Sweet Chili Thai Fish & Noodle House by Gerry's

I cant eat without condiments of chili, vinegar and sweet chili sauce. I have come to realized that I cant eat without spices. I have loved Thai food eversince Thai restaurants sprout everywhere in Manila. Then comes, Sweet Chili Thai Fish and Noodles Restaurant, owned by Gerry's Group of Restaurants. 

Thai food is one of the most balanced cuisines. It’s never just sweet or just spicy, rather a balance of acidity, sweetness, aroma, and heat. Now you can sink your teeth with Thai dishes right at Sweet Chili Thai Fish and Noodles Restaurant located at the 2nd floor of Fisher Mall in Quezon City.

Gerry's launched Sweet Chili Thai Fish and Noodles Restaurant to its growing portfolio of restaurant chains last September 4, 2014 at Fisher Mall, Quezon City.

"The Philippine restaurant scene is replete with Filipino food entrepreneurs who have become big names offering foreign cuisine" observes Gerry Apolinario, the successful entrepreneur behind Gerry's.

Bagoong fried rice topped with sweet pork, shredded fried egg, green mango and onion

Genuine tasting and simple matched with friendly Pinoy service in a casual ambience, Sweet Chili is a gastronomic adventure. "There are no shortcuts when your aim is to delight customers. We import some of our key ingredients so that you taste nothing but real Thai cuisine," adds Apolinario who opened Gerry's 17 years ago.

"Food is good for sharing at very affordable prices. Excellent meals need not be expensive. We never compromise on taste- and value for money," says Apolinario.

Sweet Chili hopes to open one more branch before the year ends. Their menu includes the mouth watering and delicious must- try items such as the following;

Catfish lightly breaded, fried until crispy, topped with sauteed bell pepper and fried garlic sauce

Marinated boneless chicken thigh wraped in pandan leaves served with sweet chili sauce

Grilled pork liempo topped with fresh bellpepper served with lemon tamarind sauce

King Fish deep fried until golden brown served with choice of sauces

Sauteed thai rice noodles with shrimp, tofu, bean sprout in tamarind sauce, wrapped in egg

Phad Thai wrapped in egg

Flavorful stir fried chicken in herbs and spices mixed with basil leaves

Fresh shrimp, squid and fish in authentic Thai herb soup

My personal favorite is their Seafood Tom Yum, the spiciness is tolerable, that goes right with the ingredients (vegetables and seafood) and broth. Second is the Chicken Pandan, with a little tinge of spice, its soft,  chewy,  and delicious, that comes around with the sauce, dont forget to dip your chicken into it.

 If you love Gerry's, wait till you taste what Sweet Chili's Thai food is offering. It is simply delicious and affordable.

SM Cinema brings you the best of Chinese Film Festival, Admission is free!

In time for the celebration of Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese Moon Festival, SM Cinema is hosting the Chinese Film Festival this September 5 to September 9. This partnership between the Chinese Embassy of the Philippines and SM Cinema aims to promote cultural understanding between China and the Philippines.

The screening showcases innovative Chinese films of high artistic value that gears towards Filipinos’ understanding of the Chinese cultural diversity and heritage. Movies that are part of the Chinese Film Festival will be available in selected SM Cinema branches such as SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM San Lazaro and SM Manila.

SM Cinema will be running popular movies including “Back to 1942” which won awards at the International Rome Film Festival in 2012 and Hong Kong Film Awards in 2013; “Caught in the Web” whose story ensembles a young woman who was victimized by a massive viral internet campaign; “The Grandmaster” which won several awards and nominations from different organizations such as the 50th Golden Horse Awards and 33rd Hong Kong Film Awards; The Romance-Fantasy movie of 2013 “Say Yes” is also included in the list along with the Comedy-Drama about old people “Full Circle” and last, but definitely not the least, is “Little Big Soldier” who was produced and written by Jackie Chan himself which he starred also in the movie.


SM Cinema is the cinema and exhibition brand under SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc, or SMLEI, the lifestyle and entertainment company of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. SM Cinema is one of the many premium brands managed by SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. Tucked under SMLEI’s belt are: Mall of Asia Arena, Snack Time, SM Tickets, e-PLUS Tap to Pay, e-PLUS Digital, SM Bowling and Leisure Center, SM Skating Rink, the Exploreum, IMAX, Director’s Club Cinema, WM Cinemas, and SM Cinema.

As part of the celebration, SM Cinema will be holding the admissions for free.

CREATING “THE MAZE RUNNER” WORLD

                It will take wit, agility, speed and strength to survive a labyrinth of dangerous walls with predators ready to kill at an instant in the upcoming young adult movie “The Maze Runner.”

                Based on the bestselling YA series of novel of the same title by James Dashner, “The Maze Runner” brings a group of young boys (and a girl) together in a secluded place known as the Glade where they come and stay but does not have any idea of who they really are and what brought them there. Starring, Dylan O’Brien, Ki Hong Lee,  Kaya Scodelario, Aml Ameen, Will Poulter and Thomas Brodie-Sangster, the movie is directed by Wes Ball who envisioned the Maze walls to be modern and ancient.   The towering structure’s creeping vines and seemingly empty corridors mask a threat that terrifies even the most hardened and veteran Gladers.

 The hidden creatures, which the kids call Grievers – though none has actually seen one, preys on those who stay too long in the Maze. This means the boys must get out of the Maze before its walls close because nobody survives a night there.

Check out the cast and filmmakers video here on the making of the walls:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4zAhE67Gyw&feature=youtu.be
“THE MAZE RUNNER” opens September 17 in cinemas from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Calpol presents Himig ng Ginhawa

Music has gained recognition for its therapeutic value over the years. In fact, Music Therapy is acknowledged for a range of observable health benefits including but not limited to developing communication skills, helping decrease pain and anxiety, and reducing of stress. It also encourages creativity and happiness.

Annette Asuncion, a Certified Music Therapist, explains that mothers can use Music Therapy in caring for a sick child. “When a child has a fever, moms can use Music Therapy to help one relax, sleep better and even take medicine in a more pleasant way.” To provide fever relief, doctor-recommended Calpol provides solutions on giving soothing comfort and relief for children with fever not only through its product portfolio but also advocating other therapeutic means like Music Therapy.

Music therapy volunteers of Calpol Himig ng Ginhawa program during a visit to Ospital ng Muntinlupa

Calpol presents Himig ng Ginhawa, a continuation of the brand’s successful 2013 campaign Himig ng Kalinga. Through Himig ng Ginhawa, Calpol will conduct a series of interactive activities that use Music Therapy strategies. These activities will take place at children’s wards in several hospitals nationwide.

Through Himig ng Ginhawa, Calpol is fulfilling its advocacy of providing soothing comfort and relief for sick children. The brand believes in providing different forms of intervention - from medical technology to music therapy, physical care such as warm towels to regular temperature, adequate rest and proper medication like Calpol - to sooth young patients and to improve their health. Rachelle Gamboa, Group Product Manager of GlaxoSmith Kline, says, “We believe that Music Therapy has immense potential in bringing comfort to the sick, young members of our community.”

Headed by a team comprised of musically-inclined volunteers and one doctor, each engaging session encourages young patients to interact with the volunteers by playing instruments and singing along to live music. The result is a fun and relaxing activity that harnesses the healing qualities of music. After the session, patients are given a music CD and a singing critter card.

In May 2014, Himig ng Ginhawa was launched with a successful run at the University of the East – Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (UERM) in Quezon City. Ten UERM residents joined the Music Therapy activities. Calpol will continue to visit several hospitals across Metro Manila and Luzon.

By working closely with doctors, Calpol is able to achieve its mission of creating greater awareness about Music Therapy and its application by health care providers in related medical fields.

To prepare volunteers for the Music Therapy activities, Calpol enlisted Annette Asuncion, a Special Education Teacher and Music Therapist at Connolly Middle School in Arizona. She is also a Visiting Professor for Graduate Studies in Music Therapy at St. Paul University Manila. She explains, “To train the volunteers, I had them experience a Music Therapy session. This allowed them to distinguish the difference between performing and being interactive. I demonstrated strategies that they can use to promote interaction and learning. I showed them how to play music with different instruments and how to use their voice in order to encourage patients to interact, rather than to just listen.”

Calpol gives mothers an opportunity to include music in caring for their children through a special tie-up with South Star Drug DOH-FDA CDRR Permit No. 237 s. 2014. For every minimum purchase of two (2) bottles of Calpol, customers will get a FREE Himig ng Ginhawa CD.

Himig ng Ginhawa is sponsored by doctor-recommended Paracetamol Calpol. With its Acti-Fast formula, Calpol provides fast fever relief for bilis ginhawa na maaasahan.

Win the Colgate Optic White's Dream Wedding coverage

Colgate Optic White’s Dream Wedding launch

Everyone has a dream wedding in mind, but with that comes wedding worries and mishaps.

For wedding coverage, there are two names that stand out among the crowd – Jason Magbanua and Pat Dy. With more than 10 years in the wedding industry, Jason Magbanua has been called many things, including a genius and a magician. But as far as Jason is concerned, he’s simply a visual storyteller with an eye for capturing perfect wedding moments. Pat Dy, on the other hand, started his editorial career by shooting for top fashion magazines in the country. His fashion approach for capturing real couples got the attention of the wedding industry and has since changed the industry landscape.

When planning a wedding, most brides-to-be have Jason and Pat on their wish list; the two are, after all, the best of the best, and are among the most celebrated names in the world of weddings. Their portfolio of clients read like the who's who of Manila's social scene. Case in point: Maggie Wilson and Victor Consunji's racy and headline-making pre-nup shoot by Jason Magbanua; Pat Dy’s romantic Parisian shots of Stephanie Kienle and Chris Gonzalez; and Cat Arambulo and Carlo Antonio’s intimate weekend nuptials in Bellaroca captured on video and photo by the duo.

Now, future brides can join the ranks of Manila's most beautiful by being part of Colgate Optic White's Dream Wedding contest. By uploading a short video of their absolute worst wedding worries on the Colgate Philippines’ Facebook page, one lucky bride will have the chance for her wedding to be captured through the eyes of Pat Dy and Jason Magbanua.

“Everyone wants a ‘white wedding’ – a wedding where everything’s spotless and everything goes according to plan,” says Magbanua.

“In most cases though, something’s bound to go wrong,” shares Solenn Heussaff, face of Colgate Optic White and attendee of countless weddings playing guest, bridesmaid, and make-up artist. “But every bride I’ve seen has been able to glide through their weddings – mishaps and all – with a smile.”

Solenn understands that memories are sustained through one’s photos and wedding video, some of the most precious reminders of a bride’s most thrilling day.

“With Colgate Optic White, there is one wedding woe that you need not worry about: the perfect wedding smile,” says Solenn.

Magbanua and Dy agree. “If there’s something that completes a bride’s look, it’s definitely her perfect white smile,” says Magbanua.

“It’s the one day in your life where literally all eyes will be on you, and it’s a day you’ll want to relive over and over,” says Dy. “I’ve taken hundreds and thousands of photographs, and it’s really the perfect white smile that makes all the difference,” he adds.

“There are certain key moments in a wedding: the unveiling of the bride, the opening of the door, the walk down the aisle, and the first kiss of the bride and the groom,” says Magbanua. “You have one chance to get it right. There’s beauty in the moment, and there’s beauty in the bride. The smile says it all,” adds Magbanua.

A smile can make all the difference during the wedding. It has the power to release stress, calm down nerves, and even instantly brighten the entire wedding’s atmosphere. “Your smile is a significant part of you. Not only does a white smile make you look good, it makes you and others feel good,” adds Dy.

 “It’s one of the first things people notice, and having the perfect white smile will definitely boost your confidence to get through any day,” says Solenn. “I’ve used the product long enough to know that you can really rely on Colgate Optic White to give you the perfect smile on your wedding day. And even if I’m not yet getting married, I still want to dazzle my man with my perfect white smile,“ she adds.

“And because Colgate Optic White promises one shade whiter teeth after just one week*, you can be sure to have one less thing to worry about in making your dream wedding a reality.”

Colgate Optic White's Dream Wedding runs from September 4 to October 27, 2014 and is open to all wedded-to-be Filipinos in January until June 2015. The 10 most creative submissions will be chosen and voted on by the public.

The 10 most creative submissions will be chosen by Colgate and voted on by the public.
To know more, like Colgate Philippines on Facebook.

Ben Affleck plays married Nick Dunne to "Gone Girl" the movie

BEN AFFLECK’S TOUGHEST CHALLENGE YET ON BEING MARRIED IN “GONE GIRL”

This is one of the best book that I have read 2 years ago, and I keep re-reading it to relieve the moment and pain of Nick Dunne. I am pro -Nick, find out why.  Just like everyone else who read the book. I am excited to see the movie. 

The page-turner tome “Gone Girl” written by Gillian Flynn about a woman gone missing on the day of their fifth year wedding anniversary and a marriage believed to be on the rocks is brought to life by Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike under the direction of David Fincher.

From the bestsellers’ shelves, “Gone Girl” reveals the real Mr. and Mrs. Dunne as they go through the motion of making their marriage work. Nick (Affleck) decides to move back to his hometown in Missouri from New York after being sacked as a print journalist, bringing his wife Amy (Pike) with him.  Embittered by his current state due to the advent of online publishing, the couple has slowly drifted apart, with Nick spending most of his time at a local bar he bought and manages while Amy is mostly home and explores the community with a few newfound friends.

                Unexpectedly, Nick’s sleepy town has awakened due to Amy’s sudden disappearance, what was left are confusing clues as to why and how his wife had gone missing.  At the scene of the crime within the Dunne’s home are clear signs of struggle – shattered glasses and an overturned coffee table but there were no signs of forced entry, leaving investigators to think that the prime suspect they’re looking for might be Nick.

                In recent interviews, Pike stated that the movie will make people re-examine their thoughts on marriage.  “That aspect of marriage as a con game, or whatever.  The idea that we perform a sort of ideal version of ourselves that the other person wants. We perhaps belie our true nature in order to perform to the ideal. David and I talked a lot about living in an age of rampant narcissism.”

                Likewise, Affleck shared that ““I actually think this is the perfect date movie, not because I think it’ll result in divorce – I think that’s just David’s fantasy – but because it’s the kind of movie that a husband and wife could talk about afterwards. I think a man and a woman would have different takes on what happens. The last time I was in a movie that I thought polarised men and women in an interesting way was ‘Chasing Amy.’ That was quite some time ago.”

                “Gone Girl” opens in cinemas nationwide on October 8 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Marmalade Kitchen stirs up memories of food

Memories of food brings us to a time and place that delighted us and  make us all hungry. That is Marmalade Kitchen did to me last September 2, 2014. Chef Aileen Anastacio's creation woke up my first food memory, her pancake, made from scratch with all the toffee syrup and banana toppings. Food stirs an emotional part of our lives which is, in many ways, more important than the historical one. I suddenly recall my childhood days.

What do you remember when you smell a vanilla pancake frying coming right from someone's kitchen?  The thought and the scene reminds me of mother in her late 30s with her red dirty apron on,   cake mix stirred in a bowl,  preparing plates and puncturing a can of condensed milk as syrup, and getting that hardened butter from the refrigerator. Her homemade hot cocoa in a ceramic pitcher with cute yellow ceramic cups. Thank God for mothers and their food.

Chef Aileen Anastacio is hands-on to her latest restaurant Marmalade Kitchen located at The Forum 2nd fl, BGC corner Federacion Drive. There is a homey feel inside the restaurant with its wooden table, wood tiled floors,  chairs, and cabinet, which  reminds us of home.

 Chef Anastacio promised to delight us as she began cooking all the dishes that would satisfy our palate and senses. She first served us a bowl of hot pumpkin creamy soup, that is buttery delicious sprinkled with roasted caramel on top.

She made us taste her breakfast goodness of "longganisang hubad" with egg and garlic  fried rice. Started up my day with a filling breakfast. Chef Aileen whipped up all the dishes for the day with no unnecessary garnishes and condiments.

Me and my favorite breakfast Longganisang hubad with egg and garlic rice

Chef Aileen Anastacio with her signature dish

Marmalade Kitchen houses the many things Aileen loves. In a way, it has become an extension of her home. For one, it offers all the things she herself loves to indulge on. Largely inspired by her experiences working in a professional restaurant in the US to her many travels abroad, the dishes is a roundup of food that brings her utmost comfort and pleasure; none of the pretentious kind, just classic and traditional café dishes that people crave for and keep coming back to for guaranteed satisfaction. Chicken and Waffles, Eggs Benedict, Beef Stroganoff, Fish and Chips—she prepares and serves them the way we have long enjoyed them,

Royal Benedict

Marmalade Kitchen is an extension of her culinary playground as she and her fellow chef friends host lifestyle classes. Every week, they will be sharing their knowledge and experience to friends and guests who would like to learn a thing or two about cooking and baking, as well as enjoy the food they’ll be making and each other’s company.



Marmalade Kitchen is a home for delectable eats and treats and good learning. And everyone is welcome to partake in all the fun.

Pulled Pork

Black ink pasta with shrimp

Her version of black pasta, this is deliciously good and filling, I love that the pasta is soft and tasty even without the shrimp. This is a meal on its own.

Key Lime Pie

This key lime pie dessert is soo good, not too sweet, the crust compliments everything. Finish your meal with any order of her desserts in the menu, including this one.

Chef Aileen also holds summer cooking classes for the kids ages 7-12 . She will cook 4-5 recipes, that would depends on the ingredients. She will invite chefs over during the summer cooking classes. Reservation is required. Class fee is Php2000.00 per class/session. For inquiries, please call 09178370959.

Cooking classes schedule

Alaxan FR inspires “pusong palaban” attitude among Gilas Pilipinas fans

Alaxan FR is giving more Filipinos a chance to see the heroism and “pusong palaban” attitude of Gilas Pilipinas at the FIBA World Cup in Spain by showing the games in different areas nationwide. The games are viewed live for free at selected Courts of Inspiration—basketball courts that were constructed by Alaxan FR with the help of local communities.

“We want to show the Gilas Pilipinas games in our Courts of Inspiration to draw support for our newest basketball heroes and inspire our fellow Filipinos to have a pusong palaban, katawang Alaxan attitude,” said Missy Cheah, Alaxan FR assistant product manager.

Comedy mentalist and blogger Marcelle Fabie receives a Gilas Pilipinas signed basketball for his live tweet during the media viewing party. 

The Philippines vs. Puerto Rico game on September 3 will be seen at Courts of Inspiration in Barangay Cataggaman Nuevo, Tuguegarao City and Barangay Matina Crossing, Davao City. The Philippines vs. Senegal game on September 4 will be seen at Courts of Inspiration in Barangay Taclobo, Purok Santan, Dumaguete City and Barangay Cabu, Cabanatuan City.

The national squad’s first game against Croatia was also seen at Courts of Inspiration in Barangay Minante 1, Cauayan City, Isabela; Barangay Singcang Airport, Bacolod City; Barangay 32, San Roque, Legaspi City; and Barangay Ampayon, Purok 2A, Butuan City.

At Skinny Mike’s Sports Bar, Alaxan FR also treated members of the media to an exclusive viewing party to watch the Gilas Pilipinas game against Croatia. Alaxan samples and Gilas Pilipinas autographed premium items like basketballs and t-shirts were given away as prizes in raffle draws and blogger contests.

Cheah said that Alaxan FR has thrown its support for Gilas Pilipinas after its impressive run in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championships where the national men’s basketball team showed their determination and resiliency in the face of great adversity, especially in the game against South Korea.

“Our Gilas Pilipinas players relied on their fighting hearts and pushed their physical strengths to the limit to beat the odds and book a trip to the FIBA World Cup games. This is what our pusong palaban, katawang Alaxan campaign is all about, reminding ordinary people that to overcome challenges, they must have a warriors’ heart and an able body that can effectively conquer pain,” Cheah said.

The audience erupts into cheers during an exciting part of the Philippines vs. Croatia game at the Alaxan FR exclusive media viewing party at Skinny Mike’s Sports Bar.

Since 2012, Alaxan FR has already constructed 26 Courts of Inspiration across the country to empower the youth to learn basketball and work hard to achieve their dreams; and help the beneficiary communities to develop a bayanihan spirit.

In building the Courts of Inspiration, Alaxan FR provides the necessary construction materials and secures a partnership with local government officials to mobilize the townspeople in constructing the play centers which have become not just athletic centers but landmarks and venues for community activities.

AMANDA SEYFRIED PLAYS A GOLD DIGGER IN “A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST”

If you simply want to have a good laugh this week, go and watch this movie. This will surely tickle your funny bones.

Amanda Seyfried (“Les Miserables,” “Red Riding Hood”) stars as Louise, the woman who would break the hero's heart in, Universal Pictures' new comedy “A Million Ways to Die in the West” (opening exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas nationwide on Sept 3.)

In the film, after sheep farmer Albert (Seth MacFarlane) backs out of a gunfight, his fickle girlfriend, Louise (Seyfried) leaves him for another man. When a mysterious and beautiful woman named Anna (Charlize Theron) rides into town, she helps him find his courage and they begin to fall in love. But when her husband (Liam Neeson), a notorious outlaw, arrives seeking revenge, the farmer must put his newfound courage to the test.

The filmmakers wanted to find an actress who was right in the "Goldilocks" zone, someone who could express that artful balance between a woman whom you don't really want the guy to end up with because she's not the nicest person, but a character who still has enough redeeming qualities that you don't think the guy is an idiot for pining after her. Someone "just right."

Actor-writer-director Seth MacFarlane found everything the team wanted in accomplished actress Amanda Seyfried. He explains: "Amanda is a great example of someone who is perfectly cast. There was the scene on the log where she's talking to Albert and is about to dump him, and I remember thinking, 'God, she is nailing it. She's either the world's greatest actress, or she's cut down a bunch of guys like this.' Amanda is very sweet, so I quickly learned it wasn't the latter; she's just extremely good."

Seyfried was initially surprised at her casting. She advises: "Most of my projects haven't been comedy." Discussing her character, the performer shares: "Louise is a selfish young lady who dumps Albert in such a blunt, insensitive way because he's not getting it. She is enamored of Foy, town's most successful businessman, and how awesome she thinks he is that she can't quite see who he really is. Foy's very charismatic and he's got balls, while Albert has no balls at all... figuratively speaking of course. Foy's attractive to her because he has confidence and sex appeal, and his moustache is really hot."

Although Theron's and Seyfried's characters were at odds, that's where the similarities between the actresses ended. Theron explains that she struggled with the biting dialogue that was directed toward her on-screen nemesis: "I found myself constantly looking at Seth and saying, 'I can't say that. It's Amanda, come on.' There is a line where I have to tell her she looks bad in this dress. I was thinking that I am just not that good of an actor. I mean, look at her! She's like a little doll."
“A Million Ways to Die in the West” is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

AFFI SET FOR 2014 FRANCHISE EXPO

The Association of Filipino Franchisers Incorporated (AFFI) is all set to hold their annual Filipino Franchise Show.

This year, AFFI has invited franchisers from all over the ASEAN region to participate in the show as part of efforts to prepare for the ASEAN integration slated for 2015.  Ricardo Cuna owner of the Fiorgelato ice cream franchise and head of this year’s show committee says “This year we are inviting franchisers from all over ASEAN to showcase their homegrown concepts to explore the possible synergies between local and regional franchise brands.” Franchising is one of the industries set to be opened up as part of the integration and is expected to lead to an influx of foreign franchise brands in the country.

He adds that the franchising industry is expected to continue posting double digit growth and is expected to see the entry of more new players. “We are seeing more and more emerging concepts and startup businesses joining the show which shows that the industry is still and will likely continue to grow” says Cuna. AFFI is one of the largest industry bodies in the Philippine franchise industry and counts among its members local brands such as Aquabest, Binalot, Figaro, Lots' A Pizza, Sweet Corner, among others.

The show is considered one of the biggest events in the Philippine franchise industry and attracts thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs who come and see hundreds of the country's top franchise brands.  Apart from an impressive roster of participating franchise brands the show also features companies from allied industries and suppliers.  Among the major sponsors for this year’s show are BPI Family Ka Negosyo , Seaoil Philippines, St. Francis Generic Drug, and The Generics Pharmacy.

AFFI is also set to recognize the outstanding franchise companies and franchisees with their annual AFFI Enabler Awards and Galing ng Pinoy Franchise Excellence Awards. The show would also feature seminars and workshops for aspiring entrepreneurs and franchisers from AFFI members as well as BPI Family Ka Negosyo and the Intellectual Property Office.

Supporting AFFI in its advocacy to showcase the very best of Filipino franchise concepts are its sponsors and partners St. Francis Generic Drug, Globe My Business,  Farmacia ni Dok, Geepas Philippines, 2Go Express, Revelnet, My Basic Graphics, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Business World, Business Mirror, Entrepreneur Philippines, United Daily News, Carl Balita Radyo Negosyo, United Neon, Meralco, Go Negosyo, IPO, DTI BSMED, and TESDA.
         
The 2014 Filipino Franchise Show will be held from October 3 to 5 at the World Trade Center. For inquiries please contact the AFFI Secretariat at (+632) 654 0345, 09228149881 to 82 or email affifranchiseshow2014@gmail.com or one can contact PETCO at (632) 832-9303 to 05 or email secretariat@petcogroup.com.

Lock & Lock CookPlus and Glassware line is the best way to cook, serve and store

From the kitchen to the table: Lock and Lock introduces its newest cookware and glassware line

Who will ever forget that cute Lock & Lock airtight plastic containers, I used to carry that airtight leakproof plastic see thru "baunan" everyday when I worked the night shift at a BPO Company. It stand the test of time, and it has been my favorite container ever since I owned one. I use it to store my favorite dried fruits, fresh fruits, rice and longganisa meal, dessert, spaghetti, etc.. It always has a place in our kitchen for food storage.

 Lock & Lock recently launched its own cookware and glassware lines last August 29, 2014 at Museum Cafe, Greenbelt Makati. “Lock & Lock has been known as a brand that offers high-quality food containers that the Filipino family can use. Now, we introduce the CookPlus line and the Lock & Lock Glass line that offers Filipinos a safe, convenient, and healthy way to prepare and  present their food,” shared Rafael Chua, President of Lock & Lock Philippines.

The CookPlus and Glass line offers a wide variety of products suited to different cooking and presentation needs. Aside from this, all the products are made of top class materials that promise durability, corrosion-resistance, constant brilliance, and long lasting non-stick coating for its cookware.

 Chef Kalel Chan, the boyish looking Corporate chef of Raintree Restaurants,  the one responsible for the scrumptious delicacies behind M Cafe and Chelsea,  made a live demo of cooking Pad Thai using the Lock & Lock cookware line which is made of high quality ceramic that makes it easier for the product to conduct heat. This allows food to cook at a shorter amount of time and requires less oil needed for cooking.

Chef Kalel Chan's delicious meal "Pad Thai"  cooked and prepared in half a time using the Lock & Lock non-stick cookware.

Chef Kalel Chan gamely posed for a picture after the cooking demo

The CookPlus line is perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) free, which is a man-made chemical not naturally present in the environment. Most non-stick cookware have this chemical for better cooking quality. However, PFOA is transferred from the cookware to food, which puts people’s health at risk. Lock & Lock’s CookPlus line has found an innovative way to remove this chemical from its products while still providing its users quality cooking experience.

I was a part of the "Lock & Lock cooking challenge" wherein we prepared a breakfast meal of pancake, eggs and bacon, complete with plate presentation.  I cooked beside Ruth dela Cruz, also a blogger, who emerged as the lucky winner. I was surprised that the cookware non-stick fry pan that I used was heat-resistant. I know I have to buy one, its one fry pan that each and one of us should own, if you are a working mother. or is always in a hurry, its time to get the CookPlus line.  Ruth and I went home with the newly launch Lock & Lock Boroseal airtight glass container.

My pancake with eggs and bacon

Aside from being PFOA free, the cookware line is made of high quality ceramic which makes it easier for the product to conduct heat. This allows food to cook at a shorter amount of time and requiring less oil needed for cooking.

The Lock & Lock Glass line on the other hand is made from borosilicate glass. This makes the product durable and able to withstand varying temperatures, allowing us the convenience to easily transfer food from the freezer to the oven and straight on the dining table, without having to transfer containers.

“Lock & Lock’s movement to go beyond containers and offering quality cookware and glassware is our response in recognizing the other food-related needs of Filipinos. Through our products, we not just offer products that are of high quality, but products that can make the cooking and eating experience a more convenient, healthy, and safe event for the Filipino family,” shared Chua.