Create beautiful memories at Oakwood's Nostalgia Dining Lounge

What would you do if you could turn back time? I will definitely spend it with the parents and visit all the places that we used to frequent with the siblings in tow when we were still teenagers and cherish all the moment. Now that we are all grown ups, we havent had the time to see each other because they are all abroad. A little high and hello through social media would do if we are not busy with our jobs.  The moment I stepped inside the Nostalgia Dining Lounge at Oakwood Premier in Pasig, it suddenly brought me to the memory of the parents house. A harpist was playing The Times of your Life,  I smiled, stopped and savored the moment.  The interiors reminded me of everything I used to be. The pictured frames, the long table and even the choice of music that sorrounds the lounge. So surreal yet peaceful.

I was excited to see my name on the long table, seated with some of the blogger friends and familiar faces from media.

The new Nostalgia Dining Lounge is located in Oakwood Premier – Joy Nostalg Centre, sentimentality for the past and many other special occasions may be celebrated featuring an array of cross-continental classic cuisine and a touch of Asian – all specially created by resident French executive chef, Jerome Cartailler.

Chef’s Terrine – a pork and veal terrine flavored with Cognac

The first dish that was served was the Chef’s Terrine – a pork and veal terrine flavored with Cognac, which is an original recipe from three generations lovingly created by Chef Jerome’s grandmother who adored and loved good food, quality ingredients, and extraordinary flavors. The terrine requires time to prepare, allowing the balance of flavors to blend from the process of marinating until slow baking. The meat is tender and juicy.

Berkshire Pork “Milanese,”

The Berkshire Pork “Milanese,” which is based on Chef Jerome’s Italian favorite, the Osso Bucco, uses only the best quality of pork cuts in the world, the Berkshire Pork. It is then braised in a blend of white wine, orange and saffron, and tomato, topped with gremolata buttered fettuccine and a bone marrow crostini.

Chicken supreme filled with mushroom mousse, light gorgonzola sauce

The Chicken supreme filled with mushroom mousse, macadamia crusted salmon fillet with mini vegetables and Chardonnay sauce.  It was beautifully plated bursting with colors and flavors.

Tartufo

The dessert's name was Tartufo with Berries Coulis–Nespresso coffee infused mousse served with ganache .


Other must-try offerings include the Linguine Pasta Alla Vodka, Escargots in Puff, Tofu & Spinach Lasagna, and the Nostalgia Chicken Rice, among others. All are complemented with an ambience of classic art and design, nostalgic music, comfortable surroundings and friendly, customized service that relaxes with good, warm memories.



The Nostalgia Dining Lounge also houses three themed, private function rooms, all with a distinct interior and vibe that represents the international context of the main dining lounge. The Old Manila, which can accommodate up to fourteen guests, is traditional Filipino that’s reminiscent of the capital’s glory days.

 Bohemian Paris, which can accommodate up to six, comes with striking visuals and accessories with a youthful color palette that’s set in French architectural motif. It is sure to encourage dining, drinking and simply living!

 And lastly, Cosmopolitan Shanghai, which also accommodates up to six guests, is a mix of the old renaissance and the new, with walls adorned in Chinese hand-painted artwork, vibrant fabric and details, combined with traditional furniture and a unique oriental dining experience.

Recollections of our past truly matters – whether in events that stir special memories, places that evoke pictures in our minds of what has been, or simply keeping in our hearts those whom we truly care about. Relive them all and create brand new memories only at The Nostalgia Dining Lounge.

The Nostalgia Dining Lounge is at the 6th floor of Oakwood Premier – Joy Nostalg Centre along ADB Ave. in Ortigas Center. For reservations and more information, please call 637.7888 ext. 8603.

Brad Go launches The Hush Project with love songs inspired by love stories around the world

Filipino-American singer-songwriter Brad Go launched his debut album The Hush Project last  February 5 at Bruce Lim's  Rustique Kitchen to an intimate gathering of selected bloggers where he performed select cuts from the self-penned and self-produced album, including the new single “I Want You Now.” and classics like Twist and Shout from the Beatles and The Carpenters which is his musical inspiration.

The Hush Project released through MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines) is the culmination of Brad's trip around the world in search of the most compelling and unique real-life,  love stories. The journey began in New York, where he met a girl on a rainy Wednesday evening in September, 2012. Offering his umbrella to the rain-soaked stranger, Brad unwittingly set in motion a series of romantic events, both exhilarating and tragic, that would lead to the creation of the blog, Have U Seen Her, and eventually The Hush Project. (HUSH is an acronym for “Have U Seen Her.”)


The exclusive unplugged performance gave Brad the opportunity to talk about the making of the album, the inspiration behind the songs, and how a guitar, a passport and serendipity turned him into a bona fide recording artist.

Inspired by his own love story—a story that started like a fairy tale but ended without the “happily ever after”—Brad came up with a crazy idea. He would travel the world, talk to people about love and their love stories, and write songs about them. He started a Kickstarter campaign that raised over $10,000, thus giving him the opportunity to embark on his mission.

“If something like this could happen to me in New York, there must be countless stories across the globe that no one has ever heard,” says the 28-year-old musician. His goal was to tell those stories.

Brad went to Barcelona, Tokyo, Melbourne, Singapore, Palermo, Berlin, Manila and Paris, and came back with eight original compositions, namely “All Along,” “I Want You Now,” “It's You,” “Follow Through,” “Firestarter,” “Feel This Way,” “Love Is Love” and “Time Machine.” The trip is documented in the form of vlogs, which are published on Brad's YouTube channel, youtube.com/bradgofilm.

The eight songs, with the addition of the bonus track “Carry You Home,” make up The Hush Project. The album is a mix of romantic ballads, torches and mid-tempo jams that are decidedly pop rock in form, mostly structured around guitar-driven melodies and rousing progressions.

The Hush Project has such an intriguing concept and fresh sound that upon hearing about it, MCA Music immediately committed to distributing the album, setting a Philippine release date of February 2, 2015. Impressed by Brad's songwriting, label executives commissioned him to write a song for another MCA artist, “The Total Performer” Darren Espanto. The result is “Makin' Moves,” which appears on the album, Darren.

“‎We're so happy to welcome Brad to the MCA family. He's the complete package: He sings, writes and produces his own songs, plays different instruments, and even makes his own music videos. It's hard to find such a multifaceted artist these days. We can't wait for everyone to hear his music and see his career flourish here in the Philippines and abroad,” enthuses MCA Music domestic label marketing manager Mark Bonifacio.

“Brad is a very marketable artist. He's showing a lot of potential and we at MCA are looking forward to helping him cultivate and grow his personal brand as a recording artist, musician and songwriter. The Hush Project is just the first step,” adds MCA Music artists and repertoire (A&R) manager Francis Guevarra.

 Bruce Lim's Rustique Kitchen (Arnaiz Ave., Makati City) on February 14 (7 p.m.), and Lucky Chinatown Mall on February 21 (3 p.m.).

Catch Brad live on Energy FM 106.7's Eat All You Ken on February 10 (6 to 9 a.m.) and Mellow 94.7's The Wake Up Show on February 11 (8 to 10 a.m.). He previously appeared on Wave 89.1's Funny Side Up on January 30.

The Hush Project is available at Astro Plus and Odyssey record bars and online at iTunes, Spinnr, Deezer and Spotify.

For more information, please go to hushproject.tv.

Abe, a taste of authentic Filipino food

  SM Moa had a string of good restaurants to its name perfectly located at the second floor overlooking the Manila Bay, and one of this is Abe.   Abe is a part of LJC group of companies which bring the likes of Cafe Adriatico, Bistro Remedios, and  Fely J, among others.  Abe means companion, a friend or getting together in Capampangan, and the restaurant got its namesake from Larry Cruz's father. Abe's interior has an artist's photos and artworks. The main dining has a seating capacity of 80 persons.

If you want to taste authentic filipino food then it is a must to visit Abe. I would rate my dining experience 9 out of 10 for good food, friendly staff and value for money.

For my appetizer I was served Pako Salad. This was a perfect combination of pako vegetables, salted egg,  thinly sliced tomatoes, onions, vinegar and a dash of sugar. This was my first time to taste "Pako".  I loved the sweet sour taste. It was the perfect salad to start off a meal.

Pako Salad

Next dish was the Mutton Adobo with Popped Garlic, or Adobong kambing for you. I havent eaten kambing and it was my first time to taste this. I admit it was a very good adobo with topped garlic, it smelled delicious. It tasted like beef but tender.  I just wish the waiter did not tell me what meat it was so I could eat chunks.

Mutton Adobo with Popped Garlic

Gising Gising was next to be served. It was my favorite spicy dish, kangkong stalks cooked with coconut milk, shrimps and seasoned with red hot chili peppers. Yummy! If you want it spicier or tame the flavor, just ask the waiter.

Gising Gising

I have been to many Filipino restaurants that serves Kare kare, but nothing beats Abe's. Hands down, this was the best Kare Kare with its thick peanutty taste, tender meat and vegetables prepared fresh at the side, Perfect food.

Kare kare

Sinigang na Bangus Belly with Ripe Guava, has a sarap-asim twist with bayabas and boneless bangus belly. This was served hot. It compliments the taste of the dishes served above.

Sinigang na Bangus Belly with Ripe Guava

What's the secret behind this creamilicious taste? Sikreto ni Maria Clara is Abe's bestselling dessert, with coconut milk, large strips of mangoes, suman with ice cream. Dont forget to order this for your next visit.

Sikreto ni Maria Clara

Abe served the Filipino classics with a twist. It is a must to visit them this Valentine's day with your special someone. Savor the authentic Capampangan taste and aroma. They are located at SM Moa 2nd floor adjacent to Cafe Adriatico.

Sweets for my sweet at Made in Candy

Some say it with flowers, others would give chocolates and then Made in Candy becomes the trend. You have probably seen those colorful miniature candies cooked, prepared and cut uniformly right before your eyes in their see-through kitchen by their candy Chefs. The rock candies has many designs and flavors to choose from or you can customized yours accordingly.

The flavor list are endless such as apple, blueberry, cherry, green tea, kiwi, lemon or watermelon. they have free samples to taste and choose from. You can choose designs from funky monkey rock, raspberry kisses, or for this occasion the Valentines I love you rock. The jars also varied in sizes, they have a small, medium to large jar, and is also available in foil bags as well.  These heavenly rock candies smells so sweet you cant just resist them and the best thing is that they are made fresh from scratch.

The Valentine Rock candies could be the best accessory to pop that question. Be creative this valentines day. Say "I Love You" the Made in Candy way. You can visit their SM Moa branch at Entertainment Mall Ground Floor.

Italiannis Restaurant' and their all- time favorite desserts

Italiannis, SM Moa

Italiannis Restaurant is famous for their gourmet pizzas, breakfast and  pastas. I had a great time dining at Italiannis last year with Chef Josh Boutwood with his signature breakfast meals.  Last February 6, was a different story though. It was time for some sweet lovin at Italiannis SM Moa branch. I was served their all-time favorite desserts, Mango Panna Cotta and Strawberry Cheesecake.

Mango Panna Cotta

This panna cotta or "cooked cream" is made of vanilla custard with rich mango sauce on the side. The soft creamy vanilla custard compliments the sweet mango sauce.

Strawberry Cheesecake

Their strawberry cheesecake is best to partner with hot coffee.  Its delectable  cream cheese, tasted and felt good right after. Surely a good thing to end your delicious meal.

Visit Italiannis at SM Moa this Valentines day with your date, and get a taste of these all-time favorite desserts.

GSK launches the Search for Winners Against Asthma 2015

GSK recently launched The Search for Winners Against Asthma last February 5, 2015 at Makati Shangri-la. The event was hosted by Samantha Purvor with Guest Ambassador Ms. Kim Chiu and doctor panelists from GSK led by Dr. Nep Ordonez, Dr. Carmela Kasala, Dr. Badette Arcilla and Dr. Ma. Bella Siasoco.

Kim Chiu with Dr. Nep Ordonez and Dr. Carmela Kasala

Do you know someone who have asthma, and what triggers the disease? Asthma has been associated with shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing because of some allergies to pollen, dust, perfume or your pets. The key is to breath normally, moves around and work freely.  If you know someone who suffers from the disease and yet lives a normal life, then its time to vote for them online.


Its anyone you know, your parents, siblings, friends, classmates or neighbors. If they are winning against asthma and accomplished in their respective fields. Its time for them to be recognized.


 The Search for Winners Against Asthma 2015 campaign aims to choose and recognize 10 young asthmatic achievers from different walks of life.

The advocacy likewise introduces Olympic figure skater Michael Christian Martinez as the new face of the campaign. Martinez, an asthmatic, began experiencing asthmatic bronchitis when he was just two months old.


He recalls being in the hospital frequently and says the cold rink actually helped improve his health. “Year after year my health keeps improving, so my mother fully supported me to continue skating saying it's better to spend the money on skating than in the hospital.”

The program is a nationwide search for young asthmatic achievers aged 30 years and younger who are outstanding in their respective fields despite having asthma and inspire asthma sufferers that they, too, can win against asthma.


The rationale for the target age group is driven by the fact that asthma is one of the most important chronic disease during childhood causing substantial morbidity 1.  Uncontrolled asthma is associated with a reduced lung function, impaired performance in physical exercise, and impaired quality of
life.  More severe asthma leads to more frequent school absenteeism which may negatively affect
an individual’s level of education and, possibly, choice of career.  People within this age group are in the process of developing the necessary knowledge and skills that will enable them to achieve
their goals in life and asthma should not deter them from realizing their full potential. Thus it is
necessary at this early stage to raise their awareness on asthma and how they can win against it.

The Search for Winners Against Asthma will run from February until May 2015 and will be touring different schools and drugstore outlets to spread the advocacy and invite more people to join the campaign.

The deadline for submission of entries is on March 31, 2015.  All entries will be screened during the first week of April. As we celebrate World Asthma Day on May 5, the top 20 finalists will be announced and will be immediately followed by online voting.  The top 10 Winners Against Asthma will be announced and awarded by the 3rd week of May 2015.

This advocacy campaign is supported by the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP), Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP), Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (PSAAI), Huawei and Folded & Hung.


To prove that the disease should not be a deterrent from living one’s life to the fullest, real asthma patients were invited to provide testimonies of their experiences and how won against the illness. Celebrity asthmatics, Kim Chiu and Arnel Pineda became the featured ambassadors for the first wave of the campaign. Joining the 2015 campaign is Michael Christian Martinez, the Olympic figure skater.

For more information please visit http://www.facebook.com/winagainstasthma

MONTESSORI DE SAN JUAN: 40 YEARS OF TEACHING THE TRUE MONTESSORI WAY

Is your child studying in Montessori?
How sure are you that it is a true Montessori school in principle and not just by name?
It was only recently, when I attended the foundation day of Montessori de San Juan that I learned what it was like to be a “real” Montessori school.

Developed by Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori, this unique educational system is characterized by an emphasis on independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child’s natural psychological, physical, and social development.
Among the essential elements recognized by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) and the American Montessori Society (AMS) are:
• Mixed age classrooms, with classrooms for children ages 2½ or 3 to 6 years old
• Student choice of activity from within a prescribed range of options
• Uninterrupted blocks of work time, ideally three hours
• A constructivist or "discovery" model, where students learn concepts from working with materials, rather than by direct instruction
• Specialized educational materials developed by Montessori and her collaborators
• Freedom of movement within the classroom
• A trained Montessori teacher

According to Sandy Arellano, Montessori de San Juan Vice Principal, real Montessoris adhere to the teaching modules developed by their founder. The school directors or principal should also get a certification either from the US or Europe.Their teachers she said are also trained in the Montessori method and have to undergo a special in house training in order to teach in their school.

Montessori's education is driven by an aspiring aim that is to aid the child's development into a complete adult human being, comfortable with one's self and society and with his humanity as a whole. Each individual is recognized for his or her own abilities, interests, ideas, needs, and cultural identity.

While other schools continually adding classrooms to accommodate more students, Arellano said they prefer to keep their classrooms small. “We only have 15 to 20 students per class because a smaller class size is paramount to knowing each child as an individual with his own needs, characteristics, capabilities and potential. A small class lets teachers could focus more on the individual learning needs of each student rather than just follow a lesson plan and hope that they will catch up and understand.

Montessoris emphasize learning through all five senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading and our students here learn at their own, individual pace and according to their own choice of activities from hundreds of possibilities.

I was also surprised to learn that Montessori schools avoid giving out homework, believing that learning should be done in the classroom and that time spent at school is already too much.
“We, at Montessori de San Juan, are committed to exposing the students to a learning environment that will assist them in adapting and adjusting to a diverse and ever changing society. We are dedicated to teach our students that the differences in gender, physical or mental ability, culture, and background are strengths to be respected,”she emphasized.

In celebration of its 40th foundation day last January  30, 2015 the school held a Science and Math fair along with a field demo that put together different grade levels in one group to foster camaraderie and boost their confidence.

Montessori de San Juan is located at #3 Montessori Lane St. (between Araullo  and P. Guevarra Sts.)
Landline numbers 239-1102/725-6306, or visit their Facebook page Montessori de San Juan.

Jack 'n Jill Candies bring you the new tamarind-flavored gummy Champalok

Make snacking even more fun with Jack ‘n Jill Candies new tamarind-flavored gummy candy, Champalok. Get that kilig-sarap in every bite.

This candy is packed with the same sampaloc flavor you know and love, but without the seed. Packed in a 20gm snack pack, this affordable P5 (SRP) treat can be enjoyed any time of the day, making it the perfectly on-the-go snack.

Take the fun to a whole new level with a pack of Champalok. This gummy and chewy treat is available at all leading supermarkets, groceries and convenience stores nationwide.

Goldilocks capped off a six-month feeding program for Caritas kids

THE SWEET SMILES OF CARITAS KIDS

In the spirit of mercy and compassion brought about by the historic visit of Pope Francis, Goldilocks Bakeshop, in cooperation with Caritas Manila, capped off a six-month feeding program for underprivileged kids with a small celebration. The culminating activity was conducted at the gym of the St. John Bosco Parish-Tondo, which coincided with the commemoration of the saint’s 200th birth anniversary.

Under the guidance of Caritas Manila, risk areas for malnutrition were identified, taking into consideration various effects including poor academic performance and associated health concerns. Aside from providing balanced meals, Goldilocks likewise monitored the progress of the participating children via weekly check-ups. “We made a determined effort to get the kids back on track in terms of their ideal age-to-weight ratio,” shared Cherry Caluya, Marketing Director of Goldilocks. “After six months, we were so happy to learn that all the participating kids achieved their marks,” she enthused.

As a welcome treat to mark the program’s conclusion, Goldilocks distributed their signature products (mamons, ensaymadas, and muffins) to the delight of those who participated. Joining the 500 kids were a number of senior citizens, who likewise appreciated the baked goods.“Programs like these are an integral part of who we are as a brand,” Caluya noted. “We are so honored to be given opportunities to share the love and happiness that Goldilocks brings,” she concluded

HOOQ kicks off this late February in partnership with Globe

One week after its establishment, HOOQ, Asia’s video-on-demand service, announced that it will kick off in the Philippines from late February in partnership with Globe Telecom.

HOOQ, a start-up joint venture between Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros. Entertainment, will enable customers of Globe Telecom to enjoy unlimited online streaming access and an offline viewing option to top Hollywood and Filipino movie and television content, via any device including computers, smartphones and tablets.
Extensive Hollywood and local content

Filipinos can look forward to more than 10,000 movies and television episodes and TV shows including titles from partners Sony and Warner Bros. Customers can watch Hollywood movies such as Harry Potter, Spider-Man and Inception, while enjoying popular TV series such as Gossip Girl, Friends and Smallville.

Speaking at a panel discussion during the Philippine launch of HOOQ held at The Green Sun in Makati are [L-R] Warner Bros. Digital Distribution Vice President for Business Strategy Anuraj Shavantha Goonetilleke, HOOQ CEO Peter Bithos, Globe Telecom President and CEO Ernest Cu, Globe Telecom Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Dan Horan and Sony Pictures Executive Vice President for Networks George Chung-Chi Chien. Speaking at a panel discussion during the Philippine launch of HOOQ held at The Green Sun in Makati are [L-R] Warner Bros. Digital Distribution Vice President for Business Strategy Anuraj Shavantha Goonetilleke, HOOQ CEO Peter Bithos, Globe Telecom President and CEO Ernest Cu, Globe Telecom Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Dan Horan and Sony Pictures Executive Vice President for Networks George Chung-Chi Chien.

Local film and TV content will also be available through partnerships with the country’s top studios, such as GMA, Viva Communications, Regal Entertainment, and ABS-CBN. Customers can watch local high-grossing films such as Metro Manila, A Secret Affair, Shake Rattle and Roll and Ang Tanging Ina, as well as classics including Dyesebel, Bagets and Bituing Walang Ningning. Highly-rated TV shows like My Husband’s Lover, Mulawin, Tayong Dalawa and Mara Clara will also be available anytime and anywhere.

‘Across the emerging economies, people have amazing stories and love stories. However, a few billion people have no quality way of seeing the best stories from Hollywood or their local market. HOOQ will change that. HOOQ will change the way people in emerging markets consume and enjoy entertainment,’ said HOOQ Chief Executive Officer, Mr Peter G. Bithos. ‘The Philippines is a natural first market for us. Filipinos’ dual love of local and Hollywood content combined with their digital savviness makes the Philippines a perfect place for us to start,’ he added.

The former Globe Telecom Chief Operating Advisor, Mr Bithos also announced its first distribution partnership. ‘Our partnership with Globe Telecom, the leader in digital partnerships in the Philippines, helps us bring Philippine customers a premium video service and new form of entertainment that combines the best of Hollywood, Asian and Philippine video content across all devices,’ Mr Bithos said.

Globe Telecom’s customers first to get HOOQ at P199 per month

According to a Nielsen report in 2014, viewing online video content has become a pastime for digital consumers in the Philippines, with 85% watching at least weekly, the second highest in the region. The same report also revealed that 7 in 10 digital consumers in the country report watching TV content and movies via online sources such as video-on-demand, the second highest penetration of internet TV in the region at 71%.

‘Now more than ever, Filipinos consider connectivity as an essential part of their daily lives. Our customers, whether prepaid, postpaid, or broadband, are increasingly embracing an always-on world where they expect a wonderful experience from innovative and engaging data and content offers. Right now, we are in the best position to offer this type of service as the leader in enabling the digital lifestyle of Filipinos and the number one network for smartphones. To meet their needs, we see the video-on-demand services offered by HOOQ as a critical offering representing the future of the industry. Now that consumers have access to a variety of international and local content, entertainment will now be more personal, and with Globe, this means experiencing it with the highest quality.’ said President and CEO of Globe Telecom,Mr Ernest Cu.

Recognising the value that video-on-demand services deliver to consumers, Globe Telecom will provide its customers with the ability to download HOOQ, which will soon be available to customers on a plan-based service for Philippine Peso 199 per month for access to thousands of movies, far more affordable than buying a ticket for just one movie. It will also be offered as a bundled service with the telco’s GoSURF and Tattoo broadband services.

HOOQ enhances digital lifestyles

‘Following the launch in the Philippines, HOOQ will be rolled out across Asia soon. The rapid adoption of connected devices means more people in Asia are able to access the Internet anywhere and at any time, driving demand for compelling content that enhances their digital lives,’ said Mr Jonathan Auerbach, Singtel CEO Group Digital Life. ‘HOOQ is set to change the way people across the region consume and enjoy entertainment.’

Mr George Chien, Executive Vice President, Networks at Sony Pictures Television, said: ‘We share the excitement of offering entertainment fans across Asia access to high quality video services directly to their mobile devices. HOOQ provides a unique combination of Hollywood and local favorites while providing a high-quality viewing experience they’ve come to expect in today’s digital world.’

Mr Anuraj Goonetilleke, Vice President Corporate Business Development and Strategy at Warner Bros. Digital Distribution said: 'We’re very excited about the launch of our joint video-on-demand business across Asia, starting with the Philippines. Providing world-class content to Asia’s entertainment fans will meet a voracious appetite for new and classic videos and TV episodes on-demand.’

The service will also be accessible to all customers in the Philippines through its website – http://HOOQ.tv. Through HOOQ.tv, customers can watch videos of their choice and pay for the subscription by credit card.