Costa Coffee's Flagship Store Opens in Robinson's Galleria

COSTA COFFEE, the nation's favourite coffee shop and the largest and fastest growing coffee shop chain in the UK opens its 135-sqm flagship store in Robinsons Galleria. This 7th outlet in Robinsons Galleria branch is the first to sport the contemporary Atlas interior, the current look and feel of Costa Coffee shops around the world.

I remember sipping my first Flat White coffee with a slice of Red Velvet cake at Al Khalidiya in UAE. From then on, my coffee fix would be at Al Khalidiya,  its the nearest coffee shop where I stayed for a year. When I came back here in Manila, my flat white coffee craving was satisfied when a Costa Coffee was launched in BGC 2 years ago. I attended the opening event and the rest was history.

Costa Coffee is famous for their flat white coffee, cappuccino,  frostino, (the brand's best selling ice-blended coffee) fresh sandwiches, delicious and creamy cheesecakes and moist red velvet cakes. I was invited to grace the Robinsons Galleria launch last May 11.  It was the biggest branch so far decorated with array of wood and polished materials with background hues of purple and green.

Instead of the usual Union Jack pop art interiors, it has a new lighting design, a simpler and more streamlined array of wood and polished materials, and berry hues of purple and green. These rich tones and other stylish aspects will be splashed in its interior—from the tiles to the furniture, to still allude to London’s rich and iconic culture.

Better Baristas Craft Better Coffee 

At Costa Coffee, baristas prepare coffee with a combination of technical skills and art that takes time and patience to perfect. “The machines just provide support because our baristas are professionally trained. They are experts who prepare coffee with passion and precision. They can tell the perfect espresso (hazelnut colored crema, no bubbles and with red tinges) through sight, taste and smell. These are what make Costa different from others,” explained Justin dela Fuente, Costa Coffee Philippines Barista of the Year 2016.

There are a lot of beverages to choose from. The signature Flat White has extracted shot of Cortissimo, then topped with textured milk resulting in an intense and rich coffee mellowed with velvety smooth texture. Other bestsellers are Capuccino, Latte, Café Caramella, Mocha and ice-blended  Frostinos.

The Stars of Summer: All-new Frostinos, Coolers and Food Items

Costa Coffee invites you to grab new Frostinos and Coolers with  flavors that will give your days that much-need boost.

The Caramel Coffee Crunch Frostino (Primo-P185; Medio-P200; Massimo-P205) is a flavor-wonderland where caramel melds seamlessly with a shot of Mocha Italia espresso, finished with cookie crumbs.

Indulgent is the word to describe Tiramisu Frostino (Primo-P185; Medio-P200; Massimo-P215). Delight in its rich smoothness, infused with a perfect espresso shot of Mocha Italia blend and topped with cocoa dusting.

Coffee Cream Frostino (Primo-P145; Medio-P155; Massimo-P165) is an instant classic.  There is the Mocha Italia’s wonderful balance of berry fruitiness and caramel-hazelnut blended with cream that presents a fine and luxurious taste.

Costa Coffee’s Coolers are meant to refresh and invigorate you amidst the sweltering heat.  They’re a harmonious blend of fruits and the aroma of flowers. Try Watermelon Rose (Primo-P155; Medio-P170; Massimo-P185);  Lychee Blossom (Primo P175; Medio P190; Massimo P205) and  Hibiscus Strawberry Cooler (Primo P175; Medio P190; Massimo P205) 

Along with these drinks are new savory offerings.

Bacon Croissant (P100)

Order the Bacon Croissant (P100) with either smoked or honey-cured bacon and enjoy with Caramel Coffee Crunch Frostino.

Ham and Egg Croissant (P150)

Another choice is Ham and Egg Croissant (P150). You’d love this sandwich with Tiramisu Frostino.

Pork Curry Turnover (P140)

The Pork Curry Turnover (P140) goes well with Coffee Cream Frostino.

Follow “Costa Coffee Ph” on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more updates.

LIVE HEALTHY, STAY HAPPY WITH TEFAL

TEFAL, a world leader in small domestic appliances, brings together family as well as its passion for healthy living in its newest campaign, “Live Healthy, Stay Happy.” As a partner of every cook, foodie and homemaker, TEFAL sees the importance of equipping the Filipinos with innovative home and kitchen appliances which give them more reasons to embrace their daily tasks and perform them with ease.

A special launch called “Experience Tefal” was held last May 12, 2017 at Abenson , Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. TEFAL, along with its brand ambassador for domestic appliances and TV’s Chef Next Door Chef Jonas Ng, kicked off the “Live Healthy, Stay Happy” campaign by introducing its newest cookbook for happy and healthy eating - “TEFAL: Bringing Joy in Cooking.”

Tefal brand ambassador, Chef Jonas Ng

Through his recipes and with the help of TEFAL appliances, Chef Jonas inspires all to choose healthier lifestyle by creating flavorful and nutritious dishes. “Even for pros, cooking at home can be a chore since we usually face the same limitations in our home kitchens such as lack of space, time and budget. I wanted to put together simple and quick recipes that are made for busy mothers and professionals who would rather spend their time enjoying, than preparing food. 

With the unique leverage that TEFAL appliances offer, you’re assured that you’ll be able to whip up amazing meals in half the time. Thus, TEFAL gives its users more time to spend with the family and other important things,” shares Chef Jonas.

The event was also graced by TEFAL’s Corporate Chef, Maria Sonia Astudillo. A proponent of healthy eating, she is the author behind TEFAL’s 2017 Summer Recipe book, Fruity Summer Fest – a collection of fruit smoothies, juices, skewers and dips recipes. “Just like in life, there are super, ordinary and awful fruit combinations. Some fruits click so well that aside from tasting good, they become easier to digest and friendlier to the stomach than others”, she emphasizes.

Understanding the limitations of the regular kitchen and the constraints that most individuals encounter on a daily basis, TEFAL has developed appliances that are innovative, efficient, and practical.  From Electrical Cooking, Food & Drink Preparation, to Linen Care and Home Care, TEFAL’s innovations will be redefining the Filipino home experience and bringing it to a new level.

Cook your rice to perfection with the TEFAL Microcomputer Rice Cooker. TEFAL’s innovative 4-layer ceramic coated pot has a unique diamond-shaped pattern that contributes to even heat diffusion and better cooking, resulting in tasty and fluffy rice. It is very durable, resistant to scratches, and cleans very easily (no need to soak!). Enjoy its versatility with 10 automatic cooking programs like a fun Cake function to make meal times more enjoyable.

For health-conscious individuals, TEFAL offers various Blenders and Juicers. TEFAL Blenders’ innovative Tripl’Ax Technology maximizes the action of 6 blades with three combined actions -- Cyclone Booster, Extreme Mixing and Chunks Killer – to make a perfectly smooth blend. TEFAL’s Infiny Press Slow Juicer on the other hand, offers 35% more juice, 30% more Vitamin C and 75% more antioxidants than using traditional juice extractors to provide naturally genuine vitamin-packed and nutrient-filled juices.

When you can’t get enough of your deep-fried picks such as French fries, sausages or fried chicken, TEFAL Fry Delight serves up the same fried taste and texture that you love, but with less oil. This low-fat fryer with Air Pulse Technology keeps food crisp on the outside and cooked tender on the inside, all while making usage and post-cooking cleanup fast and easy.

Since smartly-pressed, crease-free clothes always create a good impression, TEFAL Irons and Garment Steamers are home essentials.  TEFAL innovations like its Durilium Soleplate Technology makes ironing less of a chore due to its smooth glide, so clothes can be ironed in half the time compared to other irons without it.

As a proud domestic appliance brand, TEFAL places emphasis on leading a healthy and happy lifestyle, not just with cooking, but in your everyday home tasks. Whether you’re independently single, part of a young, growing family or have an extended brood, TEFAL offers ingenious solutions to help lead a better and more balanced life. Discover confidence, convenience and a pleasurable life experience with TEFAL. Together, let us live healthy, stay happy.

To help kick off a healthier, happier lifestyle at home, all TEFAL small domestic electrical appliances will be 20% off, from May 10-31, 2017. TEFAL Small Domestic Appliances are exclusively distributed by Collins International Trading Corporation in the Philippines. For more information about TEFAL promos and the “Live Healthy, Stay Happy” campaign, visit its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/tefalappliancephilippines. 

Give Mom the Healthy and Delicious Hurom Squeeze This Mother’s Day

Moms have always made sure that their kids are in the pink of health. They have undertaken countless ways, both stealthy and overt, to make sure you eat your vegetables, take your vitamins and consume good nutritive food you may not have always been so inclined to eat. Now that you’re older, you owe your good health to your mother. It’s time to give that gift of health back to her.

We are all aware that many health campaigns all over the world advice the intake of at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables for better health.  According to a 13-year study by University College London, a daily average of more than seven plates of fruits and vegetable drastically reduces the risk of all-cause mortality.

Fruits and vegetables are not only abundant in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, but in phytochemicals and enzymes as well. These substances have powerful antioxidant effects such as anti-aging, skin care, promoting immunity, among many others.

The amount of enzymes in our bodies gradually decreases with age and they do not replace themselves. So, why is this important? Enzymes are essential to creating energy in your body. If you lack enzymes, it is harder for your body to convert food into energy, making you more easily fatigued. They must be supplemented by food, and fruits and vegetables contain the most enzymes.

Consuming five to seven plates of fruits and vegetables is easier than done.  An alternative to supplement your required daily intake of fruit and vegetables is to drink it. These liquid vitamins taste better, too:  a refreshing glass of vitamins, minerals and enzymes? No wonder juicing is now at an all time high, a trend that is set to become a fixture in daily life. The popularity of juicing has resulted in a proliferation of juicers, so how do you pick the one that best suits your needs, or better yet, one that keeps your health at the forefront of their research.

Hurom has spent over 40 years perfecting juice. Their patented Slow Squeeze Technology uses an auger to squeeze out juice (similar to how you would hand-squeeze an orange) instead of shredding fruits and vegetables with high-speed blades like other juicers and blenders. This motion minimizes damage to ingredients, keeping natural taste and nutrition intact.  In microscopic close ups of Hurom-made tomato juice, the juice retains its natural color and cellular structure.

Hurom juicers are also built to last since maximum juicing health ideally means a daily diet of fresh juices. Materials like ultem, tritan, and stainless steel, some of which are used to build spaceships, make up your Hurom juicer. Hurom results in a higher yield of healthy unprocessed juice that will taste great for 72 hours.

Of course you don’t want the same juice every day, so whether you like sweet and sour fruits or leafy greens or nut milk, a Hurom juicer lets you pick from a wide array of fruits & vegetables, nuts and seeds, and herbs & spices. Hurom is more than just a juicer. Depending on the model, there are many preparations you can do with Hurom such as almond milk and even fresh noodles. Certain Hurom models even have an attachment where you can make healthy pure fruit sherbets and ice cream.

A Hurom juicer is also easy to use & clean. This is something important to the makers because they know if it’s easy to assemble and clean, consumers will use it more. Hurom juicers are 100% BPA free and come without any blades or sharp parts, making it safe for children to use. The narrow hoppers are designed so that even the smallest hands can’t fit inside.

Hurom ambassador Lee Young Ae, better known as Dae Jang Geum, her character in “Jewel in the Palace” is a health conscious mom, “I make fruit and veggie juice with Hurom for myself and my family. My kids don’t like fruits and vegetables,” she admits, which is a common problem all parents share. “But if I make fruit and veggie juice with Hurom, they love it. This is my secret to make them to eat fruit and veggies.” In a commercial that aired on Korean TV, Young Ae is shown juicing apples and carrots on a Hurom juicer for her son, and he drinks it up happily, none the wiser that it’s packed with nutrition. In other ads she is seen holding a juicing party with friends and another one, where she pours her fresh juice in bottles and takes them to work.  “I make different juices every day,” she says referring to Hurom recipe book. “But my mom loves to make soy noodle with the Hurom slow juicer.” As you can see, Hurom is for all generations of women. 

 The result is over a million in more than 70 countries make juice with a Hurom juicer, making Hurom the global leader. Wouldn’t you want to give your mom the best?

2016 New Hurom H-AA Series Slow Juicers are available in Abenson, Anson Link, Duty Free, Gourdo’s, Rustan’s, Landmark, Royal Duty Free, S&R, SM Appliance, SM Home, True Value, and Western Appliances.

To learn more about Hurom Slow Juicers, visit the official website at www.hurom.com and follow us on our social media accounts: (Facebook) http://www.facebook.com/huromphofficial, and (Twitter & Instagram) @HuromPHofficial. You may contact directly to hotlines (+632) 926-8038 / (+632) 926-8009.

Clever Nuts Recipe by Hurom
Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut water
• Handful of whole almonds
• Half a banana

Instructions:
1. Soak almonds in water.
2. Peel banana and slice in appropriate sizes.
3. Pour in coconut water and add almonds, one spoonful at a time.
4. Add banana to juicer.
5. Enjoy! Pour over ice, if desired.

Matrix Announces Retail Launch of Cardio Line for Home Use

Johnson Health Tech launches its Matrix Line of cardio fitness equipment at the Acacia Hotel on May 9. The event was hosted by the Celebrity Fitness couple Coach Jim and Toni Saret. 

We had the privilege of trying out the equipment. I personally love the Treadmill machine because it has a built in virtual reality where you could set your run to a road or a mountain. If you have no space in the house, you could lift the treadmill deck to a near- 90 degree angle to save space. Plus it has a sturdy steel frame to provide superior grip and stability.

Johnson Health Tech is excited to announce the retail launch of its Matrix line of cardio fitness equipment. Previously available only in a gym or club setting, users can now experience the dynamic performance and uncompromising design of Matrix products from the comfort of their own home.

“For years Matrix Fitness has been a trusted partner in the commercial fitness industry worldwide, and we are excited to extend the Matrix brand to our home fitness customers,” said Mark Zabel, Vice President, Global Marketing and Product Development for Johnson Health Tech. “Matrix retail products are designed to bring a premium workout experience to the home – ensuring our customers a higher level of satisfaction with their fitness routine.” 

Optimized for the home environment, the Matrix retail line offers the same durability, performance and industry-leading technology that fitness enthusiasts love about Matrix’s club-quality equipment. With a compact design, the machines fit comfortably in the home workout space, and the superior styling of the industrial design sets a new standard for how home fitness equipment should look. Three different intuitive consoles give users choices, whether they’re looking for an advanced experience that includes access to their favorite apps, social media, premium entertainment, stunning virtual journeys and much more, or a simple display with accurate, easy-to-read feedback that tracks heart rate, distance, watts and other workout metrics.

The Matrix retail line includes:

Treadmills – Offering the industry’s most advanced frame and deck combination, Matrix treadmills strike the perfect balance between engineering and aesthetics. The welded steel frame provides superior stability and the front wheel transport makes moving the treadmill easy. The Ultimate Deck System combines a heavy-duty frame, extra-thick deck and industrial-grade cushions for miles of durable performance. Also available in a folding design, the deck can be lifted to a near-90 degree angle and rolled away to save space. Additional performance options include the exclusive Johnson Drive System providing unmatched consistency and smoothness, available on the TF50.

Ellipticals – The most compact, most comfortable and smoothest ellipticals in the industry, Matrix ellipticals feature wheel- and track-free Suspension Elliptical Technology, which reduces noise and friction, while providing a smooth, consistent feel. Available on the E50 model, the exclusive Exact Force Induction Brake offers smooth, easy and precise resistance changes at the touch of a button.

Ascent Trainers – Matrix Ascent Trainers deliver an exceptionally smooth, ultra-comfortable exercise experience. The unique suspension design with PerfectStride leveraged extensive research to combine an ideal stride motion, ergonomically correct foot positioning, correct posture and a variable stride length that adjusts as incline changes for a more natural-feeling workout. Similar to Matrix ellipticals, the Ascent Trainers feature wheel- and track-free Suspension Elliptical Technology.

Bikes – Matrix exercise bikes are designed for users of all shapes and sizes and are available in upright and recumbent bike designs. The upright and recumbent bikes feature Matrix’s Dual Form Frame, which provides superior stability and easy step-through access, as well as an ergonomic Comfort Arc Seat to maximize support, and the Exact Force Induction Brake (select models), which makes it easy to quickly and smoothly change resistance. The Matrix ES Indoor Cycle offers a true-to-life riding experience with a smooth, heavy flywheel and easy adjustments to give every user an ideal riding position.

The Matrix retail line will begin rolling out in May at Johnson Fitness and Wellness concept store in Commercenter Alabang, Muntinlupa City; Pioneer Center Kapitolyo, Pasig City; and SM City Clark, Pampanga.  For more information about Matrix products, visit matrixfitness.com

UNIQLO Celebrates 5th Anniversary with Exciting Deals and Special Offers

UNIQLO celebrate its fifth anniversary by thanking customers in with special in-store offers, and prizes to be won through the UNIQLO Spin to Win game. On the anniversary month, customers will also have a chance to win gift certificates, Uber coupons and the grand prize, a trip for two to Japan.

 “Since our entry to the Philippines in 2012, UNIQLO has made a commitment to make the good lives of Filipinos better by providing quality clothing for everyone.” shared Katsumi Kubota,  Chief Operating Officer, UNIQLO Philippines. “In celebration of our fifth anniversary, we would like to thank our customers for making UNIQLO LifeWear part of their lives.” 

Using the Spin to Win mini-game (available only through the UNIQLO app), customers spin a wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes. Customers are entitled to spin once per day, and can earn an additional spin per day by sharing the app on Facebook.

Customers can also win UNIQLO and Uber coupons valued at PHP100 redeemable in the Spin to Win App, while one winner of a pair of return flights to Tokyo will be announced each week.

Exclusive Offers in Stores
Customers can also watch out for the weekly in-store promotions starting May 5 until June 1.

Offers include select UT graphic t-shirt for men and women at Php490 (from Php590) and select Baby’s UT items at Php290 (from Php390). Special offers are also available on select Men’s Cargo Easy Shorts at Php490 (from Php790), Women’s RELACO Shorts at Php490 (from Php590) and select Kids’ shorts at Php290 (from Php390). More special offers are available throughout the month.  

Limited Edition 5th Anniversary Gift Card
A limited edition 5th Anniversary Gift Card is available for purchase and valid through November 2017. Cards have a value of PHP500 and make a great gift for family and friends.




For more details on the 5th Anniversary campaign, customers can visit the UNIQLO Philippines’ website at www.uniqlo.com/ph and the social media accounts, Facebook (facebook.com/uniqlo.ph), Twitter (twitter.com/uniqloph) and Instagram (Instagram.com/uniqlophofficial).

A Lifelong Education: Montessori de San Juan School

It is often said that apart from parental guidance and family life, a child’s education is the cornerstone in their upbringing. Indeed, a well-focused, reality-based, and engaging educational environment provides a superior toolkit for children to succeed and thrive in the world they will eventually inherit.

Examining this new world, however, will almost certainly lead to a common realization. Under present – and more so, future – conditions, success stems from being collaborative, multi-faceted, self-driven, highly adaptable, and innovative. It is a world where the traditional system of rote memorization, subject isolation, standardized tests, and enormous class sizes might not equip young minds with the necessary skills and mindset needed to stand out and flourish.

“Is traditional schooling a bad thing? Absolutely not. It was designed during a specific time period, under specific conditions, to serve a particular purpose,” explained Sandy Arellano, an education specialist who has done extensive research on learning theory, child development, and applied instruction. “During that time, the key to success was standardization and uniform quality – that was the prevailing movement in terms of production and employment. This was therefore reflected in the way students were taught,” she further noted.

As decades passed, however, more and more new information emerged, as well as a radical shift in the socio-economic landscape. Rather than evolve with the times, traditional schooling instead chose to cram as much data into students.

“This is why we have a big problem now, where children are over-scheduled, over-pressured, and over-worked by an educational system that is supposed to nurture a love for learning in them. The opposite usually happens,” Arellano pointed out.

The school that Arellano runs, Montessori de San Juan, has made it their mission to treat students as valued individuals, rather than simply a class number or a test score. As such, Montessori de San Juan employs small class sizes, multi-age settings, and subjects that are seamlessly integrated, mirroring how a working society functions.

Children learn through a variety of methods that are best suited for them, including interactive participation, tactile materials, sensory techniques, and mentorship. The application of concepts is given equal importance to the concepts themselves, thus imparting a real-world, practical dimension to the things that students learn.

“In the past couple of years, the educational system of Finland has received a lot of attention because of the way they do things differently, and how well their students do compared to their peers,” Arellano noted. “I think this is a great thing, but a lot of Filipinos may not be aware that we’ve been applying a very similar methodology right here in our country, with essentially the same results. Why read about it when you can have your kids experience it for themselves?” the educator emphasized.

For over 40 years, Montessori de San Juan has provided a successful learning environment for their students which includes an emphasis on love for learning, continuous development, and values formation. Educators at the school wholeheartedly believe and apply these philosophies in their K-12 program.

To learn more about the Montessori de San Juan School, contact 725-6306 or 239-1102 or  visit their website www.montessoridesanjuan.com.

Epson provides technical training to Gift of Brightness beneficiary San Jose Elementary School-Pagibig sa Nayon Annex

Epson Philippines imparted important technical know-how in operating the Epson products to San Jose Elementary School Pag-ibig sa Nayon Annex in Quezon City.The school had earlier received a donation through the Gift of Brightness Program, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd). Product orientation and technical trainings were put into place to enable the school faculty and students to maximize the use of the Technology Package and help enrich the learning process for Filipino students.

Each beneficiary school received an Epson Technology package that includes the L220 Multifunction Color Printers and L Series Inks; M100 Single Function Monochrome Printers and Inks; an LQ310 Dot Matrix Printer and SIDM Ribbons, LW400 Label Printers and LW Ribbons, Epson projectors and a document camera.

Epson’s Mark Raleih Esguerra(left) leads the technical training and product orientation conducted for San Jose Elementary School Pag-ibig sa Nayon Annex faculty to help them be equipped in using the Epson Technology package donated under the Gift of Brightness program.

 

“These technical training sessions for all schools that received the Epson GoB Technology Package ensure that we also provide relevant assistance to the custodians and students on the proper usage and maintenance, so that they can have confidence in deploying the use of these products for teaching and learning,” shared Mr. Ed Bonoan, Senior General Manager and Head of Marketing, Epson Philippines

Since the launch of the Epson Gift of Brightness, Epson has partnered with key media and government institutions to select the most-deserving and in-need schools that can benefit from the technologically advanced equipment, including high-volume printers, high brightness projectors and user-friendly scanners.

“Until now, teachers use a lot of Manila Paper to produce visuals for their students. Sometimes we also use an overhead projector that requires a lot of acetates. But now, thanks to Epson, we have a projector to replace those old teaching tools, and we are sure that this will motivate our students to study harder and help them be more engaged in the day-to-day lessons,” shared Principal Joey Mancia, who heads both the Pag-ibig sa Nayon Annex and the San Jose Elementary School Main.

San Jose Elementary School Pag-ibig sa Nayon Annex faculty led by Principal Joey Mancia (back, middle) joins the Epson team during the GOB Technical Training session.


The Pag-ibig sa Nayon Annex of San Jose Elementary School consistently ranks among the top schools of the DepEd NCR Quezon City Division.

The Gift of Brightness advocacy of Epson Philippines was launched in December 2013, and has now benefited a total of 30 schools nationwide. Epson Philippines is currently selecting another batch of beneficiary schools with the help of DepEd and other partners.

“The Epson Gift of Brightness program is our advocacy for education and the Filipino youth.After our first partnership with the Department of Education last year, we are now embarking on another batch of beneficiaries for the Epson-DepEd Gift of Brightness, and some other schools that have directly asked Epson for help. We are focusing on selecting schools from areas that have yet to receive a similar donation. The new batch of GoB schools will be very soon,” concludes Ms. Donna V. Ferro, Head of Marketing Communications and PR, Epson Philippines.

“Brave Nights” at Alek Cafe

“Little steps can go a long way,” says Michiko Unso, artist and Managing Partner of Alek Cafe + Kitchen. Unso knows whereof she speaks.

Unso has been rabidly supporting BRAVE, a series of JCI Makati Princess Urduja Empowerment Project for Women, Abused Children, and LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) communities.

Driven and indefatigable, Unso’s foremost passions include food and the performing arts. When she and some partners thought of putting up a restaurant business, they knew that it couldn’t be just any run-of-the-mill establishment.

Thus, Alek Café + Kitchen + Art Space was born which serves good coffee, food, and other beverages (try the Alchemist Coffee which is a winner) while supporting the arts in all its many forms and the advocacies that Unso champions. “When we conceptualized this space, I wanted to support local artists, ’yung mga gustong mag-exhibit. We (will) sell the art pieces and proceeds will go to the artist and to BRAVE,” recalls Unso.

The first artist featured at Alek Café + Kitchen + Art Space is Paul Anthony Gustilo who has held overseas exhibits most notably at the Art Square Gallery in Kuala Lumpur in 2013. Since he ventured into the visual art in 1992, Gustilo has had many combined solo and group exhibits overseas and in the Philippines in venues such as the Heritage Gallery in SM Megamall, Shangri-La Plaza mall, and the Ayala Mall in Cebu.  

Gustilo was an easy choice, says Unso. “Several artists showed us samples of their artwork. One of our first considerations was that the pieces should be a good fit for the artsy yet intimate vibe of the place, nothing gory since we’re a hit among the Legazpi Village crowd during lunchtime.” 

Gustilo comes from a family of artists since his father is a doctor-slash-painter while his grandfather used to be a background artist at Walt Disney Studios in the ‘80s. Gustilo’s exhibit is dubbed “Van Gogh Pop Art” which features works that are an interpretation of the great but tortured Dutch Post-Impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh’s immortal works.

“Yung klase ng art n’ya (Gustilo), pop art pero based sa mga classics like Van Gogh’s works,” says Unso. Van Gogh’s works are characterized by bold colors and dramatic, impulsive, and expressive brushwork that contributed to the foundations of modern art.

Gustilo shares that he has only recently dabbled into pop art. “In one of our international exhibits, binansagan nila akong rocker artist because of the boots I was wearing.”

At Alek Café + Kitchen + Art Space, one is treated to a multidimensional experience that is at once relaxing, challenging, and satisfying to all the senses. “I think that it’s a good idea to teach people to appreciate local artists, local food, and coffee and its many categories,” says Unso.

When Unso talks about her journey towards coffee appreciation, it is with feverish enthusiasm. Coffee beans come in three waves, says Unso --- the first wave, the second wave, and the third wave. Their beans at Alek belong to the third wave; they are not mass-produced and go under strict quality control. “We do our own blend, the roasting is fresh, and we use single origin beans, which means that every type of coffee bean comes from one country, one province, one city, and one farm.” Alek Café + Kitchen + Art Space also supports local farmers since Arabica beans which are pricey are only grown in high altitude places in the country like Benguet and Sagada.

Unso derives comfort from having happily welded all her passions --- food, the arts, and women’s, children’s and LGBTQ’s rights --- into one tastefully-designed space at the heart of a primarily business district that is Makati. Located at the Ground Floor of Builders Centre, 170 Salcedo St. in Legazpi Village, Makati, Alek Café + Kitchen + Art Space has begun “Brave Nights,” which started last April 17, with a new presentation this May 13 and every month afterwards.

“Brave Nights” are monologues and spoken word on issues of women and the LGBTQ community performed by different artists which some of them wrote themselves. “Kahit sa maliit na lugar, mahalaga na magkaroon sila ng boses,” stresses Unso.

The opening monologue during the April 17 showcase was Suffragette, written by Jose Victor Torres, it was about a "traditional" and "subservient" wife having a conversation with her congressman husband about the right of women to vote.

The next monologue, entitled Kiriring (from the play Kiriring, Aida, at Macaraig), an emotionally exhaustive take on physical, emotional and sexual abuse that resulted to her acquiring the dreaded HIV virus.

 The third featued monologue, This is My Life, is a bitter sweet representation on the life of an aging gay performer.It was one part nostalgia, one part laugh out loud moments. all part truthful. The many ups and downs of the performer's life mirrored through the Shirley Bassey pop aria.

Capping the first edition of "Brave Nights" was Petunia, a monologue of a woman in her twilight years, who made a vow to enjoy the best years of her life while doing the things she love - dancing, singing and loving herself more.

Unso is progressive-minded and is quick to clarify that AIDS is not the only issue that the LGBTQ community struggles with. “Discrimination is everywhere, most notably in the workplace. Hindi ka puwedeng magsuot-babae if you’re gay kapag sa isang kompanya ka nagta-trabaho.”

Named after Unso’s tall and lovely 14-year-old daughter Mikaelah Alekssandra, Alek Café + Kitchen + Art Space is a fusion of the things that affect us in our daily lives in both cerebral and visceral ways. “Hopefully, in our little way, we will be able to teach people to appreciate good food and care more for people and local artists,” concludes Unso.