MY ELBA KITCHEN Cook Book Launched

Last Thursday May 26, 2011 I was fortunate to attend the 1st pasta cook book  of ELBA Italy's "My Elba Kitchen"  launched held at The Grove by Rockwell. The event was attended by the prominent people of cooking industry. The launched was sponsored mainly by The Grove by Rockwell and Ilustrado Catering Group and with cooperation of the young culinary artists/talents from one of the Manila's top and pioneering culinary school, CCA.

Chef Darin Epp from MAXIM cookwares started the cooking and presented his mastered talent with the crowd with a pasta dishes that can be found within the cook book itself. Furthermore Chef   Richie Custodio, wow the crowd with his collabaration and features of cooking together with the CCA manila students as his assistant perfectly cooked every meal.

Chefs, media personalities, cooking experts and suppliers gathered around in one roof to make this launched a successful event. Joined by the ELBA's main celebrity Chef endorser Chef Sau del Rosario, Treviso Corporations Samantha and Brian Hontiveros and Chef Darin Epp.

And to finished the evnt of course the photo opps of the people behind the successful collabaoration of this cook book like the 9 CCA students and their guru Chef Richie Custodio, Ideal Pasta and ELBA executives and other sponsor bosses and representatives.

Cooking demonstration, food samples, raffles and freebies are way around the area to enjoy and I really learned a lot. And guess whatI also won an ELBA 4 Burner Gas Range which is the grand raffle prize that night yeayyy.... and now that it arrived at my doorstep, I think I have to leave you there and cook 1 of 60 pasta dishes with my 'kodego' with me the "My ELBA Kitchen" cook book...hehe..you can grab a copy because it is widely available in all leading bookstore nationwide. Happy Cooking :))

Thank you Mhel, Divine and Ruth my co-bloggers that was with me through the duration of the event...hehe...

WIN Trip for Two to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Shell Philippines is giving away a trip to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Scuderia Ferrari items. All you have to do is to fill up with Shell V-Power Gasoline or Diesel. Every 1000Php (single or accumulated) entitles you to have a game card with a raffle coupon. Exciting Scuderia items are for grabs like Ferrari (cap,key chain holders, t-shirts, messenger bag, mug etc.

So what are you waiting for gas up now!!

Click HERE for more details.

Promo until June 15, 2011, 11:59pm

The Fashion Academy Manila VisualZine

The grand opening of the Fashion Academy Manila has brought together the most prominent names in the industry and launched the artwork of multi-awarded photographer Xander Angeles, with guest creative director, Raymond Gutierrez. Together with famous celebrities, models and personalities the launch was successful and the exhibit which rich showcase of photography, graphic design, light and fashion. It was hosted by Tim Yap at the Podium last May 27. The VisualZine composed of artist like Maxene Magalona at its cover together featured celebrities like Borgy Manotoc, Giorgina Wilson, Frank Magalona, John Hall, Benjamin Tang, KC Montero, Patti Grandige, Liz Uy, Pauline Prieto, Bianca King, Bea Soriano, Bainca Gonzales, Jasmin Curtis-Smith, Ruffa Gutierrez and Solenn Heusaff and Elite Manila Models like Yasmin Baumann, Alisa Sazonova, Sinoia Snizma, Kat Polyakova, Winnie Manyura, Luane Passinato, Bianca Bauer, Paula Del Rosario, Thistle Guevarra, Chinie Go, Hannah Guison, Mia Montenegro, Veronica Schlagellar, Nikki Lugtu, Valeen Vicente, Krystle Uy, Lorraine Soriano, Monika Sta. Maria, Asa Kullapa, Hye Won Jong, Arianne Garganian, Coraleen Waddell, Mica Javier, Jhen Olivar, Claudine Canlas and Tola Orendain.

The Fashion Academy intends to bring it all together to become a springboard for anyone who is passionate among modeling, design, photography and beauty. It features the seven specialized curriculum namely Photography, Make-up, Hair Creatives, Fashion, Styling, Modeling, Artists' Lab and Personality Enhancement, the academy is atking on the task of teaching the artistry behind it, in the hopes of cultivating a new generation of industry professional and provides a platform by which an inherent skills can be developed through practical application.

The Center Manager Cindy Arguelles - Lichauco said that " The classes will equip students with the right tools as well as the necessary knowledge, experience and insights through mentors who are considered to be professionals in the business"

The Fashion Academy's Creative Director Xander Angeles said that " The evening was a milestone for the Philippine fashion industry - where esteemed names and personalities joined us to celebrate the artistry behind fashion. We hope this serves as inspiration and encouragement for those wanting to enter the world of fashion to come and give it a try. It may just be the best decision of their lives"

The Fashion Academy Manila

Add - 3/F A.Venue Mall, 5343 Makati Avenue, Makati City Philippines

Web - www.thefashionacademymanila.com

Tel No.- 909-7400 or 0917-5034583

E-mail - cindylichauco@elitemanila.com

WIN Canon EOS 1000Ds DSLR

Grab a chance to win brand new Canon EOS 1000Ds DSLR camera from TGIFriday's. Get and share sumptuous small plates withg your friends at any TGIF branches then you'll get a chance to win Canon DSLR and a photography lesson from Mr. Jo Avila.Get up there and enjoy the wilder treats and celebrate more crazy time with your friends on Fridays.

Click HERE for more details about the promo.

Promo period is from May 1 to July 15, 2011

Hottest Online FPS Today "POINT BLANK"

Point Blank Philippines enters closed beta testing period, eyes strong FPS market share. IP eGames' newest FPS offers exciting game modes, gameplay, avatars with unique level progression system. From a Korea-based game developer Zepetto, Point Blank's finally here in our country,last May 18, 2011 at exactly 1200H, the latest massively multiplayer online first-person shooting or MMOFPS game of IP e-Game Ventures Inc. was launched. Since then, it is currently among the top online game worldwide and number one in Indonesia and Thailand, with 100,000 and 35,000 concurrent users respectively. Moreover, Point Blank also has a significant foothold in major gaming markets in North and South America, Europe and Asia as well as top title of its genre in Russia.

"Players will now have a chance to play a fast-paced and exciting FPS game without sacrificing the graphics and in game environment" said X-Play Online Games Inc., Chief Operating Officer Ronald Aquino."The interactive environment will provide gamers, casual or hardcore, the strategy that they crave from an FPS and those who will immediately take notice of these will definitely have an advantage in the long run", IP e-Games Vice President for Marketing Miguel Bauza said.

The game modes available during the Point Blank CBT phase include:

Death Match

Eliminate

Shotgun Mode

Al Mode

The available Point Blank characters/avatars for CBT period are:

Acid Pol

Keen Eyes

Red Bulls

Tarantula

I have an opportunity to try this game and as the game progresses it became more exciting and addictive, the more weapons I used the better I mastered the game. Well in fact, we downloaded it at once when I got home and played the game with my husband heheh...you can have yours and get the hottest online FPS today HERE.

Watch out for more updates on this game and start playing because they will be having more contests, tournaments, and thrilling surprises.

K + 12 Basic Education Program

We (me and co-bloggers) had a chance to talked with Department of Education Assistant Secretary Tonicito Umali about the enhanced K+12 Basic  Education Program and its rationale.K+12 means Knidergarten (5 years old) and the 12 years of elementary and secondary education (6 or 7 years of education).

Article XIV, Section2(1) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution which states that 'The state shall establish, maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of education relevant to the needs of the people and society' to support this the government enhanced K+12 basic education program to seek and provide a quality 12-year basic education program that each Filipino is entitled to.

Rationale such as; enhancing the quality of basic education in the Philippines is urgent critical, increasing the low achievement scores of Filipino students, increase the international test results, developing the congested curriculum, inadequate preparation of high school graduates for the world of work or entrepreneurship or higher education,  most graduates are too young to enter the labor force, the current system also reinforces the misconception that basic education is just a preparatory step for higher education, Phils. graduates are not automatically recognized as professionals abroad and short basic education program affects the human development of the Filipino children.

With its number one vision which is to 'empowered individual who was learned, though a program that is rooted on sound educational principles and geared towards excellence, the foundations for learning throughout life, the competence to engage in work and be productive, the ability to coexist in fruitful harmony with local and global communities,engage in autonomous critical thinking and capacity to tranform others and one' self'. I think this program would be very successful for our children's future and our country as well.

Successful Brigada Eskwela 2011

This year,The National Schools Maintenance Week or more known as Brigada Eskwela week is slated on May 23-28, two weeks before the opening of classes in June 6. Launched in 2003 and happening yearly.It  gives opportunity for volunteers from different walks of life to team-up and help public schools to be ready and prepared for the new school year.

May 23, Brigada Eskwela kicks-off with a caravan, with its route started from the DepEd Central Office in Pasig where participants of the motorcade registered, to Bago- Bantay Elementary School in Quezon City, where a ceremonial program was held and lead by Qeuzon City Major Herbert Bautista and DepEd Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro FSC together with DepEd's Superintendent and Undersecretaries.Various volunteers from private organizations and companies sent representatives and people to help and started the said program.

Yearly there has been an increasing number of volunteers who joined and supported Brigada Eskwela. Including the international organizations involved in it by any kind of support like time, services, monetary and resources. Among organizations are AusAid, USAid, UNDP, Coca- Cola Foundation,PLDT, IBM,INtel, ABS-CBN,Rebisco, Magnolia, Microsoft Phils, Computer-Assisted Learning, Phils Business For Social Progress, Smart Communications, Standard Chartered Bank, Autovention Corp., Mannasoft Tech Corp., Wilkins Builder, Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Petron Foundation and Meralco. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also gave commitment to act and impart resources and manpower.

Department of Education Secretary Br. Armin maintained and kept the true spirit of Brigada Eskwela with the Bayanihan of Filipinos that is still alive, both in the private and public sectors, work together towards a common goal. This nationwide effort could not be successful without the determination of each and everyone.

See you all next year!!

WIN Over Half A Million Pesos In Prizes

Wanna be an ambassador and newest faces of David & Goliath? Well this is your chance to a one, go grab this opportunity and you can be on the cover of Chalk Magazine and not only that you could have over a half a million pesos richer if your the chosen one.

Click HERE for more details!! 

WIN 25,000Php From San Miguel Great Food Club - My Great Recipe Contest

Share your great recipe and join San Miguel Corp's "My Great Recipe Contest". Be a part of my great food activities  from cooking demo, video and magazine features and caravans. You'll have a chance to meet cooking celebrities and renowned Chefs. Aside from that you can also have a 25, 000Php cash and 5,000Php worth of prizes and products. Cooking has never been this rewarding!!! 

Click HERE to join. Good luck.:))

My Sweet Summer Delight from Ayala Westgrove Heights Located at Sta.Rosa, Laguna

Last Saturday May 21,me and my friends celebrated the season of summer with the event that will lets us experience the diversity and dynamism of Ayala Westgrove Heights community in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. We drove less than an hour away, from Makati to a place I can call nature.

We really enjoyed the delights of living in an Ayala Land community, adorned by thick foliages of mango trees and visually enriching amenities, including a 400-hectare orchard environment, that encourage serene living alongside the people I wanted to be surrounded with.

Ayala Westgrove Heights is located at the heart of the flourishing Cabarzon region,  a suburban address that creates the ideal neiborhood for budding families. As one of the additions in the porfolio of Ayala Land Premier (ALP), Ayala Westgrove Heights is a thriving community that allows residents to indulge in their passions and interests. Specially if your into nature and calm places.

Great facilities and amenities we experience into the Sports Center and can accommodate almost everybody kids and adults. Lots of activities to choose from tennis, badminton,kite flying a lot more. Apart from all the great amenities and facilities that Ayala Westgrove Heights has to offer is the living promise of unparalleled existence that alllows families to fosters and nurture relationships together.

And to continually distinguish Ayala living and enrich the culture of life at Westgrove Heights, APL hosts another open house event called Westgrove Heights Mango Festival as part of the property's year-long celebration of 12th anniversary. Being the only one of its kind, the festival opens the doors of the vibrant communitry  to renowned dessert chefs such as Sau Del Rosario and Buddy Trinidad, together with prospective residents. They prepared desserts that is made the majority is mango. And the food demo was hosted by the famous food blogger Ms Lori Baltazar of Dessert Comes First

Chef Buddy Trinidad with Ms Lori Baltazar

Its Not a typical open house event, the Westgrove Heights Mango Festival highlights the benefits of living within the comforts of nurturing greens spaces. Everyone is invited to taste and enjoy the sweetness of Westgrove mangoes through the chef's different mango creations.And they are definitely must try and its so delicious, you can taste the freshness of the mangoes.

Chef Sau Del Rosario

Since the goodness of summer does not end in sweet delicacies, Ayala Westgrove Heights continualy captivates its residents with its naturally distrinct features and vibrant enhancements that complement the relaxing yet unique lifestyle that families and communities take pleasure in.

Indeed, the 12 years of Ayala Westgrove Heights simply emphasizes Ayala Land's delivered promise of intelligent master plans, modern living environment, and uncompromised living experience.

Bicol Cuisine at Bayview Park Hotel Manila

Last Monday May 23, 2011, after the program of DepEd in QC we went straight to Bayview Park Hotel Manila located at the corner of United Nations Ave. and Roxas Boulevard in Manila for the KULINARYA FESTIVAL presents Bicol Region.We were right in time before the proper presentation started. We also had few minutes to take pictures of the each different meals that tempted me to eat each time I took a shot.I was born at Naga City, Camarines Sur of Bicol Region but I am really interested to taste each because some of them I have not encountered eating while I was growing up on my hometown.

Bicol Express is pork strips or cubes and siling haba (finger chilies) cooked with coconut cream or milk. 

You can add red chili mince according to your preference.

Blend of taro leaves, chili, meat and coconut milk wrapped in gabi leaves and tied securely with coconut leaf. This is also one my personal favorites on this cuisine

 The noodles are dipped in a very hot soup broth, place on a clean plate, and then garnished with vegetables

"Bato" means stone because the noodles is so hard thats why it should dip into a very hot water or stay noodles in water  for awhile before you can prepare it.

Its a fish soup that combine with siling haba (finger chilies), malunggay leaves and its perfectly blended into one dish  that maintains the freshness and tenderness of the fish.

Adobong manok, often called "chicken adobo," is often considered the national dish of the Philippines.But this one is with gata (coconut milk) that gives an extra unique taste that no other can offer.Adobo is my all time favorite viand and Bayview Park Hotel Chef perfectly cooked it.

Native delicacies kakanin with the beautiful servers in their Baro't Saya dress.

Assorted kakanin topped with latik (fried coconut milk curds)

For our dessert is a HALO-HALO  a mixture of shaved ice and evaporated milk to which are added various boiled sweet beans and fruits, and served in a tall glass.

While finishing all the delectable cuisines that was served,  the Bayview Park Hotel Manila Vice- President & General Manager Eugene T. Yap, Marketing Assistant Precy Mendoza and Chef joined us and talked about the Department of Tourism program that they will then be joining for the first time, Kulinarya Festival and for a start they will be featuring the Bicol Region because many foods have but been recognized that it was originated from Bicol and a lot of foods which are not spicy come from this region also. That's why they'll be offering and including this cuisine on the festival that would be happening soon. They'll be serving buffet lunch from 11am to 2pm for only 600Php. So watch out for more about the announcement and updates. 

Watch out for more soon!!!

Bayview Park Hotel Joins Kulinarya Festival

Embrace the experience of "Your Home by the Bay", at the Bayview Park Hotel Manila located at Roxas Boulevard, Manila Philippines fronting the U.S. Embassy with the full view of Manila Bay. Easy to reach from Ninoy Aquino International Airport, PICC, CCP, SM Mall of Asia, Department of Foreign Affairs, and World Trade Center. The hotel is places within walking distance and act as point to enter the airline and travel offices, shopping malls, museums, galleries, business establishments, recreational area and entertainment centers. The place really beats life in the heart of the Metropolis and offers difference for a better experience.Every personnels related with they activities ready and prepared to address the guests needs with full hospitality. Modest rates impress guests beyond expectations.

Superior Room

Deluxe Room

Executive Suite Room (spacious and comfortable living & dinning area) 

Bayview Suite Room

Precisely designed every details of 283 guest rooms including 5 Executive Suites and 5 Bayview Suites in 14 guestroom floors. Amenities includes a pool deck swimming pool and a modern gym & fitness center. Each rooms have a coffee and tea-making facilities, hotel deposit boxes, multi-lingual cable television,IDD/NDD telephone, bathtub/shower, hair dyer,110/220V electricity outlets. Standing-by services like airport transfers, parking space/valet parking, foreign currency exchange, laundry and dry-cleaning, on-call doctor they also have its own business center which offers photocopying, facsimile, internet, mailing/courier,word processing and secretarial. The room service for food and beverages until 10PM.

Seminars,conferences and meeting facilities that hosted and conducted at the Bayview Park Hotel are successfully done and fulfilled its objective. There are 15 function rooms and ballrooms that you can choose from according to your target attendees like for instance, the Manila Bay ballroom which has a seating maximum capacity of 250 for banquet and 300 for meeting and accommodates 350 for cocktails. At the ground floor of the hotel Starbucks Coffeeshop is located and a lobby lounge that welcomes every guests with hospitality and comfortability. And of course the Bayview Coffeeshop serves daily delectable buffet that satisfied your gastronomical senses specially on the coming months because, for the first time Bayview Park Hotel Manila  joins the annual KULINARYA FESTIVAL an event showcasing the food specialties from different regions in the country and this program is supported by Department of Tourism (DOT) and Hotel & Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP). I am privileged to indulge my passion for food at the hotel's buffet lunch of Bicol region, this is a teaser for the coming months preparations.

Bayview Park Hotel Manila
"Your Home by the Bay"

Address: 1118 Roxas Boulevard cor. United Nation Avenue, Manila, Philippines Trunk Line Number: +63 (country code)-2 (area code) -2479000 or 526-15555 Fax Number: +63-2-5223040 Toll Free Number: 1800-1888-5555

Website: www.bayviewparkhotel.com

Email: corp_sales@bayviewparkhotel.com