Thursday, October 14, 2021

Learn How to Make Pares Using the Hanabishi Pressure Cooker


Pares is one of the top comfort foods of many Filipinos, and you can easily prepare it using the Hanabishi Pressure Cooker. 

The top appliance brand recently teamed up with Mega Prime and The Bailiwick Academy for a cooking demonstration aired over Lazada, and the pares was one the dishes that the guest chefs prepared using Hanabishi’s pressure cooker.

Available in four different sizes, the Hanabishi pressure cooker makes it easier for new and seasoned chefs alike to cook a variety of dishes. It has an aluminum body and cover, a self-locking system, and a built-in triple safety valve system.

“At Hanabishi, we want to make it easier and enjoyable for our customers to do their chores at home, and our pressure cooker is one of the items that most of them love. We have received good feedback on its reliability in the kitchen, especially from busy moms and food entrepreneurs.” ~Cherish Ong-Chua, Hanabishi Appliances Vice President for Finance and Marketing


Cooking the Pares

Ingredients
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large onion (minced)
6 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp ginger (grated)
1 kg beef brisket (cubed)
3 cups beef broth
2-3 pieces star anise
1/2 cup MEGA PRIME CHOICES oyster sauce 
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp freshly ground pepper
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp water 
Salt and pepper to taste 

Garnishing
Toasted sesame seeds
Fried Garlic 
Finely chopped spring onions or chives

Procedure
1. Heat the oil in the pressure cooker. Saute the onions, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add the beef and keep sauteing until it is partly cooked.
3. Pour in the broth and stir.
4. Add the star anise and oyster sauce and continue stirring.
5. Add the brown sugar, ground pepper, and sesame oil next.
6. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and regularly check if the beef has already become tender.
7. Let the beef simmer and then add in the cornstarch dissolved in water.
8. Add salt and pepper to taste.
9. Once cooked, transfer to a bowl or plate. Top with toasted sesame seeds, fried garlic, and spring onions when serving.


To learn more about the Hanabishi pressure cooker and its other kitchen and home appliances, visit www.myhanabishi.com. Make sure you follow its official social media accounts to be updated on its latest product offerings, promos, and events.

Hanabishi products are available through www.myhanabishi.com as well as in leading appliance stores nationwide and the Hanabishi Lazada Flagship Store.

For more information about the product, visit: https://www.lazada.com.ph/products/i2348806595.html











About Hanabishi:
Spanning more than three decades, Hanabishi has established its reputation as a provider of affordable yet quality home products that lasts, which paved the way for its tagline “Kapartner from Start to Forever.” Hanabishi Home Appliances are available at leading appliance stores nationwide. For more information about Hanabishi, please visit www.myhanabishi.com/shop/ and like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MyHanabishiAppliances/.





Thursday, October 7, 2021

LESHA Breaks Free from the Norm

 

In a cutthroat industry such as music and entertainment, newbies can experience some sort of possession by monopolizing forces. Sadly, it’s an unfortunate situation to be in.  Its either you give in, or you break free.  You always have a choice on how to steer your path to achieve your end goal.  The hard truth is that there’s always the Law of Karma coming right at you. Thus, everything you do comes back to you, whether it’s good or bad. 

For electropop singer and now independent singer Lesha, Karma is more than just a word that you utter daily. But rather, she wants to impart a whole new meaning to the term through a song. This has become a way to defy the norms, break out from the lousy system and share her story no holds barred. Lesha is making it loud and strong statement with her newly launched second single, KARMA. Her latest track included in her SUN MOON RISING global collaboration album.


In “KARMA”, Lesha speaks her truth of having to deal with people in the past for only seeing her value when they are able to take advantage of her. She expresses how her past experiences and learnings molded her into the artist and person she is today which serves as her motivation to continue working smarter and harder because she believes that success is her best revenge. 

Likewise, Lesha once again is collaborating with her Co-Producers friends from all over the globe generously supporting her through this track. Although Lesha produced and recorded her demo for KARMA in her own bedroom,  she decided to send in the song to her collaborator/co-producer from South Korea, REBENN, and he took the lead from there. Another friend Nephibis, a rapper from Baltimore USA, who Lesha previously collaborated with on a track for the Netflix Film: Project Power and was also cool to jump in for a verse. And the rest, as they say is history.

Expect this new song to be a revolutionary anthem for listeners going through the same predicament as Lesha on being an independent singer, songwriter, and producer of her own music fighting the injustice of the system that she went through. 

“I made sure to make this song relatable to whatever situation a person is going through in life and I feel like I’ve hit a jackpot with KARMA.” ~Lesha

Giving you a sneak peek of what you are about to tune in.  You all better heed the words straight from Lesha as she flesh out the analogies of Karma’s lyrics and speak out the real truth in her own words. 


You’re underrated baby, know you’ll make it far

Lesha says: This line was inspired by my YouTube’s comment section and twitter mentions. When people would watch or listen to my music on YouTube or tweet about me, they’d always write something cool about me then go “....she’s super underrated though and I don’t know why”. I guess I’m just aware of how much passion, time, money, effort, and love I put into all my projects for it to not get the attention I believe it deserves, and how many times I’d get an opportunity where one of my videos would go viral, but none of them actually translated to make me cut through as an artist here in the Philippines. Through the years, I’ve shown my audience that an artist that can make it in the industry without being backed up by the big machinery. I’ve had so many people take advantage of me in the past, but that doesn’t stop me.”

Co-Producer from Seoul, South Korea Rebenn

American Rapper Nephibis


But if only you could see things from my point of view, they’ll only love you when you make them bank…

Lesha says: The line also talks about how unfair the industry can be. When an artist goes viral, that’s the only time they will invest and build them which is probably also why there are so many talented artists out there who are unseen for their work because they were never given the platform or stage they deserve all because of how the system works. With this, I came up a decision to make the bold move of going fully independent again and teaming up with a new team for my music distribution, because I felt it was the right thing to do.

“It gets messier make sure you bring your gun”

Lesha says: This line is basically a warning that you have to be prepared before getting into the industry (in my case, the music industry) cause it’s tough, there’ll be people who’ll doubt you and your capabilities, people who plan to take advantage of you, or people who are just there because they need to use you. I’ve been belittled, used, and manipulated being in the industry for a while now and I think it’s something people have to be aware of that it’s not all just fun and games.

Lesha is unstoppable in reaching her goals. There’s more to look forward to the next coming days, so watch out for a stronger and more vocal Lesha who isn’t fearless to pursue what she wants.
“I can say KARMA is a very “Lesha” song in a sense that people can tell because of the messaging, the visual aesthetic, and the overall vibe of the track which is the complete opposite from my first release, SUN MOON RISING. This is something people should expect from the next releases in the album because each release has its own flavor or side people haven’t seen or heard from Lesha yet.”

KARMA, the second single of Lesha’s  upcoming global collaboration visual album titled 'SUN MOON RISING' dropping this October 8, 2021 on all digital music streaming platforms! Check out Lesha’s  music on Spotify or watch the official music videos, covers, and learn more about music production on Lesha’s YouTube Channel.

Friday, October 1, 2021

Spice Up Your Relationships during the Pandemic with Subway's Spicy Buffalo Chicken


For couples, married or not, it is a fact that the quarantine has greatly impacted our lives and relationships with the people around us. Have you fallen out of love with your partner or special other during the pandemic? 

And when everything gets too chaotic, the best thing to do is listen in and learn from each other’s experiences during COVID-19 and one place to do so is by tuning in to DJ Chacha and Sam YG’s podcast, “Lecheng Pag-Ibig 'To!”

Sam YG or Samir Gogna, known professionally as Samir Young Guy. Is an Indian Filipino radio and television personality. He is the one of the three Boys Night Out hosts on Magic 89.9 along with Tony Toni and Slick Rick. And he was also a co-host for Eat Bulaga!.

DJ Chacha or Czarina Marie "Chacha" Balba-Guevara, wife of Michael Guevara, is Filipina radio disc jockey, actress and broadcast journalist. On radio, she presents the news as a segment anchor for the segment, Showbiz Balita, on Radyo Patrol Balita Alas-Siyete and Gising Pilipinas, and co-anchors her radio programs, Radyo5 Network News and Ted Failon at DJ Chacha sa Radyo5.

Together, they host the podcast “Lecheng Pag-Ibig ‘To!” to bring you some up-to-date news on COVID-19 situation in our community. In addition, they also provide suggestions on how to remedy lost love, repair broken relationships, and most importantly, how to get through a bad breakup and experiences by spicing things up!

Subway® chose DJ Chacha and DJ Sam YG because they can definitely connect with their audience to spice things up!. In their recent podcast episode, they talked about a letter sender confessing how she has fallen out of love with her husband BnHF they are just two years into their marriage. There’s going to be a lot of interesting and useful advice for couples out there, married or not!

Don’t forget to tune in and subscribe to “Lecheng Pag-Ibig ‘To!” podcast on Spotify with DJ Chacha and Sam YG today!

 

Subway® NEW Spicy Buffalo Chicken


Problems may continue to rise during the pandemic but don’t forget to take a well-deserved break by enjoying a good meal from Subway! Continue moving forward in life and don’t stay in one situation for too long.

If you need something to spice up and invigorate your week especially when working at home. Have a taste of our NEW Spicy Buffalo Chicken!

The Subway® Spicy Buffalo Chicken a la carte prices start from Php 125 for 6-inch, Php 240 for a footlong bread, or choose to upgrade it to a 10-inch wrap for only Php 135. Sub lovers can also add Php 70 to make it a meal with a cookie and 16oz drink.

For delivery orders, the Spicy Buffalo Chicken ala carte prices start from Php 152.50 for the 6-inch, Php 292.80 for the footlong, and Php 164.70 for the 10-inch wrap. The regular meals with the 22oz drink and 2 cookies starts at Php 256.20 for the 6-inch sub, Php 396.50 for the footlong, and Php 268.40 for the 10-inch wrap.

Order now and enjoy our Spicy Buffalo Chicken sub! This is valid for dine-in and takeout transactions. Subway cares about your health and safety during this pandemic, this new item in the menu is available for delivery via Facebook Messenger BOTTY  www.m.me/SubwayPhilippines or via GrabFood. You can also do a takeout from any Subway branch near you.

Sunday, September 26, 2021

Scholastic & Its Reading Partners Steadfastly Champion Reading Amidst the Pandemic

Scholastic & Its Reading Partners Steadfastly Champion Reading Amidst the Pandemic


Scholastic, a trusted leader in education, honored its partner schools and educators in the 2021 Scholastic Readers Cup, streamed on Scholastic Asia Teachers Facebook page on the 23rd of September.

In Scholastic’s 101 years of partnering with schools and homes worldwide, it is a love of reading and a belief in its power that is at the heart of everything Scholastic has done and continues to do.  Scholastic’s mission is to make reading a central part of children’s lives.  

In 2012, Scholastic Philippines started the nationwide Readers Cup to excite and motivate its partners in its literacy programs to transform their schools into reading communities.  And every year, more and more schools would hit their reading target and take pride in how their libraries have become one of the busiest and most productive places in school.

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the sudden shift to distance learning, Scholastic and its partner schools did not waver in their reading advocacy.  They understood how books and reading are fundamental, and how reading is necessary not just for the continuity of learning, but also for the readers’ delight and personal well-being.  

Through the PR1ME English Program, Scholastic’s partner schools had access to Literacy Pro Library –  a growing digital library of 1,600+ eBooks that enriched learning and that motivated pleasure reading. To aid teachers, PR1ME English also made available instructional resources (both print and digital) and lesson videos for synchronous and asynchronous distance learning.  

“The LitPro Library is the coolest!  Learners can access books whenever and wherever they want to, as long as they have Internet connection.  One of our learners read more than 500 books because she just loves to read.” ~Mr. Joven Sierra Llabore, PR1ME English Coordinator of Assumption Iloilo has this to say about the Literacy Pro Library

Some school libraries, like that of Early Christian College of Arts and Technology (1st place winner in the 2021 Readers Cup Diamond Category), also resumed their lending services through curbside pick-up or bookmobiles.  The books in their Scholastic Reading Centers found their way to children’s homes to provide children comfort and hope, and to take them to adventures in the wonderful world of books.

With Scholastic’s support, many schools continued with their reading campaigns.  Rookie of the Year Awardee, Maria Ferrari School Inc., for example, had regular read aloud sessions with their students, and the Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) Day to encourage independent reading.

Scholastic’s General Manager, Jane Tiongco-Aguirre, proudly reported that the learners in Scholastic’s partner schools even increased their reading rate in SY 2020-2021 by 36% from their readership in SY 2019-2020.  A fantastic achievement during a challenging “pandemic” school year, when many expected that pleasure reading might be put aside.


Scholastic & Its Reading Partners Steadfastly Champion Reading Amidst the Pandemic


Steadfast Reading Champions
Scholastic is grateful to find in many Philippine schools dedicated and loyal partners in their reading advocacy.  And, with great pride and admiration, they announced that 80 of their partner schools have reached their reading target, with many far-exceeding the goal of 30-books-read per child.


The top winners of the 2021 Readers Cup and their average number of books-read per child are:
DIAMOND CATEGORY:  Early Christian College of Arts & Technology, Inc. (67 books); Our Lady of Peace School Antipolo (66 books); and Philippine Cultural College, Caloocan (64 books)
RUBY CATEGORY:  Iloilo Scholastic Academy (332 books); Stonyhurst Southville International School, Malarayat (103 books); and Saint Mary’s Angels College of Valenzuela (99 books) 
EMERALD CATEGORY:  Casa Del Niño Montessori School Ciudad de Calamba (326 books); University of Batangas Lipa City (168 books); and Virtudes de la Academia, Inc. (157 books) 
SYNERGY AWARDS:  Stonyhurst Southville International School, Batangas City and Malarayat (108 books); Casa Del Niño Montessori School System (93 books); and Saint Mary’s Angels College of Pampanga and Valenzuela (84 books) 
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR:  Maria Ferrari School, Inc. (92 books) 


Scholastic & Its Reading Partners Steadfastly Champion Reading Amidst the Pandemic


Reading is Transformational.  Read On.
The 2021 Readers Cup theme - “Soar into Possibility” - builds on Scholastic’s centennial theme – Reading is Transformational.  Read On.

Celebrity readers and authors joyfully shared their personal ‘reading stories’. Kakie Pangilinan shared how she was a voracious reader as a child, and how reading has fueled her passion to write.  Martin Del Rosario proudly described himself as a “book lover”, and so did Andrea Torres, who also shared how reading has nurtured her sense of wonder and discovery, imagination, and eloquence.

Filipino authors, Catherine Rose Torres and Joel Donato Ching Jacob, talked about how reading can be our refuge, comfort, and joy during trying times like this pandemic, and proceeded to encourage the youth to write and tell their own stories.

The winning schools shared their journey to becoming a community of readers and the fruits that their learners are reaping from their reading habit.

Mr. Peter Chan, Executive Director of Iloilo Scholastic Academy revealed that their school was guided by these 5Cs in their effort to become a community of readers – Collective efforts, Convincing skills, Conviction, Collaboration, and Consistency.

Ms. Donnabelle Atienza, Principal of Stonyhurst Southville International School – Malarayat, who shared the top Synergy Award with sister school Stonyhurst Southville International School, Batangas City, expressed her delight in how Scholastic’s Reading Program has excited their young learners to read and equipped them to become skilled and confident readers.

“The Scholastic Reading Program and the Readers Cup Award has made our young CASAns voracious readers, and transformed them to be competitive in ways more than we can imagine.  Declared as national champion in this aspect has made our students feel that reading can make them superior and special.”  ~Dr. Farah G. Acierto, School Directress of Casa Del Niño Montessori School Ciudad de Calamba

The 2021 Readers Cup was indeed a great celebration – a celebration of books and reading, of writers and storytellers, and of readers and those who champion reading to open for all children a world of greater possibilities, opportunities, and joy.

For more information on Scholastic’s education initiatives, visit www.scholastic.asia or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ScholasticAsia.  Please feel free to send a message, too, to Scholastic Philippines at educteam_ph@scholastic.asia.



Friday, September 24, 2021

Learn Easy-to-Prepare Dishes in Hanabishi & Mega Prime’s LazLive Cooking Demos on Sept. 26 & 30


Hanabishi Appliances and Mega Prime Global team up once more for a LazLive cooking demonstration on September 26 at 6:00 PM and September 30 at 5:30 PM. Both events will be live streamed on Hanabishi’s official Facebook account.

“Hanabishi and Mega Prime Global along with The Bailiwick Academy are holding these cooking demonstrations so our audiences can learn how to prepare simple meals using Hanabishi cooking appliances. We made sure that they are easy to follow so that even those who don’t know how to cook and operate basic kitchen appliances can do the dishes at home.” ~Cherish Ong-Chua, Vice President, Finance and Marketing at Hanabishi Appliances

Learn how to prepare beef pares using an electric pressure cooker and homemade pizza with an air fryer oven.

“From these simple dishes, we hope more people would be encouraged to cook their own meals at home. Both Hanabishi and Mega Prime are here to help our customers make their cooking easier and healthier.” ~Chris Fernandez, head of marketing at Mega Prime Global Corporation

Grace Parazo, CEO of The Bailiwick Academy, added that chefs will be preparing the dishes, they made sure that the cooking procedures are easy to follow.

“It will be a fun and educational event, and we hope we could encourage more people to take up cooking.” ~Grace Parazo, CEO of The Bailiwick Academy


Vouchers and Amazing Deals

All throughout the livestreams, Hanabishi and Mega Prime Global will be giving away discounts and vouchers. Exclusive bundles will also be up for grabs. 

Those who will purchase a Hanabishi electric pressure cooker, rice cooker, and fryer during live events will receive free bundles of Mega Prime products.


Products to Be Used During the Cooking Demos

Hanabishi’s electric pressure cooker and air fryers are two of its most popular product lines.

The Hanabishi HDIGPC10in1 that will be used during the event has a 5.7L capacity. It can be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, stir fry pan, steamer, yogurt maker, cake maker, warmer, searing pan, and sterilizer.

It has a 10-program cooking selection: rice, multi-grain, soup, meat/stew, poultry, fish, steam beans/chill, yogurt, porridge. It comes with a digital display and an intelligent no-pot sensor.

Hanabishi air fryers, meanwhile, come in two variations: the standard air fryer and the air fryer oven, which comes in two sizes.

The Hanabishi HAFRYER70 has a 7-liter capacity and a 1 to 30 minutes cooking time setting. Its cooking temperature ranges from 100 to 200°C. It comes with a non-slip base and an air fryer basket.

The Hanabishi Air Fryer Oven HAFEO23SS, meanwhile, has a 23-liter capacity and adjustable thermostat. It has six functions: air fry, boil, bake, toast, convection broil, and convection bake. It also comes with a rotisserie. It has a pure stainless steel housing, and includes an air fryer basket, baking pan, and oven rack.


For more information about Hanabishi products, visit www.myhanabishi.com. and its official flagship store on LazMall : https://www.lazada.com.ph/shop/hanabishi/.

*For updates on the upcoming cooking demonstration schedules, please follow Hanabishi’s official 
Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/MyHanabishiAppliances. Also follow its 
Instagram: https://instagram.com/myhanabishi for the latest product news and promotions.

*For more information about Mega Prime products, visit:

*For more information on Bailiwick Academy, visit their website and social media pages: www.thebailiwickacademy.com 










About Hanabishi:
Spanning more than three decades, Hanabishi has established its reputation as a provider of affordable yet quality home products that lasts, which paved the way for its tagline “Kapartner from Start to Forever.” Hanabishi Home Appliances are available at leading appliance stores nationwide. For more information about Hanabishi, please visit www.myhanabishi.com/shop/ and like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MyHanabishiAppliances/.






Monday, September 20, 2021

Glowing celebration with Mestiza Philippines & Samantha Bernardo



It was a celebration of unified glow as Mestiza Philippines launched Samantha Bernardo as their new Brand Ambassador in a virtual press conference and a meet & greet with our friends from the media, bloggers, and influencers. Samantha truly showcased her glowing confidence by answering the questions from the guests who happily participated in the program’s games & gimmicks. Everyone had fun, good vibes, and enjoyed special gifts from Mestiza. 

“I am Samantha Bernardo and I am so honored to be Mestiza Philippines’s newest brand ambassador. I am one with the brand in promoting our message to young Pinays out there na with Mestiza, “Achieve ang Healthy Glowing Skin.” Kaya naman sama-sama nating i-achieve ang healthy glowing skin and together we can be confident and fearless to face the world.” ~Ms. Samantha Bernardo, Mestiza Philippines Grand Ambassador, 1st Ruuner Up Miss Grand International
For a brand that consistently advocates the importance of choosing only the best natural ingredients for your skin, Mestiza Philippines is welcoming their newest Grand Ambassador, 1st Ruuner Up Miss Grand International - Ms. Samantha Bernardo.

Ms Samantha, a Filipina beauty queen who exemplified the same glowing confidence from the pageant she joined to this virtual event. That glowing confidence made her win the first-runner up of Miss Grand International 2020 and the perfect choice to be the face of the brand. Mestiza Philippines passionately advocates for self-confidence and individuality among the new generation of young women in the country.  It was notable for the brand to be represented by their newest “Grand Ambassador” who embodies these attributes backed up by a beautiful story of confidence and perseverance. 

“I am proud to introduce to you the new face of our product and the torchbearer of this glowing brand.” ~Martina Salimbangon, Mestiza’s Head of Content

Samantha took the lead in re-introducing the variety of soaps and their benefits to the skin. Its best-selling product “Original” variant is suitable for sensitive skin with 33% extra premium virgin coconut oil while their “Prime” variants are designed to help young Pinays with common skin issues like having oily to dry skin Earth Brown, Green Serenity, Bountiful Violet, and Scarlet Rose all contain 40% extra premium VCO which makes this variation of soaps a total stand out in the market. Sam was also excited to launch a new line of skincare products with the brand soon. 

Get your own Mestiza variant and be part of the glowing community of #MestizaFam, available in all leading supermarkets and drugstores nationwide. 


Sunday, September 12, 2021

Subway® Adds A New and Adventurous Item on their Menu: The Spicy Buffalo Chicken!


For a limited time only from September 1 to November 16, 2021, Subway® is bringing in an adventurous and affordable menu to spice up your day with their Spicy Buffalo Chicken! Escape the usual and boring with this tasteful recipe that'll surely satisfy your cravings at home or at work!

Enjoy the week by getting your chicken fix-without ever getting your hands dirty! The Spicy Buffalo Chicken is topped with everyone’s favorite hot sauce and zesty ranch along with some lettuce, tomatoes and cheese!

The Subway® Spicy Buffalo Chicken ala carte prices start from Php 125 for 6-inch, Php 240 for a footlong bread, or choose to upgrade it to a 10-inch wrap for only Php 135. Sub lovers can also add Php 70 to make it a meal with a cookie and 16oz drink.

Subway® also offers regular meals with the Spicy Buffalo Chicken where customers can enjoy it with a 22oz drink and 2 cookies for only Php 210 for the 6-inch sub, Php 325 for the footlong sub, and Php 220 for the 10-inch wrap. 

For delivery orders, the Spicy Buffalo Chicken ala carte prices start from Php 152.50 for the 6-inch, Php 292.80 for the footlong, and Php 164.70 for the 10-inch wrap. The regular meals with the 22oz drink and 2 cookies starts at Php 256.20 for the 6-inch sub, Php 396.50 for the footlong, and Php 268.40 for the 10-inch wrap.

Order now and enjoy everyone’s favorite spicy chicken on a bun! This is valid for dine-in and takeout transactions. Subway cares about your health and safety during this pandemic, this new item in the menu is available for delivery via Facebook Messenger BOTTY  www.m.me/SubwayPhilippines or via GrabFood. You can also do a takeout from any Subway branch near you.