Puerto Galera’s unique marine life merited the intensive survey and exploration made by divers from France and Switzerland in the recent 2nd Objectif Atlantide Underwater Investigation

Puerto Galera’s unique marine life merited the intensive survey and exploration made by divers from France and Switzerland who participated in the recent 2nd Objectif Atlantide Underwater Investigation.

Mounted by the Department of Tourism - Dive Philippines in partnership with the French association Objectif Atlantide, two multiple record holder free divers went head-to-head against scuba divers to solve a mystery by exploring the unique marine life of Puerto Galera.

Puerto Galera’s overwhelming biodiversity makes it an ideal spot for divers to discover the country’s unique beauty. Photo by Jerome Kim

“In the Underwater Investigation, the participants followed clues that brought them underwater to take photos of species found around Puerto Galera. This experience teaches them that not only are there a lot of different species here, but also which kind they are,” said Objectif Atlantide founder Daniel Meouchy.

Team Scubaland’s Pauline Thomas and Aurelie Pineau emerged as this year’s winners, successfully defending their title from the competition’s first edition held in Cabilao, Bohol last year. The scuba-diving tandem bested 10 pairs of divers, including five-time world champion and four-time world record holder Arthur Guérin-Boëri and French national record holder Alice Modolo.

Award-winning French freediver Alice Modolo surveys a wreckage in search of species. Photo by Jerome Kim

“Diving in the Philippines is very interesting because there are many species here. Every time we go into the water and come back to check our pictures, we learn a lot. It’s our second time to win the underwater investigation, so we’ll absolutely do it again! We need to keep our title,” shared Thomas.

Karine Cheurfa and Sophie Comminges of Team Esprit de la Plongée from Switzerland bagged the second spot while Hervé Pages and Martine Bonnevay-Aillaud of Team Têtes Bullées finished third.

The Philippines lies at the heart of the so-called Coral Triangle, home to more than three-fourths of the world’s corals, and more than half of the world’s coral reef fish. With 2,248,400 hectares of coral reefs, 500 species of corals and 2,000 species of fish, the country is part of the most fertile part of the triangle.

At the heart of the Coral Triangle and at the skirts of the Verde Island Passage is Puerto Galera and its rich biological treasures, stunning seascapes, and scores of marine species. The island thus makes for a perfect environment to host 2nd Objectif Atlantide Underwater Investigation underwater exploration.

Freediving world champ Arthur Guérin-Boëri poses for a photo before continuing his critter hunt. Photo by Jerome Kim

Supporting the DoT’s efforts to promote sustainability in dive tourism and raise awareness for reef protection and conservation, the participants spent the week to observe, survey, and photograph the “underwater rainforest” of Puerto Galera.

“Puerto Galera is a feast for the most adventurous spirit; with this event, we hope the French diving community has discovered the wonders of the Philippines’ waters. We will take this great opportunity to showcase the unparalleled beauty of our reefs and call to protect the vibrant biodiversity of our waters to the international community,” said DOT Tourism Development Undersecretary Benito C. Bengzon, Jr.

The 2nd Objectif Atlantide Underwater Investigation is mounted in partnership with Objectif Atlantide, El Galleon Dive Resort and Asia Divers, and is sponsored by Atlantis Dive Resorts and Liveaboards, Pier Uno Dive Resort, Resorts World Manila, and Belmont Hotels and Resorts.
The event is also supported by Plongeur.com, Subaqua Magazine, Chercheurs d'eau, PlongeeOnline.com, Plongee Infos, Plongez Magazine, Paradise-Plongee.com.
 

Try Mang Inasal's Palabok and Halo-Halo Combo Promo

You can still enjoy the winning combination of the Meatynamnam Palabok and Dabest sa Creaminess Pinoy Halo-Halo as Mang Inasal extends its promo until end of June 2019.

Order the combo daily, from 2 pm until store closing -- enjoying them either in the store or bringing them home as pasalubong.

Mang Inasal recently made its Palabok meatier and its price even more affordable. Combined with Pinoy Halo-Halo, the resulting combo has become one truly delicious meal – or as its tag would describe, “Masarap Twogether!”

Since the promo was launched a month ago, customers have been raving about the delicious duo of Palabok and Pinoy Halo Halo small, available in most Mang Inasal stores at P99 per order. Prices vary in selected areas.

Visit any of Mang Inasal’s over 500 stores nationwide and try this Palabok and Halo-Halo Combo Promo from the same restaurant that has brought you the 2-in-1 sa Laki, Nuot sa Ihaw Sarap Chicken Inasal.

Tikman ang sarap ng tamang timpla with Great Taste White Caramel and Great Taste White Crema

Humanity runs on coffee.



We love coffee. And what's not to love? It keeps us awake and it tastes heavenly. I always drink my coffee in the morning. Turns out the best time to drink coffee might not be first thing in the morning, but an hour after you wake up.


If youre a coffee lover and is always on -the -go now is the time to indulge as Great Taste launches its latest variants to let you enjoy your morning habit anytime, anywhere.

Whether it’s for starting the day right or for quick pick-me-ups in the middle of the day, the new Great Taste White Caramel and Great Taste White Crema are bound to satisfy the busy and always on-the-go Filipino.



Fans of sweet and aromatic coffee can find themselves enjoying Great Taste White Caramel. It offers the perfect mix of roasted coffee and cream with hints of luscious caramel, blending a sweet linamnam for everyday coffee fix.

For a more flavorful and full-bodied coffee experience, Great Taste White Crema combines the real coffee taste with rich vanilla cream for a creamy linamnam that is reminiscent of everyone’s favorite latte.



These two new variants, and the original Great Taste White coffee mix, come in a fresh and attractive new packaging.

Singer and actress, Janella Salvador, joins Great Taste (White) as its newest ambassador in bringing amazing everyday experiences that start with great coffee. She shares, “I am absolutely ecstatic to be a part of this big family. It feels good to endorse a product you enjoy and personally, I love Great Taste White Caramel because it is sweet and creamy – just like how I prefer having my cup of coffee!”



A trailblazer in the instant coffee industry, Great Taste continues to brew new experiences for Filipinos – from being the first to introduce white coffee mix, first twin pack size, and first re-sealable pouch, among others.

Tikman ang sarap ng tamang timpla with Great Taste White Caramel and Great Taste White Crema. These two new exciting variants come in 30g and 50g sachets, for only 6.05 (SRP) and 9.70 (SRP) respectively. Grab these in sari-sari stores, groceries and supermarkets nationwide.



Stay updated on Great Taste’s latest offerings by following Great Taste Coffee on Facebook (@GreatTasteCoffeePH) or visiting Universal Robina Corporation’s website at www.urc.com.ph.

Enroll your kids this summer to Goldilocks Annual Junior Crew Program

Now is the time for your kids to enjoy summer with Goldilocks annual Junior Crew Program; a week-long program that invites kids ages 6 to 12 years old to participate in a week of learning where they are exposed to the value of discipline and hard work while being immersed in the Goldilocks family.


With the season of summer in full swing, we often look for engaging activities that our young ones can participate in. Popular activities such as basketball, football, and art classes are a mainstay, while those looking for an engaging learning experience can choose from a selection of On-The-Job (OTJ) programs which are catered to provide real world experience while encouraging our young ones to have fun while simultaneously learning new skills.

With the perfect mix of both learning and fun becoming more appealing to parents. Goldilocks, the country’s number one bakeshop is happy to announce the continuation of their annual Junior Crew Program.

In order to participate in this annual activity, you simply need to proceed to any of the eligible Goldilocks stores listed below and ask the attending manager for a registration form.
Eligible Locations include:

Farmers 2 New, Gatchalian Paranaque, Grandmall, Marikina Concepcion, Market! Market!, SM Clark, SM Fairview, SM Marilao, SM Megamall, SM. Sta Cruz Laguna, Sm Sta Mesa, 11th Avenue, I Mall Canlubang, and SM Dasmarinas

Gift your kids a summer to that they will always remember with Goldilocks’ Junior Crew Program! For more information, you may also follow Goldilocks on Twitter or Instagram at @GoldilocksPH, on the Goldilocks Facebook page, or at the official Goldilocks website at www.goldilocks.com.ph

Technolux is international distributor of GreenEarth dry cleaning products

Technolux Equipment and Supply Corp., the country’s largest importer and supplier of a complete line of foodservice, small wares and laundry equipment for over 43 years, has recently been appointed as an international distributor for all branded GreenEarth products to GreenEarth® licensed dry cleaners.  


The GreenEarth Optimized System uses  Siloxane D5 developed  after over 15 years of extensive researched and testing for  human health as well as environmental safety by government agencies in multiple countries as well as by OSHA, local municipalities, Air Boards, waste haulers, and other regulator and has been proven  environmentally non-toxic. Because of its safety, siloxane D5 has been used in a wide variety of consumer products for the past 40 years including shampoos, deodorants, lotions, cosmetics, etc.

This dry cleaning fluid is perfect for all types of garments and cleans more clothesser liter of fluid, thereby allowing a greater return on the initial investment. Dry cleaning machines can take the beating!

Further, GreenEarth® has no smell making it a good choice for those who are sensitive to fragrances.  When using the activated clay-cold filtration method, no distillation is required after every cycle, thereby reducing further the operating cost per cycle.

GreenEarth® is known to produce better quality dry-cleaned clothes. Because of the chemical characteristics of its proprietary dry cleaning fluid, clothes that are cleaned in siloxane D5 are odor-free, soft to the touch, easy to finish as there is very little wrinkling, lint-free, no dye pull so colors are bright and vivid,  no  shrinkage and longer “like-new” life span.

Technolux distributes GreenEarth® silicone solvent, Sustain detergent, Prime pre-brush (stain remover) and the Activated Clay Filtration system (ACF).  The large majority of  dry cleaning machines using GreenEarth ® worldwide are made by the FMB Group, Bologna, Italy (FMB - Fibrimatic) which are also being distributed in the country by Technolux.

To know more about Technolux, please call 896-4941, 552-3587 local 6117 or Mr. Eugene Corpus,  Eugene Corpus (09178015564)

Visit www.technolux.net, call 8964941and 8994531 or visit its corporate office at 2176 Primo Rivera Street, Barangay La Paz Makati City.)

Obsessed with Orange? Try Pizza Hut's New Orange Chicken Pops PanPizza!

If you are in the mood for something different. Go and try the new Pizza Hut's Orange Chicken Pops Pan Pizza. Its the best combo ever complete with orange syrup in the crust. This was by far the best tasting pizza for me! Every bite was better than the last.

Obsessed with orange? Pizza Hut surprises pizza (and orange) lovers as it adds a savory pop to its world-famous
pan pizza with the launch of the Orange Chicken Pops Pan Pizza!

 Merely a month after the successful launch of the new version of its best-selling Pan Pizza with more taste, more toppings and more crunch, Pizza Hut yet again proves to be a pizza innovator with its bold new offering -  the Orange Chicken Pops Pan Pizza.

This inviting new flavor from the world’s No. 1 pizza chain has a mix of exciting toppings that pop out on a bed of crunchy crust that’s topped to the edge with tropical ingredients. Elevating this pan pizza to a whole new level are the savory chicken pops and Pizza Hut’s special blend of orange glaze delivering a zesty zing and a unique flavor profile.

Expect to experience an exhilarating sensation with every bite from its colorful and appetizing look down to the enticing orange aroma, mouthwatering cheesy taste, and crispy crust!

“This has truly been an exciting year for us at Pizza Hut as we continue to offer bolder and more innovative flavors to our Filipino customers who have been enjoying our iconic Pan Pizza for over 35 years now. Everyone knows that the best food experiences trigger all the senses: sight, smell, sound, taste and touch. And this is what our newest pizza flavor is all about,” said Lorent Adrias, Chief Marketing Officer of Pizza Hut Philippines at the sidelines of the Orange Chicken Pops Pan Pizza launch.

The orange-themed launch event aptly dubbed as the O-Lala-Land Pizza Hut Pool Party not just achieved to beat the summer heat, but also succeeded in introducing the new pizza flavor to the guests. The party was held at Novotel Manila Araneta Center’s poolside last May 9, 2019 attended by media, bloggers and influencers, where everyone experienced everything and anything orange. Guests were spotted sporting orange-colored vintage outfits against the blazing orange décor while enjoying the orange champagne fountain and giant floating orange pool balls. Complementing the theme were savory and sweet dishes with oranges, and of course, plentiful servings of the new Orange Chicken Pops Pan Pizza.

With over 12,000 restaurants in 90 countries worldwide, Pizza Hut continues to be the largest and most popular pizza chain, serving more than a million pan pizzas a day. And true to its promise of serving great pizza that delights pizza lovers everywhere with its choice ingredients, perfect crust, and the freshest toppings, the Orange Chicken Pops Pan Pizza surely stands out among Pizza Hut favorites like the Cheesy Lava Mozza Crunch and the Bacon Stuffed Cheesy Crust Pizza, enjoyed whether dining solo or together with family and friends.






Savory Chicken Pops with Special Orange Glaze
With every bite, enjoy a burst of flavor with Pizza Hut’s NEW Orange Chicken Pops Pan Pizza topped with savory chicken pops and served with a generous drizzle of special orange glaze giving it a unique and wonderful flavor profile pizza lovers just can’t get enough of.








The new Orange Chicken Pops Pan Pizza is now available in all Pizza Hut branches nationwide. Visit a Pizza Hut restaurant today or order your pizza favorites by dialing 911-11-11 or by visiting https://order.pizzahut.com.ph.

To know more about Pizza Hut’s latest offering, check out their official social media accounts.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pizzahutphilippines
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pizzahutphils
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pizzahutphils       

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Collin Sexton in meet-and-greet with AXA Philippines

Two leading global brands – AXA Philippines, one of the leading insurance companies in the country, and the National Basketball Association (NBA), the world’s most popular basketball league – are excited to stage a meet-and-greet with Collin Sexton of the Cleveland Cavaliers and AXA stakeholders on May 17 at the Makati Diamond Hotel and Residences.

Visiting for the Jr. NBA Philippines National Training Camp, Sexton will help coach participants and impart his knowledge of the game, while promoting the core S.T.A.R. values of sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, and determination.

As the number one global insurance firm for the tenth consecutive year, AXA banks on its industry strength and market leadership to help clients go further, anchored on its latest brand message, “Know you can.”

In addition, the event featured the launch of AXA Philippines Car Insurance Online, which provides protection against losses and liabilities arising from road and motor vehicular accidents. AXA Philippines Car Insurance Online also comes with AXA Assist, a one-stop assistance app that offers emergency roadside assistance and an emergency red button. The red button allows users to send a distress signal to the proper authorities and their loved ones in case of emergencies.

“Our collaboration and continuing journey with the NBA, one of the most recognized brands in the world, has proven to be a fruitful and rewarding one,” says Rahul Hora, AXA Philippines president and CEO. “We are excited to further strengthen this partnership, as we aim to be the moving force in supporting people, to help them go further.”

“We are proud to partner with AXA Philippines, which is at the forefront of creating innovative financial planning solutions for the modern Filipino customer,” says Carlo Singson, NBA Philippines managing director. “AXA has been an integral part of the NBA family in the Philippines and we look forward to working with them to bring exciting NBA experiences to our passionate Filipino fans.”

Indeed, whether on the basketball court or in the game of life, self-belief, the right strategy, and the support of a strong partner is vital in reaching your goals.

Know you can.

Partner with AXA Philippines for car insurance and all your life and non-life insurance needs. Check out www.axa.com.ph for more information.

ETON International School: Nurturing the talent and skills of our future leaders

As a mom one of the best things we could give our children is the gift of education.

I remember what my own mom used to say. Money can be stolen, it can run out as quickly if you dont know how to spend it wisely--but education? That is something you can build on and nobody could take that away.

That is why the last thing you want to do especially if you can afford it is to find the best school for your kids. A school that is progressive and utilizes all the advanced learning techniques not just to educate your kid, but get them ready for a bright future.

Eton International School, the newest bastion of Filipino education has opened its classrooms to the future leaders at one of the most scenic and iconic locations in Manila.

Sitting at the heart of Manila and right at the country’s cradle of arts and culture, the Eton International School rises as the first world-class learning institution inside the prestigious grounds of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

What sets ETON apart from other learning institutions are its three pioneering programs—the Center for the Talented and Gifted for the pre-schoolers; Center for Leadership and Performing Arts for grade school and Center for Technology and Innovation for high school.

Eton even has  international curriculum linkages that allow our students to easily be accepted abroad.

Eton International School-CCP stands proudly amongst landmark structures—the Folk Arts Theatre in its north, the Coconut Palace on the east and bordered in the south by the Manila Bay, world-renowned for its spectacular sunrise and glorious sunsets.

“ETON is the school of the future where learning happens beyond the four walls of the classrooms. It is a place where kids will feel safe to learn, grow and multiply their talents exponentially,” said Ms. Jacqueline Marzan-Tolentino, Eton International School Directress.


At ETON we nurture the leadership potential in each child. Our mantra is every child is a leader and every child can be a hero waiting to be unleashed. We take time out to know about the child’s strength and weaknesses so that we can match our teaching style to our students’ learning style. This allows the students to learn, faster, better and higher. Eton International family culture allows students to grow and create better relationships in their family and community. It only takes love to break all barriers in the mind, heart and soul. With our multiple local and international programs, each child is given the chance to find his gifts, strengthen their resiliency and build their confidence,” Tolentino adds.

GET ETON EDUCATED

"Every child is born with Royal Dignity," is the ETON philosophy

“We believe the gifts and calling of each child is irrevocable. A child’s worth is built in. It is our mission to open their mind to possibilities, strengthen their competency and skills and inculcate values that will set them for life,” she adds.

Eton’s motto is Artes (Heart), Scientia (Mind) and Intelligentia(Will or Spirit).

“Every child is nurtured to inspire, to innovate and to lead a life in honor of God and service to humanity. Every Etonian leads with humility, courage and heart,” Tolentino said.

Eton prides itself of its small class size that allows them to focus on the development of each child’s multiple intelligence especially in the crucial foundation years. Tolentino describes this as strengthening their roots to allow the children to be resilient as they grow and bloom and ready to conquer the world.

*  LEADERSHIP PROGRAM-Eton provides learning adventures that are life changing. The students are taught to focus on developing their faith in God, self, family and others through self mastery, experiential mastery and life mastery here in the Philippines and abroad.

*  LANGUAGE PROGRAM- Eton nurtures the gift not just of one language but three—English, Filipino and Mandarin. The students may also have an elective in French and other languages. – I SPEAK

* EARTH SAVERS PROGRAM - Eton leads the community to take care of the environment through our ECO Savers Program. - I CARE

* ARTS AND CULTURE PROGRAM – Eton promotes Philippine arts and culture from visual arts to performing arts through various exhibitions and cultural activities. - I CREATE

* DEVELOPMENTAL AND ACCELERATION PROGRAM – Eton provides multiple ways to Iearnfrom modular program to hands-on learning .- ILEARN

* ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM - Eton believes in teaching financial and wealth program at an early age through our various business start-up cases. IBUILD

* RECREATION AND CELEBRATION PROGRAM – Eton promotes local and international sports and wellness program - I EXPLORE

* STEM PROGRAM- Eton’s Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) program has given the Eton students a remarkable edge in this space. “Our global affiliations range from TOFEL to Lego Robotics to International Learning Styles AndMultiple Intelligence. Our program is used in UK, Asia and US,” Tolentino proudly said. – I SOLVE

*  HOLISTIC PROGRAM- Eton sets three goals in every school year for students to learn and grow with from subject goals.

These could be in arts, language, geography, history, ICT, language, math, music, PE, Science, society and technology); Personal goals ( enquiry resilience morality communication thoughtfulness cooperation respect and adaptability):& Internationalization goals ( local and international collaboration and cooperation.)

Students are exposed to different opportunities to grow with their counterparts worldwide through internationalcompetition and fieldwork. – I PRAY

* INTERNATIONAL IMMERSION PROGRAM –

Always buckle up your child

Always buckle up your children even if youre going for a short trip. Its for evryone's safety and peace of mind. if you have a baby in the family, it is important to buy a carseat for them. I learned that you move forward 30 times your weight if not buckled up in a car crash. That means, even a tiny person who weighs only 10kg  will be flung in a car at a weight of 300kg. 

Always wear a seatbelt for you and your family and save their lives.

Safety is often a word that is used after something already bad happened.  For a lot of us, safety is more an afterthought than a proactive and preventive action.  And after each disconcerting life experience, we learn and take all the necessary precautions to stay safe.  But sadly it can be at an extreme cost of life. 

However, when it comes to children, it is common that the parental instinct kicks in overdrive to ensure that the children remain safe at all times.  When a new member of the family is expected, some parents go through extreme measures to ensure that they are in a safe environment.  

The house is usually made childproof to prevent accidents from happening.  Beloved picture frames that kids can reach are stowed away.  Sharp corners on tables are covered.  Sometimes a gate is even placed on stairs to prevent kids from climbing and falling.  Taking all these steps to ensure our little one is kept safe.

But little is actually done to protect children when they are traveling.  Oftentimes, we see children sitting on laps at the front passenger seat. The worst place to have a child.  

In a recent Health Notes by the Department of Health, it cited that vehicular accidents are now the second leading cause of death among children ages 0 to 17^[1].  Alarming figures and an escalating situation with an increasing number of vehicles on the road. 

Baby Company, the Philippines leading baby store, launches Baby Company Buckle Up Baby, the biggest child car seat caravan in SM Mall of Asia this Friday, May 10 and will be open until May 12.  The initiative aims to support and promote the recent Republic Act. 11229, the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act. 

The enacted law seeks to protect children whenever they are brought into a motor vehicle.  It is in response to the increasing number of child fatalities due to vehicular accidents.  The Department of Health, released its notes indicating that vehicular accidents are now the second leading cause of death among children ages 0 to 17. Alarming figures and an escalating situation with an increasing number of vehicles on the road.

The law is specific in mandating that a child under 12 should be placed on a proper child restraint system.  It further states, that the child restraint system must be appropriate to the child’s age, height and weight, and approved in accordance with the law. 

Child restraint system or more commonly called child car seat is the proposed solution to curb the growing number of fatalities.  According to the World Health Organization, the child car seat can reduce the risk of death and injuries in road crashes by up to 70%  among infants and 54% to 80% among young children^[2].

This mandate to improve child passenger safety is supported by several government agencies as well as private groups. Baby Company spearheads a campaign to raise awareness, educate parents and provide a venue to showcase a large number of child car seats.

“It is important that child car seats meet the safety standards and we have partnered with the world’s leading child car seat brands,” said, Cheryl Justiniano, Sr. AVP for Marketing.  “Together with Baby Company, we have Aprica, Chicco, Graco, Joie, Maxi-Cosi, and Picolo to showcase their products, and importantly, lend their expertise in choosing and fitting the child car seats,” she added.

Sharing the message of safety to more parents, Baby Company Buckle Up Baby child car seat drive will be visiting other malls in the coming months.  It will continue to showcase the importance of child passenger safety and provide parents that chance to choose and get the child car seat that is best for their child.  

Cheryl Justiniano added, “Getting a child car seat is not a one-size-fits-all, the child car seat matches a specific age, weight, and length of a child, so it is important that parents have a venue to learn from the experts, even try out the seats before they decide to get one for their child”.

Child car seats follow an established standard to group child car seats to match a child’s age, weight, and length.  Group 0 is from birth up to 4-6 years old and with a weight of 0-25kg.  Group 1 is from birth up to 12 years old and with a weight up to 36kg.  Group 2 is from 9 months to 12 years old and with a weight of 9 to 36kg.  And finally, Group 3 is from 4 years old to 12 years old and from 15-36kg.  There are child car seats that have combined groupings to allow more options.

Child welfare and safety is now everyone’s priority, especially in motor vehicles.  It is the right time to visit Baby Company Buckle Up Baby to choose the right child seat for every child.

---

^[1]Health Notes from the Department of Health

^[2]World Health Organization Media Centre Road Traffic Injuries

The Wait Is Over…Shake Shack is now open in Manila!

I got my first Shake Shack burger in Dubai 5 years ago. I remember lining up for the burger and the crinkle- cut fries, just because everyone was raving about their burgers. It was beefy and moist and the burger just melt in your mouth. I ate it with no catsup. Just the bun and the burger, with an order of vanilla/chocolate shake. It was the best burger for me ever

When I learned that Shale Shack makes its debut in Manila. I cant wait to what the they are about to offer!

Shale Shack finally open its doors in Manila at BGC on May 10th, 2019.  The country’s first-ever Shack serves up one-of-a kind menu items for the Manila community, only found in the Philippines.

“As we spent time exploring the unique and eclectic landscape that is Filipino cuisine, we were inspired by the flavors and artisans we met along the way and by the food that they’re passionate about,” said Shake Shack culinary director Mark Rosati.  “From halo halo, lechon, adobo and garlic rice to calamansi and ube in every imaginable form, Manila is serious about its love for great food and ingredients!  We’re thrilled to introduce our Manila-exclusive menu that features just a few of the flavors and ingredients we fell in love with, and are humbled to become part of this vibrant community.”

Check out the deets on the Manila-exclusive menu!

The Ube Shake, featuring vanilla frozen custard ice cream blended with ube and hand-spun to order,  is a Shack take on the classic flavor found all over the Philippines.

For a local twist on a Shack classic lemonade, the Calamansi Limeade offers the perfect combination of sweet and tart with the beloved calamansi as the star of the show.

The menu features three unique concretes (frozen custard ice cream made in-Shack every day, then blended with mix-ins featuring iconic Filipino flavors or local bakers and artisans).  Concretes include:

• Uuuube-by baby - Vanilla custard mixed with ube, coconut marshmallow, ube cookie, toasted coconut and crispy pinipig.  Topped with leche flan.  Oooooh baby baby!

• Shack Attack - Chocolate custard mixed with Bucky’s original brownie, Auro chocolate chunks, Shack fudge sauce, and chocolate sprinkles.  A Manila spin on a Shack classic, this concrete proudly features chocolate brownies from Bucky’s, and 55% cacao chocolate from local bean-to-bar Auro chocolate.

• Calamansi Pie Oh My – Vanilla custard mixed with calamansi pie from the local favorite Wildflour Bakery.

In keeping with the company’s mission to Stand for Something Good®, 5% of sales from the Pie Oh My concrete supports Children’s Hour, an organization that supports projects on education, health & nutrition, and child welfare & development for Filipino children in need.

Additionally, Shake Shack has partnered with Hope in a Bottle to offer Shack2O bottled water.  100% of HOPE’s profits go to building public school classrooms.

Finally, to offer treats for those with four feet, Shake Shack has partnered with Whole Pet Kitchen on ShackBurger dog biscuits in both its Bag-O-Bones and Poochini (ShackBurger dog biscuits, peanut butter sauce, and vanilla custard).

The Manila menu will also feature Shake Shack’s signature items including the ShackBurger,  Shack-cago DogTM, classic crinkle-cut fries, craft beer from local Engkanto Brewery and Monkey Eagle, Shack Red and White wine, and frozen custard ice cream.

Shake Shack's fine dining heritage and commitment to community building, hospitality and the sourcing of premium ingredients have helped pioneer a new "fine casual" restaurant category. Fine Casual couples the ease, value and convenience of fast casual with the high standards of excellence grounded in fine dining: thoughtful ingredient sourcing and preparation, hospitality and quality.  As a pioneer in this new category, Shake Shack strives to maintain the culinary traditions of the classic American burger stand, while providing guests with a menu of inspired food and drinks, made with carefully sourced and quality ingredients, and always cooked to order.

Building on Shake Shack’s fine dining heritage and commitment to community building, hospitality and sourcing premium ingredients and the SSI Group’s proven track record in bringing forth the most rewarding, curated lifestyle experiences to the evolving Filipino consumer, Shack fans in the country are able to enjoy “fine casual” dining at reasonable price points.

“We’re thrilled to bring the NYC Shake Shack experience to the Filipino community, and are proud of the company’s mission to Stand for Something Good®; our burgers and hot dogs use 100% all-natural beef, free of hormones and antibiotics, non-GMO potato buns, and custard is made from real sugar, no corn syrup, and milk from dairy farmers who pledge not to use artificial growth hormones,” says Anton Huang, SSI Group President.  “We’re proud to finally unveil our Manila menu that was created with high standards of excellence: thoughtful ingredient sourcing and preparation, hospitality and quality that will provide a value that is accessible for our Filipino customers.” 

Are you ready to shake up Manila?  The very first Shake Shack in the Philippines opens last May 10,  Central Square in Bonifacio High Street at Bonifacio Global City along Fifth Avenue.

Specialty Food Retailers, Inc. (SFRI) is the exclusive franchise holder of Shake Shack in the Philippines. SFRI is a member of the SSI Group.  Follow @shakeshackph and @ssilifeph on Instagram and Facebook for more information.

Goldilocks making Pinoy Celebrations more special for 53 years

The Goldilocks that we love since childhood celebrates 53 years of giving love and contributing memories to each and everyone.

It is well established that Filipinos have a unique relationship with food, and that food is often used to demonstrate love and affection towards others. If there is one company that has foremost insight on this tendency, it is Goldilocks. 

For fifty three years, the country’s number one bakeshop has come to represent simple expressions of love that carry tremendous meaning: A pasalubong (homecoming treat) to the family, a padala (send-out gift) to a loved one far away, or a child’s baon (packed meal) carefully prepared by a mother. Moreover, a noticeable trait among Filipinos is that they seldom attend an occasion or gathering empty handed. Whether they come with a cake, a box of mamon or ensaymada, the underlying basis for this is still rooted in love: by bringing something good that can be shared by many, we show how much we value and treasure the people around us.

As Goldilocks celebrates 53 amazing years of being the country’s number one bakeshop, its fairytale story still evokes delight and sweetness. From a small but exceptional start up way back in 1966, it grew to become a Strong Global Brand through pure determination, ingenuity, and an unwavering passion for quality and customer service.

Beyond this, however, Goldilocks continues to embody everything that is unique, delicious, and delightful about the Filipino people.  This is experienced by its customers every time they enter a Goldilocks store or enjoy their favorite Goldilocks product.

Celebrate with Goldilocks! For more promo updates follow Goldilocks on Twitter or Instagram at @GoldilocksPH, on the Goldilocks Facebook page, or at the official Goldilocks website at www.goldilocks.com.ph