Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Wishing Well Heritage Foundation Inc., Launches Taste, Travel & Trends Magazine

Ask people what their passions are and many will probably have food and travel on top of their lists. I would! And these are the same passions, along with the advocacy to educate, that led Taste, Travel and Trends Media Inc. to enter the dynamic and competitive world of publishing.

Ms. Shy Escalona-Marcos (left) and
Mr. Miguel Marcos (right), President of Taste, Travel & Trends Media, Inc. 
Taste, Travel & Trends Magazine was created to be a premier resource and go-to guide for students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and professionals in the culinary, tourism, and hospitality industries. The people behind the magazine "acknowledge the contribution of our peers, while recognizing that these fields we are passionate about are always evolving. Together, we can collectively learn and open our horizons to new adventures as they are woven into the fabric of land and culture."

Mr. Ralph Joseph (extreme right), the name behind
Ralph's Wines & Spirits and one of the owners of The Wine Museum
Seeing themselves both as learners and mentors, the Taste, Travel & Trends team say they look forward to serving those who have a desire to involve themselves or have invested in the rising industries of food, hotel, tourism, and travel "as they expand their reach and influence, contributing positively to the development of our country and strengthening the professional standing of the Filipino workforce, both at home and overseas."

Mr. Philip John Golding (right)
of The Golding Culinary Group
Readers can expect each story or article to be a lesson, a principle, or a life-changer that they can relate to. "Our purpose is to help uplift the standards of our audience by providing pertinent information that can improve their skills and knowledge."

Dr. Maricar Gustillo de Ocampo (extreme right)
The publisher, Wishing Well Heritage Foundation, Inc., introduced the new magazine during a wine and cheese event at The Wine Museum in Pasay City last January 23. Wishing Well is a non-stock, non-profit foundation established to support and promote initiatives in education and other corporate social responsibility programs that will help uplift the standards of certain industries as well as empower their participants to realize their potential and make a meaningful contribution to the world around them. 

With Ms. Cora Llamas (extreme left), Executive Editor
of Taste, Travel & Trends
Taste, Travel & Trends is a bi-monthly magazine with a projected readership of 60,000 and initial cover price of P120. 

* Photos used in this post courtesy of Trails Unlimited. For more photos taken during the event, please visit this Facebook album


Monday, January 27, 2014

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Launches (Paracetamol) Panadol in the Philippines

Pain is one of the greatest personal, social and economic burdens faced by people around the world,” said John Sayers, President Consumer Healthcare, Asia, Pacific and Latin America, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) at the recent Philippine launch of (Paracetamol) Panadol®.

Panadol has helped people find pain relief across 85 countries for over 50 years and today we are pleased to bring this leading paracetamol brand to Philippines’ consumers. This is a significant milestone for GSK in line with our global commitment to help people do more, feel better and live longer,” he added.


GSK, a global leading healthcare company announced the brand entry and launch of the new (paracetamol) Panadol with Optizorb®.  The brand is one of the world’s leading paracetamol-based pain relievers. Last year alone, 15 billion (paracetamol) Panadol tablets were sold worldwide.

According to Sayers, “The brand is testament to our customers’ trust and faith in the product which boasts an extensive scientific research breakthrough such as the Optizorb technology in our new Panadol.”

Panadol with Optizorb is the only paracetamol brand with the unique Optizorb disintegration system. This is what allows the release of its medicine in as little as five minutes versus regular paracetamol tablets. Studies conducted by GSK have proven that 75 percent of people who take Panadol with Optizorb caplets reach pain relieving levels of paracetamol in the bloodstream significantly faster than those taking other generic pain relieving brands.


The greater rate of absorption enables (paracetamol) Panadol with Optizorb to deliver therapeutic concentrations that helps relieve a variety of pain in people, including those with common medical conditions such as stomach problems and heart disease.

Similar to the broad suitability associated with standard paracetamol, Panadol with Optizorb is well tolerated and will not irritate the stomach when used as directed.

A study conducted in the Philippines found that 7 out of 10 Filipinos suffer from regular headaches, and over half from muscle aches and pains in the past three months. "These pain sufferers have indicated fast relief of pain  is of core importance and this has encouraged us to provide a fast and effective solution like Panadol with Optizorb to alleviate this health condition,” expressed Jeoffrey Yulo, General Manager Consumer Healthcare, GSK Philippines.


The new (paracetamol) Panadol with Optizorb will be available at all leading drugstores nationwide, starting February 2014. It comes in 36 x 10s dispenser box and each 10s catch cover has an SRP of P32.00. For more information on pain management, please visit www.Panadol.com.


Saturday, January 25, 2014

I Still Would Have Chosen You -- Thoughts of a Parent with a Special Needs Child

I was supposed to be writing something else for this blog today but chanced upon a shared link on Facebook by my friend Michelle, who also has a child with special needs like I do. I loved how the author, Terri Banish, worded her thoughts and was compelled to share it here -- for you, my fellow parents, who also have special children and who know exactly what this poem is talking about.


"If before you were born, I could have gone to heaven and saw all the beautiful souls, I still would have chosen you...

If God had told me, "This soul would one day need extra care and needs," I still would have chosen you...

If He had told me, "This soul may make your heart bleed," I still would have chosen you...

If He had told me, "This soul would make you question the depth of your faith," I still would have chosen you...

If He had told me "This soul would make tears flow from your eyes that could fill a river," I still would have chosen you...

If He had told me "This soul may one day make you witness overbearing suffering," I still would have chosen you...

If He had told me, "All that you know to be normal would drastically change," I still would have chosen you…

Of course, even though I would have chosen you, I know it was God who chose me for you." Terri Banish

If you enjoyed reading this and would like more encouraging pieces, you can check out an old this blog site I made for my son (that I, unfortunately, can't update much anymore due to my hectic schedule) and where I've posted a lot of inspiring write ups that I've collected over the years.

Thanks for visiting! Have a blessed and happy weekend! :)


Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Dream Guys Xian Lim and Matteo Guidicelli Surprise Downy Parfum Collection Shoppers

I use the perfumed Downy when washing my clothes. The men in my family have a different Downy variant for theirs :) I've tried other fabric conditioners in the past and I honestly found their scents to evaporate very quickly. With Downy, even if my clothes have been in the cabinet for several days, they'd still smell really, really nice when I take them out to wear.


I'm not surprised that a lot of other women have been switching fab con brands especially when the Downy Parfum Collection came out. I like the Passion scent but have been recently using Mystique. It was nice to know that we can actually combine scents and make them into Downy Perfumed Cocktails


Recently, Downy Philippines made several female shoppers very, very happy when dream guys Xian Lim and Matteo Guidicelli suddenly popped out of Downy vendo machines. Watch the video below to see the ladies' reactions that will definitely put a smile on your face as they did mine. 


This is a great way to give back the love to those who are supportive of the brand. What else can make someone's typical day at the supermarket unforgettable? So, congrats Downy Philippines! As Xian said, "It's always a wonderful feeling to make someone smile and make someone happy." You guys have definitely done that :)


Saturday, January 18, 2014

Theater Review: Repertory Philippines' Wait Until Dark

There are things blind people "see" that escape those with normal vision. Although blinded just a year earlier, Suzy Henderson's developing sharp senses may be the only things that can save her from danger. The Notting Hill Gate housewife is targeted by three con-men on the day her husband had to leave for a business trip. 


The three men are searching for a musical doll, which Suzy's husband, Sam, innocently brought from Holland as a favor to a woman who has since been murdered. The doll hides a stash of pricey heroin that the trio wants to retrieve at all costs.

This is the main plot of Repertory Philippines' first offering for its 76th Season this 2014. Wait Until Dark, written by Frederick Knott, is a heart-pounding thriller that kept me guessing and at the edge of my seat while the story was unfolding. The excellent cast, along with great lighting and eery music, successfully made audiences acutely feel every suspenseful moment.


Leading the cast is Liesl Batucan as Suzy. I was excited to see how she would play the role of a blind woman and she has exceeded my expectations! Liesl would make you believe that she has, indeed, lost her sight and is navigating her way through darkness using her other senses. I loved how she was able to convey various emotions by smoothly transitioning from a humorous wife's playfulness and a friendly host to an irritated neighbor, a terrified victim, and a determined wise woman. You will enjoy watching her in one of her best roles yet.

Two of the con-men, Mike and Croker, were likewise played very well by Joel Trinidad and Robbie Guevara. It was fascinating to hear them say their lines in a foreign accent. That was the first thing I noted as they were the first ones to appear on stage. Despite their bad intentions, the two would make you laugh in some of the scenes. 


Roat, the hard-core criminal among the three, was given life by Arnel Carrion (the original Sam) who, incidentally, took on the role just six days prior to the show's opening! This was because Jamie Wilson (the original Roat) met an accident and was unable to continue due to a broken kneecap. Having so many lines to memorize and two roles (old and young Roat) to do, it was amazing how Arnel got to deliver an excellent performance in such a short time!

Instead of Arnel, it was Lorenz Martinez who acted as the photographer Sam Henderson, Suzy's loving husband. Although he wasn't in a lot of scenes, Loy established his character as a solidly reliable guy who loves his wife enough to hold back on helping her with house chores so she can better and faster deal with her blindness. 


Rounding up the cast is Dani Gana, a very promising young actress who played the role of Gloria, Suzy's bratty neighbor. We had to laugh with her when she shared during the press con that she likes being able to throw things as part of her job. This girl is someone to watch out for. She has talent that will bring her far and into the next generation of admirable theater personalities.

Of course, Wait Until Dark wouldn't be the brilliant piece it is without the guidance of Director Miguel Faustmann (who also did the set design), Assistant Director Toff de Venecia, and Artistic Director Baby Barredo, lighting by John Batalla, sound design by Jethro Joaquin, hair and make-up by Ely Maalat, and the rest of the production crew who all did a very great job bringing the story to life.


Make sure to catch Wait Until Dark at the Onstage Theater in Greenbelt 1, Makati. The show runs until February 9, 2014. Showtimes are at Fridays 8PM, Saturdays 3:30PM and 8PM, and Sundays 3:30PM. For tickets, please call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or log on to www.repertoryphilippines.com

Want to save on tickets and get to watch all of Rep's 76th season shows? Buy a golden ticket! Find out more here.

*To see more photos taken during the press preview, please visit this Facebook album.


Friday, January 17, 2014

American Idol Season 13 Premiers on Star World!

I've been watching American Idol for several seasons now because it is interesting to see the dynamics between the judges as well as how new talents are discovered. It is one show where audiences could laugh, sympathize, be inspired, and get blown away because of the wide range of moments that you can see there. 


It's quite amazing that it didn't feel like a year has already passed since Star World held the viewing party of American Idol Season 12 premier but time did fly very fast! Last night, I joined several friends at Prive in Bonifacio Global City to get first dibs on what Season 13 has in store for AI fans. 

One of the things that I find good is that the judges returned to being three. I found having four judges in the panel too much. Besides, split decisions were harder to break. This year, too, I genuinely like ALL the judges, not just one or two.


It's great that Jennifer Lopez decided to come back as judge. I find her opinions credible. Besides, she's a really sweet lady and doesn't come off as annoying like a couple of judges in past shows. Keith Urban is likewise very charming. 

I'd have to say though that what will make me watch American Idol more this year is the presence of Harry Connick Jr. My husband and I have been fans for a long time, him longer than I am. I first discovered Harry's voice and music when hubby brought the soundtrack (in cassette tape!) to the movie When Harry Met Sally that starred Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. I enjoyed listening to his songs since then. So I confess how bummed I was when a lot of people keep asking, "Who's the third judge?" "Harry, who?" Man, they have been missing a lot!


Anyhow, let me just say that the American Idol Season 13 premier was, as usual, good for a lot of laughs. The judges' antics were hilarious especially when Harry offered to carry one of the contestants, and even Keith! Many of Ryan Seacrest's interviews (and interviewees) were also a hoot.

I'm still waiting though to see in future episodes if there will be another Filipino who will make it to Hollywood and, eventually, the final 12. Let's see. For now, I am enjoying watching young people reach for their dreams and, for the truly talented ones, making it one step forward.


I look forward to hearing more beautiful voices and the birth of new stars as the season progresses. Thank you once again Star World for inviting us to another of your cool parties!

Stay tuned to Star World every Thursdays and Fridays to catch American Idol live at 6PM with replays at 8PM and 11PM!


Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Use Your BPI Cards Until January 2014 and Redeem FREE Jollibee Treats!

Announcement! BPI card holders still have two weeks to pay for purchases using their ATM or credit cards so they can use the transaction slips to redeem Jollibee treats!

This promo started last November 2013 and is soon to wrap up at the end of January 2014. What I love about BPI's promos is that redemption is always extended for a couple of months!


My husband and I have already bought several stuff using our cards and have exchanged our transaction slips for Jollibee items. Some, we ate before we buy groceries, others, like the Chickenjoy Bucket, we bring home to the kids. Who doesn't love Jollibee foods after all?

So make sure you save those transaction slips amounting to P2,000 P6,000 and P12,000 and get the following at any Jollibee branch nationwide:


Customers are allowed up to 3 redemptions per day, per store, valid for dine-in or take out. Redemption period is until April 1, 2014.


Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Movie Review -- Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

I've been a fan of the Jack Ryan series ever since I've watched Harrison Ford in Patriot Games many years ago. I also made sure to read the book versions authored by Tom Clancy. I can't remember watching the films though that starred Alec Baldwin and Ben Affleck. Perhaps, the role of Jack Ryan has simply been cemented in my mind as something that only Harrison Ford can do.


When I heard that another movie is being made and that Chris Pine is playing the lead character, I had my doubts if he can come up to par with Harrison. I think the only film I saw Chris in was This Means War, which was a lighter spy story with comedic highlights. 

I am glad that Chris proved me wrong. He was great in this prequel! The story was about a young Jack Ryan who was still finishing his PhD when he was recruited by the CIA. Aside from great acting during the action scenes, I admired his capability to do drama especially the moments when he was undergoing physical therapy, after the action scene in the Russian hotel (not spilling a spoiler here), and when he was trying to save the woman he loves.   


Kenneth Branagh was likewise excellent, not only as a director, but also as the story's villain. He convincingly portrayed the brilliant Russian oligarch, Viktor Cherevin, who would do anything, even the most evil deeds, for his country so that he can wreak havoc on the world's stock markets.

I moreover enjoyed Kevin Costner's performance as a CIA official who may appear very serious at times but who packs a subtle sense of humor in dialogues that delighted me in certain scenes.  


Keira Knightly, who plays Jack's fiancee, Cathy, was not only pretty to look at; she was believable in her role as a woman who loves a secretive man and is confused about mixed signals in their relationship. 

I've read from one of the press releases sent to me that the story is an original script drawn from the books as far as the history of Jack and Cathy goes. I think it was able to accomplish its goal of establishing the couple's love story, why they are perfect for each other, and how Jack came to be one of the best and unforgettable fictional CIA operatives of all time.  


I appreciate how Chris described Jack Ryan the way Harrison Ford portrayed him: "This wasn't a man that was tied to ideology -- this is a man with a great internal moral compass who knew what right and wrong was. It's a man who would stand up for what was right and I love that," shared Chris. "I love the fact that he has an internal flag, that's what he goes by, and if it meant disobeying, he would do that. And I always think that's a definition of a hero that we all connect to more than anything else."

Watch this movie and witness a realistic film based on things that may actually be happening right now. As Chris Pine said in an interview, "We are in a new world where warfare and terror takes on many different forms and the financial system is complicated as it is that you would need a PhD to figure out what is going on." Good thing Jack Ryan has one! What they all go through in the story though is something that we would all wish won't happen in real life. 


Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit is released and distributed by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corporation. It starts showing tomorrow, January 15, 2014, nationwide.



Sunday, January 12, 2014

Have an All You Can Eat Pasta and Sandwich Dinner with Unlimited Lemonade at Figaro!

I am a pasta lover and have always been since I was a little kid. My enjoyment of this kind of food was further enhanced when I discovered, while growing up, that pasta does not always come with a red sauce nor in just long, round noodles. 

Arrabiatta and Carbonara pasta
Over the years, I've tasted a lot of pasta variants, learned to cook many of them, and am always open to unearthing new pasta discoveries as they come.

A few days ago, several friends and I ate dinner at Figaro Shangri-la Mall. The popular coffee shop is now offering dinner with All You Can Eat @ FIGARO Pasta and Sandwich with unlimited Lemonade for only P299 per person. This is a great deal especially if you're really hungry :D

Pesto pasta with BLT sandwich
With the price comes several food choices. I first ordered the Pesto Pasta with BLT (Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato) sandwich. The sauce is really good! I also love that the bread, though grilled, remained soft while the fillings were tasty. I punctuated bites and forkfuls with a sip here and there of the refreshing lemonade. 

My first serving was already filling but I also tried the Al Tonno pasta because it has my favorite tuna and olives. I passed on having another sandwich as I might not be able to finish it but the next time I do dine at Figaro, I'd like to give the Grilled Chicken as well as the Tuna and Cheese sandwiches a try, too.

Al Tonno pasta
Some of my fellow bloggers were able to taste everything. I guess their tummies' capacity are bigger than mine :) So I just took a shot of their orders. The pasta with red sauce is called Arrabiatta while the one with white sauce is, of course, Carbonara.

This All You Can Eat treat is valid every Monday through Friday from 6PM to 9PM -- perfect for those who've had a long day at the office and didn't even have time to grab a bite at lunch. I believe two of my teenage sons, who have hearty appetites, would also easily devour all four pasta variants in one sitting. 


The promo is available for dine-in only and is not valid with other ongoing promos or discounts. Customers should have no left overs and sharing is not allowed. But hey, at the price, you and your companions would definitely have a filling dinner while swapping stories around the table.

Make sure you drop by one of the following participating Figaro stores --  ATC, Banawe, Cattleya, DBP, Emerald, Glorietta, Greenbelt, Shangri-la, Festival Mall, Gateway, Liberty, Tomas Morato, and BPI Med Plaza -- during the weekdays until February 25, 2014. Enjoy eating! :)


Friday, January 10, 2014

PRIDE Powerwash: Made Right for Your Washing Machine

Anyone who does the laundry at home knows several things: one, clean-smelling clothes are very important; two, laundry detergent should really be able to remove dirt and stains from clothes; and three, lots of foam is not always a good thing because rinsing would require a lot of precious water.


In these modern times, a mom no longer just attends to her husband, kids, and household chores; she is also kept busy with the many responsibilities of work. Thus, time management is very important for us to be able to do everything swiftly and efficiently.

Thanks to advances in technology, a washing machine at home definitely helps make finishing the laundry faster and easier. And we, moms, also know that one needs a detergent that works well, and is specifically made for washing machines.


This past week, I tested PRIDE Powerwash at home and was pleased with the results. The whites came out really clean and all the clothes had that crisp, clean fragrance that wafted inside our windows while they were hung to dry outside.

PRIDE Powerwash is, indeed, “tama para sa washing machine” because of the following features:

Low foam
1. Tama sa mantsa. The Stain-Away formula eliminates the need for manual washing. I don’t see the logic of cleaning clothes using a washing machine if you still need to make “kusot”!

2. Tama sa bula. The low foam feature makes the detergent an easy rinse product. In my first rinsing cycle, the water was already pretty clear, not cloudy.

Pure
3. Tama ang formulation. PRIDE granules are white and very fine. It is made of pure detergent and contains no chalk that might clog the washing machine’s motor.

One of my top concerns when washing clothes is actually eliminating the wee-wee smell from my special child’s pajamas. Despite wearing diapers, his urine still sometimes leaks out especially when he’s hooked up to his feeding pump as it’s not advisable to move him from a sitting to a lying down position because he may throw up all his blenderized food.

Easy rinse
I am happy to report that PRIDE successfully eliminated the unpleasant odor that some other detergents were not able to do in the past.

If you also attend to your family’s laundry, give PRIDE Powerwash a test run. You might just be surprised at the good results. I was :)



* Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post


Wednesday, January 08, 2014

Movie Review: 47 Ronin + Trip for 2 to Japan Promo

I believe that many great stories come from good legends. The tale of the 47 Ronin is one of those. I am glad to have been able to watch the film during the press preview in SM Megamall and learn new stuff about the ways of the Samurai. It has led me to research more about the story after watching it on the big screen.


What I discovered from various websites though is quite different from what I saw in the movie. Perhaps, creative license has led the filmmakers to include Keanu Reeves' character, Kai, the half-breed, that of Princess Miko (Ko Shibasaki), the shape-shifting witch (Rinko Kikuchi), and the ghostly creatures of the forest, to make the story more interesting by including mystical touches and a love story to it.


Still, the essences of loyalty and honor remain the central theme of 47 Ronin and its actors have portrayed them very well. Kudos to director Carl Erik Rinsch who was able to bring to life the stunning landscapes and enormous battles that displayed the timeless Ronin story to worldwide audiences in a never-before seen way.


47 Ronin is based on one of ancient Japan’s enduring tales. Ronin is the term used for Samurai warriors who have lost their master. In the story, the outcast Kai joins Oishi (Hiroyuki Sanada), leader of the Ronin, to seek vengeance upon treacherous overlord Lord Kira (Tadanobu Asano) who orchestrated the death of their master, Lord Asano (Min Tanaka), and banished the group of warriors. The 47 then embarks on a quest to restore honor to their homeland while being challenged with trials that would have destroyed ordinary warriors.


Having watched the movie in 3D was a treat because the scenes were made more spectacular. But if you’ll ask me what my favorite scene is, it would have to be the significant part when all 47 Ronin signed their named and affixed their thumb marks using their own blood before they headed off to battle.


When it comes to principles, however, I found it hard to accept the ancient rule on killing oneself to preserve honor especially when it is questionable whether a act is indeed right or wrong. Still, I respect whatever other cultures’ belief systems are. I am just glad that they don’t apply anymore in these modern times.

photo borrowed from www.mrkaufman.info
So, is it worth it to watch this movie? I’d say yes because it provides a peek, as well as lessons, on culture and history as well as positive values. Given a chance, if I get to visit Japan someday, I’d most likely schedule a visit to the mass grave of the 47 Ronin myself. Oh, but if you want to go there sooner, join SM Cinema's promo to get a chance to win a trip for two to Tokyo, Japan


47 Ronin is released and distributed by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corporation. Catch it in Philippine theaters starting January 8, 2014.


Monday, January 06, 2014

Child Wonder Ryzza Mae Dizon Endorses Minola Cooking Oil

Pinoys who watch local channels would be very familiar by now with a very bibo kid named Ryzza Mae Dizon. She sometimes speaks like an adult and throws questions that make her interviewees stop and really think before they reply. This little girl is definitely articulate and exhibits an intelligence rarely seen in children her age.

photo borrowed from Ryzza's Facebook page
I wasn’t surprised that Minola Cooking Oil got her to endorse their product. After all, she does have a lot of roles and needs to remain healthy at the same time.

In the TVC, Ryzza talks about the presence of lauric oil in Minola and its many benefits. Lauric oil is a medium-chain fatty acid and is the same substance found in mother’s milk.


Pure coconut oil contains about 50% lauric acid. When lauric acid is present in the body, it is converted into monolaurin, a monoglyceride compound, which has antiviral, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, and antifungal properties. It acts by disrupting the lipid membranes in organisms like fungus, bacteria, and viruses, thus destroying them.

Unfortunately, many people still regard coconut oil as unhealthy. From research, I found out that this started because of the black propaganda started in the 1970s by the corn and soy oil industry. It was said that coconut oil is rich in saturated fat so many people stopped using it and caused the product’s market share to fall.

photo borrowed from vistacelestial.com
In the August 2003 issue of Consumers’ Research, vol. 86, no 8, author Beatrice Trum Hunter reported that N.W. Istfan of Harvard University Medical School’s Nutrition Coordinating Center vindicated coconut oil in 1988. According to Dr. Istfan, “the use of coconut oil does not increase the role of heart disease.”

Many other benefits were discovered by other researchers. They revealed that coconut oil benefits include hair and skin care, cholesterol level maintenance, relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, kidney failure, high blood pressure, and diabetes among others.


Furthermore, coconut oil is rich in MCTs that provide an immediate source of fuel and energy as well as enable the human body to efficiently metabolize fat. This is the component that aids dieters, athletes, people who have difficulty digesting fat, and those with compromised immune systems. Contrary to past beliefs, coconut oil does not raise cholesterol unlike some saturated fats.

One of the most important advantages of coconut oil that people should be aware of is the oil’s ability to fight viruses and bacteria. This immunity-boosting benefits as well as the others mentioned earlier can be credited to the presence of lauric acid in coconut oil.


So listen to what Ryzza Mae is saying. Go for the minolauric oil that helps kids be minolakas and makes food minolasap. Choose Minola Cooking Oil for your family!

*Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post


Saturday, January 04, 2014

How to Make an Easy and Great-Tasting Salad Using Clara Ole's Sesame Mucho Vinaigrette

If I were to become a vegetarian, there is one dish that I could probably eat every day -- salad! The thing is, when it comes to eating fresh greens, I prefer drizzling them with light dressing. I am not too fond of the creamy and heavy ones. 


More than three years ago, I was introduced to Clara Ole's Vinaigrette Line and instantly fell in love with the Sesame Mucho variant. For me, it has the right balance of the sour and slightly sweet taste that I always look for in a salad dressing. To date, it remains on top of my list when I go shopping for bottled dressing.

If you also don't like spending a lot on salads offered in fast food outlets or restaurants, here's sharing my simple recipe that is quick to make and tastes really good each and every time!


Just manually tear several washed leaves of fresh Romaine lettuce, top it with halved seedless grapes, pieces of candied pili nuts (walnuts are also great if you can find them!), and a sprinkling of raisins to add more color. I love carrots, tomatoes, turnips, and cucumber, too, but if I'm in a hurry, I find it very time-consuming to slice them into thin strips. So I usually make do without them.

Anyhow, my simple recipe with the four main ingredients (which are easy to find in major supermarkets) mentioned above wouldn't taste great without a generous serving of Clara Ole's Sesame Mucho vinaigrette. Try this at home and let me know how it goes. Enjoy eating healthy! :)