Celebrate Thai Street Food Festival at Mango Tree Bistro

Whenever I go abroad part of my itinerary is to make sure I try their famous street food like the Shawarma in Iran, Palafel and Hummus in Abu Dhabi and Takoyaki in  Hongkong.

THAILAND has always been one of my dream destinations as their cuisine is said to be among the worlds best.

If there is anything that Thailand knows best, it is definitely their street food. This has been proven over the years with their reputation as an internationally known destination for street food and their annual Songkran Festival.

But finding time to sched a trip has been busy thankfully you dont have  to book a flight to Thailand to taste their awesome streetfood...  All you have to do is drop by at any Mango Tree Bistro. And check out Tom Yum Chicken Poppers, Salmon Skin Crisps (Chicharon), Tom Yum Fries and Pork Dynamite, and their Halo Halo prepared by Chef  Prapun Sampungpong or Chef Tum.

Mango Tree launched Thai Street Food Festival last April 19 together with Chef Tum.

Chef Prapun Sampungpong or Chef Tum prepared an interesting line-up of dishes and street food favorites from across Thailand. These includes Tom Yum Chicken Poppers, Salmon Skin Crisps (Chicharon), Tom Yum Fries and Pork Dynamite, and my favorite Halo Halo.



The first Thai food that was served was the appetizer Mango Salad, it is salty sweet and spicy, good enough to start up a meal, it has become my instant favorite at the moment.

Mango Salad

Their Pork Dynamite is crunchy, spicy and tasty, best to pair with Singha beer.

Pork Dynamite

Salmon Skin Chicharon

Salmon Chicharon is salmon skin with  lemon grass and garlic aioli, it is crunchy and a bit salty, best to partner with their personal dip.

And to celebrate this authenticity, Mango Tree and Mango Tree Bistro are holding a Thai Street Food Festival from April 20 until May 15 to offer diners a symphony of visual delight and an explosion of unique, gastronomic flavors and spices.

Chef Prapun Sampungpong or Chef Tum for short, the new executive chef on board, has meticulously designed an interesting line-up of dishes and street food favorites from across Thailand. These will include items such as Tom Yum Chicken Poppers, Salmon Skin Crisps (Chicharon), Tom Yum Fries and Pork Dynamite, among others. The festival selection promises to be a culinary experience worth coming back for, to be enjoyed by many. Other items to look forward to include the Pla Meuk Thod or Fried Squid Rings; the Goong Phad Wonsen or Stir-fried Glass Noodles with Shrimps; and the Larb Pla Meuk or Spicy Squid Salad. And definitely not to be missed is the Thai style halo-halo!

Singha Beer

Mango Tree is a global Thai food brand and this month-long event, which will take place in all Mango Tree and Mango Tree Bistro branches, is a testament to Thailand’s culture, authenticity and bursting flavors. It is in cooperation with Singha Beer and the Thai Trade Commission.

Located at 7th Ave. Bonifacio High Street Central, Bonifacio Global City, Mango Tree is open from 11am to 3pm and 5:30 to 11:30pm daily. Mango Tree Bistro, located at the 3rd level of TriNoma in Quezon City is open from 11am to 9pm, while the Greenbelt 3 branch in Makati, operates from 11am to 11pm daily.


For reservations, please contact 621-3233 or 0917 534-2273 for Mango Tree BGC; 916-0297 or 0917 890-2166 for Mango Tree Bistro TriNoma, and 576-9052 or 0917-524-2273 for Mango Tree Bistro Greenbelt 3.

Hurom juicer gives all the phytonutrients and enzymes you need

We have reached mainstream status with the juicing lifestyle. Many juice bars have been dotting up the landscape as the emphasis on healthier lifestyles is being celebrated. Buying these signature health juices can be pricey, and the plastic packaging of commercially prepared juices is also not environmentally friendly. It’s more cost effective to just a buy a juicer at the outset. You get the freshest juice possible at a fraction of the cost.    Buying your own juicer also lets customize your juices, and you can take advantage of combining fruits, vegetables, grains, as well as nuts. You can have an endless variety of nutritionally balanced and easy-to-drink vitamin packed health elixirs, but not all juicers are created equal.

Many are still unaware about the concept of slow juicing, as it is a fairly recent one. We used to think that the faster your juicing blades make juice from fruit and vegetable pulp, the better it will be. Now we know better. Like all things worth doing, with juicers it’s better to take things slow.

The Hurom slow juicer is the global leader in this category. It is powerful enough to juice just about anything, but does this is in way that preserves the natural nutrition, flavor and color of your produce. You can easily see that the juice produced using this method will have preserved most of its vibrancy and color. The Hurom motor works with in a slow but efficient method of extraction that preserves the enzymes and nutrients of your fruits and vegetables. Certain models are even capable of producing nut milks, which is a healthier alternative to dairy. There is no need to strain the nut milk, which you would do if done in an ordinary blender.

Most commercial juices do not get to preserve the phytonutrients and enzymes present in fruit and vegetable because the power of the blades used to extract their juices damage the cell wall of the produce. You will notice that the juice produced from these kinds of juicers are darker and oxidize easily.  Furthermore, a lot commercial juices are pasteurized which further degrades their nutritional benefits. Hurom gives you maximum control over your juicing needs, and the variety and combination of flavors and textures you can concoct are endless.

The official Hurom website gives a lot of tips. (www.hurom.com)

Hurom is also perfect for on-the-go lifestyles as it is easy to concoct juices bring to the gym or to work. Clean up is also easy as you just rinse three pieces and you’re done. The design of the Hurom juicer has won many international awards for its beauty and efficiency.  With Hurom you don’t just own another appliance, as much as you get a ticket to a healthier and more vibrant life choice.

Hurom Slow Juicers are available in Abenson, Anson Link, Duty Free, Gourdo’s, Rustan’s, Landmark, Metro Gaisano, 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 (Facebook) http://www.facebook.com/huromphofficial, and (Twitter & Instagram) @HuromPHofficial. You may contact directly to hotlines (+632) 926-8038 / (+632) 926-8009.




Here are some healthy recipes you can try on:

Pineapple Cucumber

▶Ingredients

Cucumber 120g,
Pineapple 280g

▶Instructions
1. Peel the pineapple, remove the core and slice into appropriate sizes.
2. Cut off the ends of the cucumber, remove prickles and slice.
3. Put lever on “close”. Alternately insert cucumber and pineapple to extract.
4. Once the last of the ingredients is inserted, switch lever to “half-open” position. Allow pulp to be expelled from drum.

Pear, Banana, Lemon juice

▶ Ingredients
Pear 300g,
banana 20g,
lemon 70g

▶Instructions
1. Peel lemon and banana. Remove seeds and core of pear. Cut into appropriate sizes.
2. Place lever on “Close”. “Extract half of the pear, then extract banana and lemon.
3. Insert the rest of the pear. Place lever on “Half-open” and allow pulp to be expelled.

Hotel Sogo showcases upcoming ads at Media Thanksgiving Party

Hotel Sogo celebrates its Thanksgiving Media Party at Sky Bar, Sogo Quezon Ave last April 22. Ms. Sue Geminiano, Hotel Sogo, Marketing Manager graced the event together with the media.

“In our series of recent TV and radio commercials, we let our customers know that Hotel Sogo is for EVERYBODY, for all OCCASIONS and for all walks of life,” said Sue Geminiano, Hotel Sogo, Marketing Manager.

Hotel Sogo, the largest hotel chain in the Philippines,beefs up its Go! Go! Sogo promo encouraging barkadas and couples to patronize the Hotel for bonding, relaxation, group study and for all types of celebrations with the family!

Hotel Sogo boasts of exquisite features and comfort at affordable rates! Families can enjoy free Wi-Fi access, cable TV with in-house movie channel, digital music system, 24-hour food and beverage service among the hotel’s most popular amenities.

The promo also highlights the hotel’s accessibility, high-quality and affordable service.Hotel Sogo is also known for having courteous, well trained and hospitable employees for its continuous trainings and seminars at their House Hospitality Training School called Hotel Management Institute of the Philippines.

Coinciding with its promo, Hotel Sogo extends help through Doctors on Wheels (DOW) Program, by providing free medical consultations and medications to under-served communities throughout the country.

The DOW is a mobile medical bus equipped and furnished with four examining beds, 10 examining chairs, medical/examination lights and other equipment used for medical missions across the country. The DOW is staffed by volunteer doctors, social workers, nurses, pharmacists and Hotel Sogo personnel.

“Hotel Sogo has always believed in being of service to the Filipino, not only to the patrons of our hotels, but especially to the underprivileged community. Since Hotel Sogo started its operation, Hotel Sogo has strived and has been committed to delivering important service to the Filipinos,” adds Ms. Geminiano. Since the inception of DOW in 2015, about 3000 indigent residents have already benefitted from the program.

Moreover, this May, Hotel Sogo is launching its first ever Digital Film Contest for amateur and professional film makers throughout the country. The contest aims to help individuals convey their creativity and imaginations through Digital Films.

Three entries will be chosen as winners and will receive P100,000(1st Prize), P70,000 (2nd prize) and P50,000 (3rd prize). Mechanics and guidelines will be releasedthis May for interested film makers.

To find out more about Hotel Sogo and its events and promos, log on to hotelsogo.com or like/follow them on Facebook (facebook.com/hotelsogo), Twitter (#hotelsogo) and Instagram (@hotelsogo).

OPPO F1 Plus – the ‘bigger, better Selfie Expert’

Who doesn’t love selfies? Just do a random check on instagram or facebook and I’d bet half of them (or maybe more) are selfie photos.


Selfies are part of our modern culture that we all engage in without any real thought, because, well, everyone else is doing it right?

Most of the time, we do it so we can post them onto social media and show everyone our #WishYouWereHere moments or just to cherish some #KetchupTimes with our family and friends.I do it because it makes me feel good when I take a nice photo of myself (regardless of the likes it gets ) and because I don’t have to bug anyone else to take my photo.  It’s about being in control of my image, and much easier to edit and control the angle than if it’s a photo taken by someone else.

But whatever reason we have for posting all those self portraits, Im sure you’d all agree that nothing ruins a great moment than a bad selfie.

For all you selfie addicts out there, Oppo recently released a bigger and better version of their selfie expert phone—the Oppo F1 Plus. Its one of the only phones that has a 16-megapixel front-facing Hi-Light Camera that captures clear, vivid photos in any lighting condition.—even higher than the back cameras of other smartphones…

It’s official: OPPO’s camera phone with a 16-megapixel front camera has been finally launched in the Philippines. The F1 Plus, the second device after the F1 in the camera-centric F series, is being touted as the “bigger, better Selfie Expert.”

“The frame went through 68 polishing processes before we finally attained what we believe is the perfect grip for a smartphone.”
“With its non-slippery metal surface, users won’t worry about this phone slipping from their hands,” says Marton Barcza, OPPO’s product expert


The global tech giant’s new device retails for P21,990 and is available for pre-order nationwide from April 16 to April 29. Down payment is just P1,000, and you get a free OPPO selfie stick along with the unit as soon as you pick it up starting April 30.

Great selfies whenever, wherever

Four times more sensitive than standard cameras, the F1 Plus’ Hi-light Camera excels in low-light, back-lit, and night-time photography. The camera also offers twice the dynamic range of cameras without the Hi-Light technology, and captures photos with four times less noise.

“Selfies will always turn out bright and clear no matter the time of the day because of the F1 Plus’ unique sensor technology and wide f/2.0 aperture lens,” said Marton Barcza, OPPO’s product expert. “The F1 Plus also has the highest front camera resolution on the market.”

The OPPO F1 Plus features a custom-built Hi-light Camera that takes vibrant pictures in various lighting conditions.

The phone comes with the new Selfie Panorama and Beautify 4.0 features, and the front-facing Screen Flash. Its custom-built sensor arranges pixels in a unique pattern to create clear and bright photos that are strikingly rich in color.

Sarah Geronimo, OPPO Philippines’ brand ambassador, said all these camera features allow users to “get the perfect shot on the first snap, anywhere and anytime.”

OPPO has likewise upgraded its built-in selfie beautification app with Beautify 4.0. After six months of testing and 150 revisions, Beautify 4.0 is optimized to enhance one’s look in a snap.

By highlighting the user’s best facial features and minimizing flaws, Beautify 4.0 produces natural-looking photos. “You’ll never have to take bad selfies again thanks to Beautify 4.0, which serves like your own styling team,” Geronimo said.

With the Selfie Panorama feature, you can take extra-wide 120-degree shots, as the F1 Plus seamlessly combines three photos to ensure that everyone in the group is in the photo.
“I’m sure everyone will look good in every ‘groupie’ because of the F1 Plus’ easy-to-use Selfie Panorama,” Geronimo said.

Light, thin and comfortable
The smartphone has an elegant frame that’s fit for style-minded users. The F1 Plus has a 5.5-inch AMOLED display with 4th Generation Gorilla Glass. But with ultra-thin 1.66-mm bezels, the F1 Plus looks like a smaller 5.2-inch phone.
 “It doesn’t only take great selfies and groupies, it’s a fashion statement, too,” pointed out Geronimo.

The OPPO F1 Plus has ultra-thin 1.66 mm bezels.

“When we designed the F1 Plus, we wanted to create a light, thin, and comfortable device, so our O-Fans can effortlessly carry the smartphone and take photos anywhere they want,” Barcza said. “The frame went through 68 polishing processes before we finally attained what we believe is the perfect grip for a smartphone.”
“With its non-slippery metal surface, users won’t worry about this phone slipping from their hands,” he added.

The F1 Plus’ Comfort Grip helps keep the phone safe in users’ hands.

Fast, convenient, secure
Who says the F1 Plus is only good for taking selfies? With a 4GB RAM and an 8-core processor, this smartphone promises users a faster and smoother experience while gaming, browsing the Internet, or using resource-heavy apps.
The smartphone is fit for people on the go, with a VOOC Flash Charge feature that requires only 30 minutes of charging for its battery to reach 75 percent capacity. The battery also can last up to 14 hours and 5 minutes of constant use.
“‘Charge for five minutes, talk for two hours’ became an iconic slogan for OPPO in China last year. It convinced more than 18 million users so far to say goodbye to dead batteries,” Barcza said. “The F1 Plus is set to bring the convenience and safety of VOOC to even more users around the world.”
The new phone is the first to feature the all-new ColorOS 3.0. This software offers a tidy and refreshing new look, along with increased efficiency and speed.

The updated ColorOS 3.0 comes with a new, elegant look and faster system performance.

Overall system speed is now 25 percent faster when compared to ColorOS 2.1, with home screen loading speed increased by 35 percent, and app installation speed boosted by 41 percent.
You can likewise save time with the F1 Plus’ Touch Access technology, which makes unlocking the phone faster and easier. It is OPPO’s first phone to use front-facing fingerprint recognition.

Front-facing fingerprint recognition

The phone’s advanced ceramic material recognizes its owner’s fingerprint and unlocks the phone in just 0.2 seconds, one of the fastest in the industry.
“The F1 Plus not only captures moments in greater color resolution and detail than ever before, it also brings a smooth and enjoyable user experience,” said Barcza.

Chef Rob Pengson's secret to keep him going

Pharmaton celebrity endorser,  award- winning Executive Chef Rob Pengson, The Goose Station co founder together with his Chef wife Sunshine Pengson , recently graced the event at Pharmaton at Blue Leaf Events Place, Mc Kinley.  He shares his kids favorite "chicken crostone" to the media by demonstrating how to quickly prepare this smart recipe.

The event was hosted by Lexi Schultz and attended by Pharmaton executives and media.

Of course, my family is the top force that drives me to keep going in life. But I also need a partner that can keep up with my busy and active lifestyle. A partner that can provide me with mental and physical energy to literally keep me going!Good thing I have discovered Pharmaton!’ says Chef Rob Pengson.

Chef Rob Pengson, got his monicker "rebel" in the food scene because of his groundbreaking cuisine that challenges traditional cuisine by infusing culture and heritage into cooking.  He recently graced the Madrid Fusion Manila and introduced "The New Filipiniana  Cusine".

Chicken crostone

An award-winning chef, a mentor, a business owner,a TV host, a creative, a risk-taker, and now a brand ambassador,  does all of these for his most important role: a husband and a father.‘My family is everything to me. I strive to be the multifaceted individual that I want to become because I want to give the best to them,’ shares Chef Rob when he is asked about the cause of his revolutionary approach in and out of the kitchen.

Pharmaton combines vitamins and minerals with ginsengG115 and deanol for improved mental and physical performance. This dual combination helps combat stress and fatigue, and raise body’s immune system for better protection from viral and bacterial infection, while managing inner physical and mental energy. Moreover, it improves overall mood, memory, and attention.. Along with other vitamins and essential ingredients combined, you’re guaranteed to keep going in life!

‘As a chef, ingredients are key in transforming any dish into a lavish cuisine. I also apply the same principle when choosing my multivitamins,’ Chef Rob describes. He further explains, ‘I’ve tried a lot already, but nothing compares to Pharmaton. With vitamins + minerals + ginseng G115® + Deanol, what more can you ask for?’

When asked what’s next for Chef Rob, he shares, ‘I want to continue to innovate the Filipino cuisine that I serve in my restaurants. Perhaps think of new concepts with my wife. She’s also a chef and a Pharmaton user. So you can just imagine how energetic our brainstorming is!’ With this surplus of energy, Chef Rob even has the bandwidth to also spend quality time with his family. This is the meaning of work-life balance for him – sharing his successes, time, and energy to people who mean the world to him.

Chef Rob is just one of the many users who have strived for success with Pharmaton as their partner.

Catch Robin Thicke at the Summer Sun Music Festival!

Remember Robin Thicke and his controversial MTV for Blurred Lines?  The one that glued us on you tube, now we will all be able to watch Robin Thicke perform live in Manila on April 30!

Another music festival is set to happen in Manila on labor day weekend for those people who will choose to stay in the metro. Are you ready to have a blast at Summer Sun Music Festival? Happening on April 30, 2016 at Globe Circuit Events Ground, Circuit Makati, Makati City featuring 4 international acts and 4 local DJs in the mix - will be playing a wide spectrum of genre, from pop to RnB to EDM music.

SSMF brings a unique experience that will steam off some heat in this summer season to the young generation. Ages from 15 and above are allowed to enter the music festival. Attendees will also enjoy fun activities, lounges, bars, food stations, and a carnival event look. And oh, better to bring an extra shirt because getting wet will surely be the main stunt of SSMF.


SUMMER SUN MUSIC FESTIVAL 2016 featuring Robin Thicke, Fedde Le Grand, Shogun, and John Hart on April 30 with top local DJs Marc Marasigan, D+Cash, JJ Saur, and Nina Saputil at CIRCUIT EVENTS GROUND, Circuit Makati, Makati City presented by Driven Manila Production. Co-presented by FOX, Starworld, and Vans.

Here’s the list of performance line-up of SSMF:
International Acts:
Robin Thicke
Fedde Le Grand
Shogun
John Hart

Local Acts:
Marc Marasigan
D+Cash
JJ Saur
Nina Saputil

Ticket Rates: 
Early Bird VIP – Php 3,799
Early Bird Patron – Php 2,299
Regular VIP – Php 4,500
Regular Patron – Php 3,000

Get your tickets at SMTickets.com, Bondle.com, Partyphile, Neverland Manila Ravers, selected Vans Concept Stores in Metro Manila, Sole Slam, and The Rail Stores Metro Manila!

For more information about SSMF, follow them @ Summer Sun Music Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Or email summersunmusicfestival@gmail.com for inquiries!

Experience the Lemongrass Ginger treatment at Posh Nails + GIVEAWAY

Summer is a time to relax and have fun, even with the heat taking its toll on us.  Its about time to have yourself pampered and visit the nearest Posh Nails branch near you and experience their relaxing and aromatic Lemongrass-ginger treatment. 

Posh Nails SM Moa

I always have my mani- pedi done at any Posh Nails branch because they offer so many imported brands to choose from.  From nude to darkest to teals, of  OPI, Essie, Zoya and Orly. The possibilities are endless, they even offer the quick polish gel mani pedi fix.  Perfect for summer time pampering.

This time around, I get to experienced the lemon grass infused with ginger treatment before having my nails done.  Darling, my attendant both rubbed and put lotion on my feet and legs after the footspa. I chose a dark creamy greenish blue (Essie) for my manicure and an OPI peachy pink on my toenails.

Lemongrass Ginger Treatment

The Smart Spa Luxury Lotions are a unique balance of vitamins, nutrients and essential oils creates the perfect hydrating product to help restore dry/damaged skin to a healthy looking and feeling condition and stimulate the senses through gentle Aromatherapy. Intense hydration lasts for hours.

As a special Mother’s Day delight, Posh Nails is giving away special Lemongrass Ginger pampering packages for two.  Treat your mom to a relaxing Posh Nails treatment and a movie premiere for two of the heartwarming Mother’s Day comedy movie starring Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston and Kate Hudson on May 3, at the SM Megall, 7pm.


Promo period:    April 16 to May 2, 2016, 9am
At All Posh Nails Branches nationwide

Give away alert!
Win pampering package from Posh Nails and treat your mom to a relaxing Posh Nails treatment and a movie premiere of the heartwarming Mother’s Day comedy movie starring Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston and Kate Hudson on May 3, at the SM Megamall, 7pm.

To join;
1.  Follow PoshNails on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
2.  Follow my instagram account https://www.instagram.com/jlougar/
3.  Follow my twitter https://twitter.com/jlougar
4.  Like my PoshNails post at https://www.facebook.com/lou.sv
3   Tag me @jlougar and @PoshNails
     and post a picture of you with your mom and tell me what is the best kind of pampering that                your mom deserves, with a hashtag #lemongreenteaphxposhnails  #mothersdaymovieph. Please          set your account on public.

     The best Mother's day caption will win the pampering package from Posh Nails and a movie                premiere tickets for two.

     Promo will run from April 16 to May 2, 2016  at 9AM.

How to Claim:

Ø Winners will claim their prizes at the advance screening of Mother’s day Movie which is on May 3, Sm Mega Mall 7pm or on May 2 at 108 Octoarts Bldg. Panay Avenue Q.C.

Ø They will receive 2 advance Screening tickets for Mother’s Day Movie and 2 PoshNails pampering GC upon presentation of their names as winner and the attached coupon we sent as proof.

I will announce winners via my facebook, blog, instagram and twitter account.

Pampering packages is Valid for use within a period of  (1) month (from April 16 to May 16, 2016) at any Posh Nails Branch nationwide.