To live a life well-lived at Philippine Harvest: Sustainable Living, Food, and Travel fair

When I attended this event 2 days ago. I remember the farm tour that we had 2 years ago. (The 9th ATI OA Bloggers Trip). I learned so much from this trip, like if you’re seeing /eating a deformed guyabano, guava or any fruit for that matter. It is a sign that the fruit is organic or naturally grown. Organic fruits and vegetables taste good and sweet too, not to mention that they are free of pesticides. Since then, I have been checking on groceries and restaurants that support organic food. Then this event came up.

I have met cancer survivor owner Ms.Cherry Lo at her Sonrisa Farm booth. She was busy manning her booth with fresh organic produce during the event. I asked for a picture with her and she happily obliged.

I felt some kind of fulfillment when I attended event like these. My advocacy is that to help promote the farmers who are paving the way for a healthier generation of Filipinos by writing their stories.

I chanced upon this purple corn,  also known as "plant of remembrance" is packed with antioxidants. It fights obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. Two more important antioxidants found in purple corn are lutein and zeaxathinin, which is good for the eyes.

Philippine Harvest at Central Square continues to celebrate and promote the richness of Philippine agriculture through a three-day food and travel fair dubbed “Philippine Harvest: Sustainable Living, Food, and Travel,” that highlights farm tourism, local food, and tourist destinations around the country. This is the second edition under the helm of the Department of Tourism which will once again be showcased at Central Square, Bonifacio High Street Central, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City from August 24 to 26, 2018. Central Square, the premiere lifestyle destination in the heart of the city, has been home to the Philippine Harvest series since 2016.

As an avenue where you can buy, bring home and enjoy organic, artisanal, natural, and indigenous products, the 1st edition themed “Philippine Harvest: Celebration of Philippine Food Destinations,” highlighted culinary destinations like Bicol, Negros Occidental, Cebu, and Davao. The four-day fair also served as an invitation to farmers, fisherfolk, and farm practitioners for an interactive dialogue and local food exhibition. Now on its 2nd run with the Department of Tourism, Philippine Harvest continues to celebrate good food and pay homage to the people that produce them.

“At the core of our programs and projects in the Department is our sustainable and responsible tourism advocacy which we aim to promote with this edition of Philippine Harvest,” shared DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

SSI (Stores Specialists, Inc.) Group and Central Square in partnership with the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board have brought together DOT-accredited farm sites across the different regions together with selected travel agencies and thirty local food exhibitors.

The food and travel expo will also present mini-lectures on sustainable tourism and sustainable dining, organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines.

“We hope to develop sustainable farm tourism as a dependable source of income for Filipinos in line with implementation of the Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016, which serves as one of our strategies for countryside development,” added Secretary Romulo-Puyat.

Among the Luzon-based farm tour operators joining the cause are the Terra Verde Eco Farm from Maragondon Cavite, Layog Country Farm from Mountain Province, Amancio’s Dairy and Produce Farm from Cordon Isabela, Tam-An Eco-Tourism Farm from Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, The FarmHouse by EDL from Capas, Tarlac, and Amadeo Nurture Farmacy from Cavite.

The Visayas and Mindanao contingents include Sonrisa Farm from Magarao, Camarines Sur, Ephrathah Farms Corp. from Iloilo, BinahonAgroforesty Farm from Lantapan, Bukidnon, and Mariano’s Blooming Agri-Tourism Park from Tupi, South Cotabato.

Local produce from the partner exhibitors will also be bannered in the food show. These include dried seafood, coffee, heirloom rice, chocolate, craft beers, fruit wines, fresh fruits, and local sausages, among others.

SSI Group President Anton Huang said, “As we continue to provide lifestyle offerings to our consumers, we at SSI are proud to, once again, showcase the best of what the Philippines has to offer—not only for our guests to appreciate the Philippines’ finest flavors, but also to create more awareness when it comes to how our travels impact our planet. Travel has become a big part of all of our lives and this is our way of practicing this advocacy here in our own backyard, and presenting Filipino travelers with options and ideas.”

SSI Group, 30 Years of the Curated Life
On its 30th year, the SSI Group partners with one of the world’s leading banks, Citibank, to bring the Curated Life to every Filipino with rewarding shopping experiences and perks. With a retail network of over 600 stores and various retail format offerings, the SSI Group continues to make an impact on the lifestyle values of its consumers, by inspiring, enabling, indulging, and rallying them to live a life well-lived—a life that’s well-curated.

Enjoy the organic and healthy Locally Merci Buco Pandan and Buco Lychee

If you are into healthy lifestyle and is checking out labels of what you are eating and drinking, then its time to try Locally.

Locally, the first quirky Filipino juice line made with indigenous local fruits, launched two more variants of the Locally Merci Buco coco water line: Buco Pandan and Buco Lychee. So you have not one, not two but three Merci Buco variants! Sweet!

Buco Pandan and Buco Lychee are flavors that appeal to the sweet tooth of every Filipino coco lover. And while they are often prepared as desserts, making them into drink flavors is not a bad idea at all!  Imagine having your dessert and drinking it, too! What an amazing coconut concoction! Or shall we say...COCOction?!

Buco Pandan is an all-time favorite Filipino chilled salad made by blending shredded young coconut, pandan (screwpine leaves)-flavored gelatin cubes, cream and sweetened condensed milk. But as a drink, it has the refreshing kick of coco juice mixed with the exhilarating fragrance of Pandan leaves. So good that it will make you want to do the PANDANCE OF JOY! Drink some more and feel that burst of energy inside of you that will make you want to bust a move. It’s delicious, refreshing and naturally flavorful.

Buco Lychee, meanwhile, is traditional buko salad made yummier and juicier with lychee and coconut jelly or nata de coco. As a drink, it is simply refreshing and sweet. It has coconut water that quenches your thirst mixed with the exotic goodness of Lychee. Think of it this way, it’s like drinking your dessert minus the calories! We won’t Lychee you, it is honestly good!

Locally Merci Buco is made from pure and organic coconut water sourced and organically grown from local farms in Bicol and Quezon, assuring consumers not only of 100% freshness from the best-tasting natural coco water but also of its numerous health benefits: low calorie content of 40 calories per serving, no sugar added (for plain coco water), no fat and cholesterol, gluten-free, not from concentrate, and non-GMO. What’s more, all variants have the natural properties of coco water such as antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, and minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese and zinc.

It is also the first local coconut water that is certified organic by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) 1 and EcoCert2. So you get to have a sweet time enjoying your flavored drink plus the assurance that it is safe and healthy.

Packed in 330 ML and 1 liter eco-friendly recyclable tetra pack, Locally’s Merci Buco is available at Rustan’s and select PureGold and Robinsons supermarkets, and is exported to the US and the Middle East.

Do us a favor and choose both flavors! Grab your Buco Pandan and Buco Lychee now!

Locally is the first quirky Filipino juice line that uses home-grown fruits. The brand mirrors the unique and fun characteristics of Filipinos with its catchy word puns, namely: Mangosteenie Miney Mo, Tamarind My Bell, Dalandan It Again, Guyabano-body but You, Calamansi’z the Day, Pomelong & Lasting Love and Save the Best for Sineguelast.

For inquiries and more information about Locally products, visit the official Locally Facebook (@LocallyPhilippines) and Instagram (@Locally PH) pages

Sources:
1 https://www.usda.gov/topics/organic
2 http://www.ecocert.com/en/our-approach

Retro Living Room Ideas and Decor Inspirations from the Class of PSID 2016

When I stepped inside the PSID Gallery booths. It brought memories from the past, back from my high school days to the early 90s. I never appreciate art then, but I have been to some of the best interior home design to say the least, from my friends to classmates and relatives during those times. The nostalgia and effect of the "past" booth made a lasting recall and I am wishing someone would take me back to my past to relive and tweak it to a happier now with a Warren Platner design inspired living room in mind.

PSID Advanced Class of 2016 launches Past, Present and Future and took us to a journey of timeline of design, trends and styles through ”Evolution" last September 22 at the Square Building, Greenfield District, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City.

To the Past, Present and Future booths that I have checked out, I have my personal favorite which is the Warren Platner booth because of its retro style back to the 60s vibe chair.  The look of the decade is reminiscent to the Beatles era with its splash of salmon, flame and mint colors.

If you are in for a retro vibe, now is the time to inject a hint of retro charm into your living room. Colors like salmon and purple makes chic and fashionable, simple retro decor can often make a big difference to the ambiance of any living space. Which makes me want to build my own house now inspired of course from the Warren Platner booth of the Past.

Warren Platner was an American architect and interior designer that produced a furniture collection that has proved to be a continuing icon of 1960s modernism. He is also famed with designing several prominent interiors in New York City, including headquarters offices for the Ford Foundation building and the original Windows on the World restaurant, atop the World Trade Center.

The look of the decade from which the renowned interior designer, Warren Platner, came from displays boldness in shapes, colors and patterns. It traces us back to the 'midcentury cool theme during the 1960s, brought to Dining Room today; showing that the Retro Style is highly applicable in todays setting. The strategical play of the different design elements creates a perfect balance between a vivacious and a warm, inviting atmosphere-perfect for a more interesting, spiced up contemporary space. This booth is for the young and the young at heart, adventurous go-getters. See how the designers have evolved retro styling with, .

1. It makes the room bright, lively and exciting with just the right tints, tones and shades-it is, 

2. Toned down by the other design elements brought out by the wood and tl-ie bricks, of which      communicated the warm and welcoming feel of the room througli. its texture.

3. The lights add more personality to the room and complete the retro-feel together with the creative repurposed objects such as the luggages used as shelves, retro cameras as wall sconces and the wall mounted television with a retro-frame fixed. 

4. Finally, the touch of elegance and luxury does it all for a graceful glam by the steel wire works of Platner. Inspired from his design style, we also did an open plan from which xou can see the entire area already, and a picture window witli a seat attached to the niche, from which is inspired by his work, 'Windows on the World" atop World Trade Center. The drop ceiling designed in a symmetrical curve breaks the rigid wood slats making an entire soft yet striking look-paired with circular drop ceiling with a sky window on center. Lighter shades of wood used on chevron flooring for more controlled patterns just right and suitable for the room.

"The whole is greater than the sum of its parts"  Aristotle.

All of which shows personality and sentimental value put together in an interior piece. Studied work and well calculated ergonomics, color matters, materials and methods put together the Retro Dining Room for the young and successful fashion entrepreneur and influencer, Yoyo Cao. It's for a very adventurous, creative, and assertive person like you, too.

MEMBERS:

PATRICIA RIANNA ANGELES, ROMUALDO EDUARDO ANSELMO, PETER PAUL ASCANO
ELISABETH ELISHA CABALLAS, JOANA MAE CIPRIANO, KARLA ANGELINE DOMINGO
DENISE CAMILLE VELASCO, JOLINA PAULA TURQUEZA

The second favorite is a Finn Juhl inspired booth from the Past, because Im a sucker to retro design and feel. This booth is instagram worthy with the splashes of color and design.   If youre a travel blogger, this booth will inspire you.

The approach of Finn Juhl design has been deeply inspired from the 45 chair which breaks the traditional upholstered armrests or which breaks from the tradition of upholstered armrests. Without the armrest, Finn Juhl was able to give function and comfort to the chair because of its curves.

"We feel strongly about its symbolism that we decided for it to became our inspiration for our floor plan . Our color scheme focused on earthy colors following the notion of Finn Juhl's style and furniture to be organic. A minimalist, we also reflected Finn Juhl's simple but sublime style in our design of the den . The simple yet well thought-of design from Finn Juhl translates and inspires our modern den".

MEMBERS:
ADRIENNE JO ALONZO, KLARISSE FLORES, MA. MICHELLE FRANCESCA HILAHAN
JASMINE LORRAINE MEDENCELES, BILLY JOE OSIAS, DAYANOR TAN

The dynamic nature of design through the past, present and future is the centerpiece of "Evolution,” the graduation exhibit of the Philippine School of Interior Design

(PSlD) Advanced Class of 2016, slated from September 29-October 31, 2016 at the Square Building, Greenfield District, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City. in celebration of PSlD’s 49th year, ”Evolution" will take exhibit guests on a journey through a timeline of design trends, styles and designs from past, present, and future.

Mounted in cooperation with Devant, Uratex, Boysen, Hafele, Bosch, Blanco Germany, Gorenje, Dexterton, La Europa Ceramica, Songdream, Nordlux, Matimco, AG Murals, Mity Mike, Larry’s Curtain, Mainline, Fineza, and Ilaw Atbp, the exhibit is set to showcase 24 exquisitely~ designed spaces that represent different time periods and various inspiration from the past, the present, and the future.

Vintage trends and classic designs take center stage in the Past gallery. Showcasing how mid-century design styles have influenced today’s interior design standards, the Past gallery will take exhibit-goers through a trip down memory lane with looks inspired by the 1940s to the 1970s. Booths will capture the essence of illustrious designers from this time period such as Finn Juhl, Eero Aarnio, Alvar Aalto, Eero Saarinen, Charles Eames, Hans Wegner, Warren Platner, and Arne Jacobsen.

Meanwhile, the Present gallery breathes new life to timeless design styles and gives mm a contemporary spin. Classic styles meet modern trends in an up-to date gallery that will scuss the eclectic nature of present-day design. Styles such as Tropical, Filipino, Japanese, Mediterranean, Chinese, Moorish, Victorian, and Baroque are presented in an unexpected yet elegant fusion.

Giving exhibit-goers a glimpse of what's to come in design is the Future Gallery. The student designers have conducted thorough research to come up with fearless forecasts on what the future of design looks like based on the trends today.  Promising possible trends to be covered include Avant Garde Industrial, Tech and Trendy, Metallic Glam, Rustic Luxe, Eclectic elegance,  Organic Opulence, Design Deconstructed, and Funk Art.

Evolution” is a carefully planned, extensively researched exhibit that marks the countdown to PSlD's 50th anniversary in 2017. For decades now, PSID has been known to produce groundbreaking exhibits that become the benchmark of interior design shows in the academe, and are considered go-to events for architects, fellow interior designers, design enthusiasts, and the general public to learn more about world-class Filipino design and see innovative interiors come to life. PSID brings interior design a notch higher each year, presenting exhibits that challenge the graduating batch to showcase their repertoire of design skills and the PSID mark of excellence.