Organico Gourmet; New Haven for Organic Food Lovers

I started eating light when I gained weight in the early 2000s,  I avoided pork,  (I eat lean meat only  when I crave, for my protein support), dairies, cakes, concentrated juices and softdrinks. I have never felt healthier until now.  I got sick once in a while for colds but other than that, my BP is still stable for my age and  I take my vitamins everyday.   Thank God for the love of good food and my discipline.

When organic food was introduced in the market,  I went crazy for chia seeds, cayenne pepper, quinoa rice to substitute with red rice, organic almonds, organic coco sugar to mix with my meals. That was how serious I am with my food intake. But since I was too busy to prepare my meals, I started to look  for restaurant that offers organic delicious food cooked the way I want. I was just as lucky as everyone else's when I got an invite for the launch of  Organico Gourmet, last July 18, where good food and wellness come together, its located at #916 Mencias Street, San Juan near Mandaluyong area. It used to be a house and transformed to a restaurant. The interiors of Organico Gourmet are country inspired and designed by Anton Bermudo. Waw Manlapaz is in charge of creative marketing.

When you walk inside the stylish Organico Gourmet, you can immediately feel better with the interiors and the ambiance and wait till you have a bite of their guilt free indulgence dishes.

Organico Gourmet is the brainchild of Executive Chef Gloria de Vera and the story of how she came up with the idea for it is an interesting, and at the same time, highly personal one. "it was my youngest daughter who inspired me into putting up this place,” relates Chef Gloria. Her daughter, then 12 years old, battled weight problems because of a fondness for food, particularly steak (which she would eat up to three times a week), ice cream and junk food. “That motivated me as a mom and as a chef, kung ano ha any puwede ko gawin to help her,” says Chef Gloria.

So she started experimenting: she researched different diet plans on the Internet and finally ended up putting her daughter on the South Beach diet, which made her lose an initial ten pounds. The weight loss made her realize the value of eating smart and healthy; after that, she started eating more fish and chicken and became a semi—vegetarian, which means her diet included milk, soya and eggs aside from vegetables. In.2 years, she lost 30 pounds. Now, at 16 years old, she weighs a very trim  and healthy 115 pounds.

It all boils down to eating good food and making healthy choices—something that Chef Gloria and her team at Organico Gourmet live by. But a big part of their effort is dedicated to making people realize that healthy food can also be tasty and delicious. “A lot of people think that just because it's healthy and organic, that it can’t be delicious,” says Chef Gloria.

Bellychon

Grilled Prawns with Pasionfruit Butter Sauce

Tinapa Mousse on Mini Pancakes

Organico Gourmet’s menu is divided into ‘breakfast, appetizers, soup, salad, rice bowls, seafood, chicken pork  pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti), pizza, sandwiches and dessert.

Their offerings include the following;

For breakfast Grilled. Bangus Belly, Angus Beef Tapa, and Truffled. Mushroom Omelette; 

For appetizers, Oyster Fritters, Smoked Fish Croquettes and Fried Cauli Florettes; 

For soup, there’s a choice of Minestrone, Three Mushroom Cream Soup and Roasted Pumpkin Soup;

For salads include Mixed Greens with Roasted Sesame Dressing; Mixed Greens with Truffle Balsamic Vinaigrette and Goi Ga

Rice bowls, diners can choose from among the Spicy Tofu. Rice Bowl, the Penang Gai in Black Rice and the Chiu Chow Fish in Red Rice

Seafood, Grilled Prawns and Grilled Salmon BBQ,

Chicken. Tamarind and Honey Glazed Chicken and Stuffed Chicken Roulade 

Pork,   Pork n’ Beans and Grilled Pork chops with Apple Chutney

Pasta, Chicken and Kale Ravioli, Kale Pesto, Pasta Bolognese and Marinara

Pizza the selection includes Vegetarian Pizza, Truffled Four Cheese Pizza and Sardines Pizza; 

Sandwiches 0G Burger, Banhmi, Oyster Po ‘Boy, and. Mushroom Burger.

Dessert, Mango Pudding with Chia Seeds, Sweet Potato Smores and Coconut Pannacotta.

The dishes are priced at about P300 and up, but the portions are generous and can be shared.

Organico  Gourmet. also carries cold-press juices made from organic and natural ingredients that are 80 percent vegetables and 20 percent fruits.

It's the same kind of menu you would find in any other fine dining restaurant, but the difterence is that Organico Gourmet's dishes are made with all-natural ingredients. The food and ingredients are pesticide-tree. hand-grown and non~GMO (Genetically Modified Organism). Even the meat dishes use meat coming from animals that are grass-fed or eat feed not treated with pesticides or anything that could be potentially harmful to one's health.

Organico Gourmet also has a market, or deli where you can buy organically-grown produce and meat, dips and sauces, fresh herbs, green teas in sachets, chips and other snacks and condiments.

“That's why our motto is ‘Deliciously Organic'. We want to show people that organic food can also be delicious, and it's healthy too," explains Chef Gloria.

Organico Gourmet aims to ignite a healthy dining revolution in the country. For reservations, inquiries and meal plan deliveries, call +639l73790888. You can. also check out their Facebook page at @organicogourmet88, their Instagram account (ORGANICO_GOURMET)or email them at organicogourmet88@gmail.com.

Have a taste of Panlasang Norte at Mercato Centrale

Do you know your food?

In the spirit of taking pride and embracing what is uniquely Filipino, Mahalin Pagkaing Atin, a very apt advocacy campaign talks about everyone’s favorite topic—food.

Pilmico is encouraging farmers to embrace backyard farming as a sustainable form of livelihood for locals as it distributes piglets and egg machines to selected beneficiaries with full cycle feed consumption.

The Aboitiz food subsidiary donates piglets and egg machines to different provinces as part of its Mahalin Pagkaing Atin (MPA) advocacy campaign, which promotes sustainable entrepreneurship, homegrown produce, and instills a “pride of product, pride of place” mindset for both the farmers and consumers.

“Pilmico has been true to its corporate social responsibility keeping aligned with the Aboitiz Group’s call to implement projects that encourage community involvement and those that have sustainable impact,” said Pilmico President and CEO Sabin Aboitiz.

In 2014, the flour and feeds manufacturer spent approximately P14 million on its corporate social responsibility initiatives, benefitting more than 6,000 Filipinos nationwide.

As part of the campaign roll-out, Pilmico holds Food and Livelihood Expo to agricultural areas where livestock and poultry production are prevalent and economically important. Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations showed that more than 80% of hog production is from backyard farms.

During the conduct of Food and Livelihood Expos, the company also conducts seminars on animal husbandry and nutrition, cooking and baking demonstrations and showcases the different flavors of the provinces to advocate local delicacies.

To date, Pilmico has donated a total of 177 egg machines, 192 piglets, and 14 agriposts to assist families residing in areas of tragedy, poverty, and conflict throughout the country. These areas include Bohol, North Cebu, Ormoc, Palo, Carigara, Baybay, and Tacloban in Leyte, Capiz, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija and Iloilo.

Pilmico is providing its customers with high quality wheat flour and related products since 1962. It also excels in swine production and animal feeds businesses. With its consistent excellence and top-notch products, the company ensures its market competitiveness through increases customer satisfaction.


Mahalin Pagkaing Atin video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89NB_dxrkwo

The New Wave from the 1980s Spandau Ballet is coming to Manila

One of the most successful and influential British bands of the 1980s, Spandau Ballet, will bring their ‘Soulboys of the Western World Live’ Concert to Manila for one night only on 21 September 2015 at Mall of Asia Arena.

All five original band members of Spandau Ballet, Tony Hadley, John Keeble, Gary Kemp, Martin Kemp and Steve Norman will come together to perform their smash-hit anthems for Philippine audiences for the first time.

Having sold over 25 million records worldwide, scored numerous multi-platinum albums and amassed 23 hit singles across the globe which have endured for more than three decades. Spandau Ballet’s hits include True, Gold, Through The Barricades, I’ll Fly For You, Lifeline, Round And Round, Communication, Highly Strung, and Only When You Leave, among many others.

Tickets prices at P6750, 5750, 4750, 3750, 2750. Pre-sale exclusive to VISA cardholders at 10% OFF on August 6 & 7 only. Tickets available to the general public starting August 8, 2015 at all SM tickets outlets and online at www.smtickets.com.

Spandau Ballet’s Soulboys Of The Western World Tour 2015 live in Manila is presented by Ovation Productions in association with Dainty Group Asia.

Ensure Gold helps you turn the tide on muscle and bone loss with strength work

I used to weigh 145 lbs in the early 2000s, yes I was overweight for my height of 5'2  if you do the BMI calculation.  I always experienced shortness of breath, my knees hurt each time  I climbed the stairs, and I would hear cracking and popping sounds from my knees. That was the time I consulted a doctor, he told that the Mitochondria in our cells, which are involved with oxygen consumption and muscle building and repair, lose capacity as we age, and our muscles become a little stiffer as we accumulate scar tissue and thickening in our connective tissue. I was in my late 20s during that time.


He asked me to watch my diet, eat protein food to build muscle mass like lean beef, skinless chicken, eggs, tuna, oatmeal, fruits and vegetables. I began exercising like crazy, I ran, I did aerobics and joined the aerobics marathon and from then on my weight dropped from 145 to 116 lbs.  It was hard at first because I had difficulty of breathing but as the years go by and with some discipline, I managed to maintain my weight and watched out my food intake.

I got an invite to the launch of  Ensure Stay Strong Grip Strength Challenge at 360 Fitness Club in SPARTA Sparta Gym Pioneer, Mandaluyong last July 23.  Mr. Edu Manzano, Ensure Gold Abbott Nutrition Ambassador graced the event together with the media and blogger friends who took the circuit training/cross fit.   I wasnt able to experience the cross fit training due to my monthly period but I was glad to have seen Mr. Edu Manzano again.

Who would have thought that  Edu Manzano is now a senior citizen?  He just turned 60 this year.  I have met him last year at a studio in Makati during the press interview, I thought he was in his early 50s then. But good for him, because he is healthy, fit and still good looking and know how to take care of his body.

After the event, I received a sample of Ensure Gold Vanilla flavor from Abbott Nutrition.

Mindful eating,  regular fitness routine and maintaining a positive outlook in life are just some of this year’s practical health trends both for the young and healthy aging population alike.

Edu Manzano, veteran actor, TV personality and businessman, believes that people should gear themselves well into retirement by maintaining a healthy lifestyle even at an early stage. “I maybe in my late 50s, but my body feels a lot younger. I observe a strict,balanced diet, a regular fitness routine and surround myself with a regular dose of green space. These habits help me keep up with the demands of my career and personal life”,says Manzano.

On the other hand, Manzano continued to explain how the loss of strength can be a challenge for aging Filipinos. He explains, “Change is usually difficult, especially when it comes to our bodies as we age. I realize that simple tasks such as lifting objects, walking up the stairs and doing other daily physical activities arenot as easy compared to doing these ten or fifteen years ago.”

LOSS OF STRENGTH A TOP HEALTH CONCERN IN THE PHILIPPINES

It is well-recognized that loss of strength is a reality for mostadults as they age.  Loss of strength may be an indication of a decrease in muscle mass or not getting the right level of nutrition, otherwise known as nutrition gaps.  In the Philippines, strength becomes even more important as one ages.2 In fact, a survey among Filipinos aged 40 and up shows that loss of strength is their top health concern.1In addition to the natural decrease in muscle mass as people get older, several factors such as poor food choices, decreased appetite or difficulty in digesting certain foods contribute to muscle loss.3

NUTRITIONAL STATUS HAS AN IMPACT ON MUSCLE HEALTH

Nutritional status has a great impact on muscle health and strength. In a clinical nutrition review, lower absolute hand grip strength values were found in malnourished patients when compared to well-nourished hospitalized patients.4

Among the measurements of voluntary muscle strength,hand grip strength is a validated and feasible bed side method, which makes it a frequently used tool for clinical purpose.4 Hand grip strength signifies the maximum strength resulting from the contraction of several hand muscles which lead to the bending of hand joints.5

Hand grip strength is a recognized marker of nutritional status and an indicator of muscle function. In a physical performance test, adults with nutrition gaps had almost twice lower hand grip strength, took almost twice longer to stand and five times slower to step up and down compared to age-matched norm.6-9

Furthermore, loss of strength may be an indication of nutrition gaps and of muscle mass loss. Not eating the right amount and the right kind of food can result in a decrease in muscle mass and function.4Muscle loss can affect a person’s energy and ability to perform daily activities, such as walking, rising out of a chair, and gripping or lifting objects. 10-11

THE ENSURE STAY STRONG GRIP STRENGTH CHALLENGE

Abbott is introducing the Ensure Stay Strong Grip Strength Challenge – a free assessment on strength and muscle mass that aims to reach over 200,000 aging adults nationwide.The activity aims to measure the individual’s grip strength and muscle mass levels with free handgrip strength and muscle mass tests.

Dr. Jose Rodolfo Dimaano Jr., Medical Director at Abbott Nutrition Philippines, explains, “The consequences of having nutrition gaps and decreased physical performance due to muscle mass loss in older adults can be debilitating. Being aware of your muscle mass levels and gaps in nutrition can prompt you to take charge of your health by maintaining a balanced diet and an active lifestyle. Resistance exercise along with a complete and balanced oral nutrition such as Ensure can help improve strength. Complete and balanced oral nutrition supplements are shown to improve hand grip strength within 8 weeks of intake.”12

The Ensure Stay Strong Grip Strength Challenge will have over 8,700 activation days at select drug stores and leading supermarkets nationwide.

PHYSIOGEL presents the “FREEDOM LIST” CHALLENGE

On good skin days, women are naturally more confident presenting their best face to the world.

When women love how their skin looks and feels, they want to go out and enjoy themselves, meeting people, making connections, and taking on the world.   

However, the opposite holds true, too. When they experience bad skin days with their skin feeling 'dry, red and itchy', they are uncomfortable and easily irritated.   When their confidence dips, women feel more vulnerable.  

Research from the GSK Skin Health Asia Pacific Consumer Report 2014 shows that more than 50% of women across Asia experience sensitive face and body skin in the past 12 months. One out of two women will not visit a skincare professional for their skin condition. The same study shows that 71% and 61% of Filipinas have sensitive face and body skin, respectively.

ARE YOU FREE IN YOUR SKIN?

 “Sensitivity is a source of strength for women, not a weakness to be hidden away. This powerful consumer insight compels Physiogel to passionately advocate the #FreeInMySkin Movement in 2015. The Movement also coincides with the debut of the NEW Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy line,” reveals Justin Alejandro Lladoc, GSK Skin Health Senior Product Manager.

“The #FreeInMySkin Movement starts with self discovery and Physiogel aims to help women to be more aware of themselves so they can uncover their full potential. It challenges Filipinas to look past their skin insecurities in the hope of helping them fulfill dreams they have always wanted to achieve.

This journey to self discovery starts with taking the Freedom List Challenge, Physiogel’s suggested guide in the form of a lifestyle online quiz that is a representation of what women can achieve when freed from dry and sensitive skin. 

The Freedom List Challenge starts with a 5-question quiz:

1. Which fitness activities give your skin a post-workout glow?

2. Your potential is limitless, so what’s your dream job?

3. How do you like to show off your beautiful, strong sensitive skin?

4. Everybody has a dream “to do” list. What tops yours?  

5. What is your dream holiday?

The result of the quiz provides a glimpse to one’s personality that ranges from being a savvy collaborator, inspiring innovator, charismatic motivator and elegant sophisticate - revealing worthwhile hints that may help them embrace and live life to the fullest.

The #FreeInMySkin Movement, now made more exciting by new additions with the introduction of the #FreeInMySkin website and Freedom List Challenge, is more relevant than ever because it is able to reach many Filipinas digitally across the nation. And because of its continuous success, from its conception in 2014, it has caught the attention of Mercury Drug. They too were encouraged to free many more Filipinas from dry, sensitive skin by making Physiogel products available across the country.

“By the end of 2016, with its continued resonance with consumers, the Movement is expected to have rolled out to the rest of Asian markets,” Lladoc shares.

SCIENCE-BASED SOLUTION

The new Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy line continues to be a differentiated science-led solution featuring the unique Physiogel BioMimic Technology® that works to soothe and repair the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Dermatologists highly-recommend Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy because it is non-comedogenic,  and is free from soap, preservatives, perfumes and colourants. In fact, Physiogel is the #1 Most-Prescribed Brand by Dermatologists in the Philippines! And what’s more, Physiogel is made more accessible to Filipinas across the nation as it is available in Mercury Drug Stores and other leading pharmacies and supermarkets nationwide. 

PATTI GRANDIDGE: PHYSIOGEL BRAND ADVOCATE

TV host, model/entrepreneur, and blogger, Patti Grandidge  is one of those who suffered from dry and sensitive skin. Patti remains to be the brand’s advocate as she embodies the Physiogel woman: smart, elegant, strong and empowered because she is free from dry and sensitive skin.

Patti shares that she used to be more conscious and watchful of what others would think about her skin. “That was sad. I would have liked to be out and about and go for more work, but a little thought would always be at the back of my mind wondering if my skin would be an issue or a hindrance. I was not free to do what I wanted to do!” she now says.

The following list is Patti’s answers to the quiz of the Freedom List Challenge:

1. Long run with music 

2. Raising my family

3. Relaxing on the beach 

4. Starring in my own YouTube channel 

5. Ocean excursion cruising to remote islands

This is what came up as her personality: Charismatic Motivator, that she is a mentor, a boss, a sister and a friend — and everyone’s role model. And that her inner strength and sensitivity touches others, convincing them to think big and conquer bigger.

Physiogel’s #FreeInMySkin Movement provides women with helpful guides like the Freedom List Challenge so they can share and talk about their skin “journeys” in their lives.

“Many of you may still remember what my life was like before I discovered Physiogel. I’m very proud to share with you the continuation of my journey towards being completely free in my skin. And I’m ready for more!” Patti says. 

To fulfill its vision to help people do more and feel better, GSK is strongly encouraging Filipinas to discover their true selves by taking the New Physiogel Freedom List Challenge and join the #FreeInMySkin Movement. Log on to www.freeinmyskin.com/ph and take the Challenge yourself.

"Me and My Milk" New Birch Tree Fortified encourages kids to drink milk at home and school

I grew up watching Kuya Germs giving away Birch Tree to his celebrity guests at GMA's Super Show and Birch Tree's campaign of "its everybody's milk".  From that time on, my parents chose Birch Tree as a family's staple milk drink.

When I am stressed out and cant sleep at night, a glass of warm milk helps me get my 8 hours of sleep.

 According to studies, the protein, lactium, is a hydrolysate of milk protein which has relaxing properties and  appears to have a calming effect on the body by lowering levels of cortisol, a hormone released when the body is stressed.  So when Im about to call it a day, I always reach out for a glass of milk.

Thus, a healthy mind and body are two of the best gifts you can give a child. Thus, New Birch Tree Fortified and the Department of Educated with Marylindbert International partnered in an advocacy called “Me and My Milk” that encourages kids to drink milk at home and even in school.

The partnership was formally launched on July 22, 2015 at Bulwagan ng Karunungan, Department of Education Complex in Pasig City with Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro, Undersecretary Dina Ocampo, regional directors and other key officials of the Department and officials of Century Pacific Food Inc. and Marylindbert International.

Milk is one of nature’s most nutritious food. It is a great source of vitamins and minerals such as Calcium, Phosphorous, Magnesium and Protein, all essential in the proper growth and development of bones and teeth. New Birch Tree Fortified Milk is the only one with FibroBoost, a unique combination of essential nutrients fortified with Zinc, Vitamin C and Iron further enhanced by Inulin Fiber. Inulin Fiber is proven to help the body absorb up to 18% more Calcium.

"Starting a milk drinking habit as a child can lead to a lifetime of health benefits," said Edwin Africa, Vice President and General Manager of Snow Mountain Dairy Corp. "This partnership hopes to form amilk drinking habit among children for a healthier and stronger future for them.”

Schools are venues where knowledge and values are taught and behavior formed. New Birch Tree Fortified partnered with the Department of Education and Marylindbert International to educate kids of the different benefits of milk and ultimately form a milk drinking habit.

New Birch Tree Fortified will bring the campaign to different public schools in the Philippines to promote the milk-drinking habit. Initially, the advocacy will be brought to the following regions: National Capital Region (NCR), Central Luzon (Region 3), CALABARZON (Region 4A) and Ilocos Region (Region 1). New Birch Tree Fortified will provide free educational materials to benefit educators, parents and students.

"Me and My Milk" will encourage parents to ensure that their children drink two glasses of milk a day. New Birch Tree Fortified is a great tasting and affordable milk that helps moms continue the milk drinking habit of their kids at home.

"Encouraging mothers to let their kids drink milk instead of sugary or caffeine-filled beverages will help ensure that these children grow up to be productive and responsible citizens," said Usec. Dina Ocampo of the Department of Education.

The Department of Education has recently issued a directive to all public schools to sell only nutrient-rich food and fortified food products in their canteens to make sure students receive the proper nutrition.

New Birch Tree Fortified is manufactured for Century Pacific Food Inc.  It also is responsible for such brands as Angel Evaporada, Angel Kremdensada, Home Price Sinigang Mix and Kaffe de Oro Coffee among others.
New Birch Tree Fortified is now available at leading supermarkets, groceries and market stalls nationwide.

Take away years off your face through Ultherapy

Who wants to stay young forever? Given the substantial amount of money and guts,  I for one would like to turn back time by trying the anti aging procedures like Botox and fillers, Thermage and now the non-invasive, non surgical facial rejuvenation, Ultherapy. It is by far the safest method as of this writing and has a lasting effect within a year, you can see the results after 2 to 3 months after the procedure or it depends on your collagen producing body.

Ultherapy is a safe, non-surgical ultrasound treatment that counteracts the effects of time and gravity on your skin. Ultherapy uses the body's own regenerative response to gently and gradually lift skin on the eyebrow, under the chin and on the neck, and smooth lines and wrinkles on the décolletage.

Ultherapy is a process that involves and produces new collagen. The treatment relies on your body's own collagen-building process for younger, looking skin.

The  “Natural Youthful Skin Through The Beauty Of Sound with Ultherapy" was launched last July 17 at Le Jardin, the event was hosted by Ms. Angel Jacob and graced by Drs. Hsien-Li Peter Peng, M.D., Venzo Viceral, M.D., Z Teo, M.D. and Ronaldo G. Elepano III, M.D.

(Two of the best ) panel of doctors who were present during the Ultherapy launch;

Dr. Peter Peng is a board certified Dermatologist and the Director of Dr. Peng’s Dermatological , Cosmetic and Laser Clinic (P-Skin professional Clinic) in Taiwan.

He received his medical education at the National Defense Medical Center in Taipei, Taiwan, before completing his residency at the Department of Dermatology, TriService General Hospital in Taipei.

Dr. Z Teo on the other hand is a doctor husband to his equally famous celebrity dermatologist wife Dr. Aivee Teo, According to his bio, Dr. Z Teo,  completed his basic medical training at the University of Glasgow, United Kingdom.  Dr. Z Teo took a keen interest in medical aesthetics. After witnessing the clear physical and psychological benefits when principles of wellness and beauty come together he decided to pursue medical aesthetics as his main practice focus. Dr. Z Teo trained under the mentorship of regionally renowned cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists with the aim of perfecting his skills.

Dr. Z Teo believes in enhancing his patient’s appearance and improving their body image using minimally invasive non-surgical methods. Dr. Z Teo’s approach is based on fully understanding his patient’s needs, goals and lifestyle before he proceeds to recommend the appropriate treatments.


Ultherapy requires no downtime, however, before the procedure, let your doctor do some test on you or discuss what you would expect after the treatment.