nudie, and Menora Foods, all based in Australia.

Monde Nissin is the company behind the iconic, market-leading brand, Lucky Me!, which penetrates close to 100% of Filipino households. Among its other products are Monde Special Mamon, Bingo Cookie Sandwich, and Nissin Wafer.

The product

Quorn is a deliciously healthy meat alternative with a full range of great tasting products from ingredients that allow you to cook from scratch, to ready-to-eat/ready to cook options. All Quorn products are vegetarian and it also has a gluten-free and vegan range. Its main ingredient is mycoprotein—a naturally healthy protein that is high in fiber, has 85% less saturated fat than lean beef, and has zero cholesterol.

Quorn is the world leader in meat alternatives, with over three billion servings made over the last 30 years. For more information, visit www.Quorn.com or like https://www.facebook.com/QuornPH/.

Cupcakes by Lea Lambino

It seems that cupcakes is now an in-thing. I found this out during the two consecutive years of covering Goldilocks Cake Expo. I ordered half-dozen cup cakes from an online friend, Lea. She offered me choices of flavors to top the cupcakes.

My choice was mint because it is the first time. For Approximately, 300 per half-dozen, it was quite alright. But what she didn't made clear was that it was also topped with peanuts which is I am allergic to. So make sure that you mention if you want peanuts or not.

For ordering, make sure that you finalize the date because she mix ups the days and the exact dates and she only does meet ups in the Cubao area. She only does this seldom if she is not busy with modeling gigs. But the good thing about this, you get to have a photo with her.

For more foodie adventures, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook. For your cupcake orders, you may message her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OfficialLeaLambino/

AQUABEST OPENS SOUP KITCHEN

Press release

Aquabest the country's premier water station franchise is reaching out to its local community by opening a soup kitchen for indigent people.

Every Friday afternoon the company operates a soup kitchen dispensing hot meals to the poor at its head office along Quezon Avenue. Since it started operating this February, the soup kitchen regularly serves dozens of underprivileged people. 

The soup kitchen is part of the company's efforts to give back to society and is a reflection of the Christian values that underpin the company's operations. "As a company we have to strive to make a positive influence in our community. And our efforts here however small can help our underprivileged brethren that other people still care about them" says Carson Tan the company's President and CEO.