A Lovely Lunch in Celebration of Tuna at Cafe Ilang Ilang

What a week it has been navigating around the month of September but who's complaining! Our September made sweeter with  invitation from Manila Hotel to try their Tuna Festival at Cafe Ilang Ilang. 

It made me reminisce about our trip to General Santos in 2012, after indulging mainly with dishes from the Tuna Capital of the country.   

 

You can read about it at the link below:

http://www.gastronomybyjoy.com/2012/02/more-than-tuna-fish-at-gensan.html

The Tuna Festival of General Santos City is truly a celebration of the ocean’s bountiful offerings with diverse activities that mirror the city’s vibrant marine industry. To celebrate this tradition, Café Ilang-Ilang embarks on a culinary journey that puts the spotlight on the ocean’s prized gem—tuna.

Be Math Smart with ALOHA

Do you like Math? 

Mathematics helps children make sense of their world outside of school and more so builds them up for a good foundation for success in school.  In grade school, children need mathematical understanding and skills not only in math subjects but also in science, social studies, and other subjects. In high school, students need mathematical proficiency to succeed in course work that provides a gateway to technological literacy and higher education . Once out of school, all adults need a broad range of basic mathematical understanding to make informed decisions in their jobs, households, communities, and civic lives.

I never really comprehended this, not until I became a mother myself and had been sending out my first two children to school.  You see, not many may not know this, I took BSE Mathematics with Specializations in Computer Studies.  It's a double degree, double major course offered in DLSU under the College of Education.  I'm sure you'd think I'm a Math geek or I must have some love affair with that subject, well, neither.   I'm not bad at it, however, I can tell that I'm also not too good at it.  I guess at a certain point in my schooling I found it challenging and had put more effort in learning the skills.

Come college, I initially dropped at BSE Literature, the subject I really adore, but knowing that the most in demand job back then was in computer or whatever Math-related and they pay more.  So, I transferred.  But what made me shift to Math even if I knew it might be that hard is having an engineer as a boyfriend...Hahaha... 

Anyways, up until now, I believe that one is better off knowing, rather excelling in Math can be more successful in life.  That's why when a friend invited me to a demo meeting with the people behind Aloha Mental Arithmetic PH, I didn't hesitate to come. 

What is ALOHA?

ALOHA is an abbreviation for Abacus Learning of Higher Arithmetic.  I's a tutorial program (perhaps and extra-curricular) for brain development designed for children ages 4 to 13.  

It was founded by a Malaysian, Mr. Loh Mun Sung in 1993.  He adapted and developed the concept  based on the Abacus Computational methods from China and Taiwan.  Now ALOHA is all over the world.

"Aloha is not only a Math thing," according to Ms. Crystel, the Master Trainor.  It offers a comprehensive curriculum that strengthens the mental arithmetic skills and overall brain development of a child that absorbs the program.   With continued training on a per level basis (according to age and how they started with the program), kids don't need to rely on calculators, computers or other gadgets to calculate swiftly and accurately.  ALOHA makes use of specific teaching methods to help children improve their ability to solve math problems using their mental abilities, even though the problem is quite complex.

Teaching methods can be in form of games, puzzles, and social engagement and goes beyond math skills as it targets a child's IQ and EQ.  It encompasses assisting children get their school habits fine tuned so that they can do their homework more efficiently, develop exceptional mental calculation skills, improve problem solving abilities, enhance their capacity to remember information and visualize conceptual maps in their minds.  By engaging in ALOHA, children can strengthen their cognitive abilities and buikd confidence in their math, hence preventing Math Anxiety.  Cause yes, there is such a thing already!

Integrating Two Brain Hemispheres:  Yes with ALOHA

What I like about this program is that their students can stimulate both brain hemispheres simultaneously, therefore, making the best out of their intellectual capacities and they too can experience a comprehensive improvement across all subjects, especially in Math subjects.

Are you aware of the LEFT and RIGHT hemisphere of the Brain?

Studies proves that the human brain is divided into two hemispheres: right and left. Each of these halves controls one side of the body and has specific functions.  This doesn't actually mean that a person only uses one side of the brain, it indicts that a person, say a right-brained one, uses the right hemisphere of the brain to a greater degree than the left. Hemispheric dominance is what it is called.

To break down, here are the functions of the brain hemispheres:

LEFT HEMISPHERE:

image from AlohaPhilippines.com

RIGHT HEMISPHERE:

image from AlohaPhilippines.com

Which one do you think you are?  How about your kids?

They say that if you're good in Math, you probably are a left-brained person, and if you're an artist, you are a right-brained person.  But learning with ALOHA, you can both use the hemispheres of your brain to full potential and gain confidence in Math even if you think you can't.

Children can start as early even before or while in Pre-school (4 years old).  The whole program comprises eight levels and can accommodate students up to 8 to 13 years old.

ALOHA creates champions! 

Ivy Sato, chief executive officer of ALOHA Mental Arithmetic Philippines, together with Mr. Sung saw the need for Filipinos to develop in Math, and with much ardor the system have forged and produced students that are proficient enough to join a global competition.  

With a Philippine team, they joined the ALOHA Mental Arithmetic International Competition Malaysia 2023.  Ms. Sato said "The recent competition shows that young Filipinos can unlock their full potential and make a significant impact in the global arena as long as they are given adequate support back home."

And what do you know!  Four of their students bagged home trophies and championships.  Rheana Yasmin Campos, 10 years old and Darylyn Faith Fabilane, 11, emerged grand champions!

Connor Yao, 7 years old, came out as a Champion as well and loved using his fingers in solving the Math problems.  Another student, Ryan Warren Merdegia, who is 9 got the 2nd runner up title.

During the event, we were given a chance to see Connor and Rheana solve short arithmetic to long sequenced arithmetic using an abacus and "mental Math."  Everyone who was watching were in awe, and so was I and would love to have my daughter Danaera be in their program. 

Below is their contact details:

Telephone:  +632-8296-8357

Mobile: +63927-0646-996

Email: inquiries@alohaphilippines.com

Address: 

2/F Washington Gateway

67 Washington St. Xavier Greenhills 

San Juan City 1500 Manila, Philippines

 

Get Ready to Save Big on foodpanda's Groceries Day

It has to be the most anticipated event of the year for us budget-conscious mommas, as online food and grocery platform foodpanda unveils Groceries Day!

What exactly is this talk of "Gorceries Day" and how is it different to any kind of grocery-shopping that we usually do?

Okay!  It's an extraordinary three-day shopping extravaganza happening from August 18 - 20, 2023. This is the ultimate opportunity for online grocery aficionados (definitely me) who know how to work hard and shop smart (oh yeah, that's def me). 

Budgeting Hacks: How to Manage Your Kids' Back-to-School Expenses this Season

 

Home Credit eligible customers can enjoy its back-to-school cash loan promo with just 1 minute processing time until August 31, 2023.

The new academic year has started and parents, especially moms like me, are gearing to ensure a smooth back-to-school season for their kids. This entails making sure that tuition fees and miscellaneous expenses are settled in time for the beginning of classes while providing everything they will need, including textbooks, pens, paper, uniforms, and even gadgets, to be equipped with the right tools for their school tasks.

For those who have a fixed monthly income, the overall cost of these back-to-school needs can strain  finances. This is why it is crucial to manage expenses properly. As this task can be quite challenging, here are some smart budgeting tips you can apply to avoid overspending in the upcoming school year.

 

Rekindling My Love for the Western Visayas Flavors at The Manila Hotel

Growing up, I would admire my mother get all toiled up in the kitchen whenever she'd prepare a feast for an occasion.  Her speciality was Arroz ala Valenciana.  That was before she came to Italy and get acquainted with Italian dishes, mainly pasta. 

Having grown up in Iloilo, my mother has acquired an ardent taste for the Western Visayan cuisine with occasional side dish of Ginamos.  I guess this has founded her discriminating taste which she then passed on to us, her children.  

I couldn't be any happier to be in the presence of a crowd who shared the same passion, and this has been a dream came true for me.   I've traveled to many places in our country for the love of food and with the stories that went with it, but a food tour to where my mother have spent her growing years is still in my bucket list.  But not until The Manila Hotel have opened up Cafe Ilang Ilang to highlight the best regional dishes from the said part of Visayas.

Save Extra with 300 Items Anniversary Sale on #711Day

Without a doubt, 7-Eleven have been our go-to snack place since time we knew about it!  I don't know if there's a district in the Metro that does not have one, so, if you happen to be missing out on 7-11's offerings, go and click in to your calendar and mark July 7 to 11 and shop till you drop and have the biggest savings of the year!  

As the convenience store giant 7-Eleven Philippines will have an anniversary with a giving-back treat to customers on the  7-Eleven Day.  The 24-hour, five-day birthday sale is dubbed as the brand’s biggest bash, with discounts of up to 50% across over 300 item categories plus limited-time deals on its in-house eats like Crunch Time Chicken, City Cafe, 7-Fresh Siopao, and Big Bite Hotdog.

World Chocolate Day at Newport World Resorts

 

I'm sure you've heard of this phrase a couple of times, “life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you gonna get.” Why it's from the movie Forrest Gump!  But times have changed since then. Now, customers are spoiled for choice with many different decadent varieties of chocolate to choose from. At the country’s premier lifestyle and entertainment destination, Newport World Resorts, these sweet confectioneries take the spotlight on World Chocolate Day celebrated every 7th of July. 

So, you know where to find me on Friday!

Below are some of Newport World Resorts' wonderful spot to get your choice of chocolatey treats.  Newport World Resorts was formerly Resorts World Manila, fyi.

How I Literally Lived Like a Panda With pandamart

 

I couldn't over-emphasize how great a help online shopping is especially for a mom managing a household with a toddler in tow, a job or business at home and being wary of the flu season.  In my case, I have been bed-ridden for days due to influenza, getting infected from the youngest family member, but thanks to pandamart  I was able to buy the things we need at home even while I'm nursing a flu in bed, the blessings of modern living!

I got reminded of this magical app on my phone called foodpanda and inside is pandamart, after attending the launch of its first-ever physical pop-up store in the country at Trinoma Mall in Quezon City a couple of days back.   Here, consumers can physically experience the items sold in their online grocery arm, pandamart.   I didn't realize foodpanda’s online grocery store offers a wide assortment of fresh, frozen, snacks, drinks, pantry essentials, pharmaceuticals, and other household items to be delivered to your doorsteps in less than an hour.

7-Eleven's EsCUPades Promo Might Get You and Your Family to Your Dream Destination

"Hay...everyone in my feed seemed to be somewhere off a different country...ako kaya kelan?"  

Is this is you or are you one those who have just visited other countries, but longing to have another one? Cause I know the feeling could be fleeting but I'd rather have them too!

Hence, this news could really be worth spreading...so come along and spread it with me! 

I Did It Myself! IDIM DIY Bakery with Mommy Bloggers

 

Being a mother, it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of life, and most of the time we forget to take care of your own needs., as we become a slave to the household routine.  

Having a day that runs smoothly brings us joy, but it can also mean sacrificing parts of our days that are crucial to stay connected to US as PEOPLE.

For me, a smooth home operation should be a clean kitchen, organized toy bins, everyone is sticking to their own important timeline and that no one is sick!  I could hardly see a day with all these, it's a dream from me if all these are ticked.

And hey! We are individuals too, and outside of “Mommy” and “Wife”, sometimes, mom needs a break in order to be her best for everyone.

This was one of those perfect break I got to do, without thinking of the household chores and my business!

I couldn't be more grateful to the people who made this happen.

Student Chefs Collaborate with World Renowned Chef Donovan Cooke for Amah Restaurant's 14-course Dinner

Last  April 22 and 23, 2023, Chef Jose Villareal of Amah Restaurant in Taguig City led his team of fellow student chefs in a dream collaboration with Chef Donovan Cooke from Melbourne, Australia.  

The 2-night dinner event featured 14 specially-curated gourmet courses from Chef Donovan’s menu,  prepared by Chef Jose and his Amah team, under the supervision of Chef Donovan himself. Highlighting the intimate and private ambiance of the restaurant, as well as ensuring proper service of the exclusive menu, the dinner was served in two covers following pre-event cocktails for each night. 

Garlic Parmesan Air-fried Potato Wedges with Tzatziki Dip

 It seems like yesterday when I was just posting my very first recipe post in the blog that I had sweltered with blood and tears, the time when I decided to officially make it a legit website.

Can’t help but be emotional and excited at the same time. As this post is my first for this year, my 13th blogging year at that.  So happy to be collaborating once again with US Potatoes as it has been our family’s go-to for an easy snack and side dish that’s both healthy and comforting yummy.

We love their U.S. dehydrated potatoes, which can easily be turned to mashed potatoes.  This time, I’m sharing one of the simplest recipes I could come up with, using U.S. Potatoes frozen potato wedges, cooked in an air-fryer, because yeah, life can be delicious and less of a hassle.  

To make the perfect air-fried potato wedges, you have to use the best quality frozen potatoes, well you can actually use fresh and raw Russet potatoes but you have to prep it before it can turn out to be crispy and tasty.  Better use the frozen one then and make life simpler.

The potato wedges are good by itself but to add more interest and make it “ala buon gustaio” (ala gourmet), serve it with Tzatziki dip which is also a healthy and versatile sauce well-loved by Mediterranean's.

First-ever Urban Farm in Newport World Resorts

The country’s pioneering integrated resort, Newport World Resorts, is taking a bolder step in its property-wide I Love Earth (ILE) sustainability program with the launch of a technology-controlled onsite farm, through Marriott Hotel Manila, to grow high-value vegetables for use in its restaurants.

The collaborators tapped BoomGrow, a regional agriculture technology startup to develop the first ILE Urban Farm within the property as part of its sustainable culinary program. Through BoomGrow’s proprietary Indoor Precision Farming technology, the entire complex will have access to farm-fresh, clean and sustainable produce throughout the year.

The opening of the ILE Urban Farm makes Newport World Resorts the first destination resort outside of Malaysia to house BoomGrow’s Indoor Precision Farming Machine. Fresh produce will be grown and nurtured within a highly-controlled environment, using best-in-class hydroponic systems that are supported by artificial intelligence to ensure optimal conditions at all times.  

The ILE Urban Farm is the latest addition to the Healthy, Responsible, and Sustainable Sourcing initiatives that include sustainable seafood offerings and cage-free egg use led  by Marriott Hotel Manila executive chef Meik Brammer. 

Last year, Newport World Resorts ramped up its commitment to caring for the planet with the launch of the ILE program, which carries out specific initiatives with concrete goals, by harmonizing the respective sustainability programs of the integrated resort and its international partner hotels.   

This has allowed the ILE initiatives to prosper, and by 2022, earn a coveted Bronze Benchmarked certification for the whole complex from EarthCheck, the world's leading certification, consulting and advisory group for sustainable destinations and tourism.

Newport World Resorts’ I Love Earth sustainability program is part of Alliance Global Group’s wider SustainAGIlity initiative.

Escape the ordinary at Newport World Resorts, you know you want to. For more information on the I Love Earth sustainability initiative, visit www.newportworldresorts.com and follow @newportworldresorts and @ILovEarthPH on Facebook and Instagram, and @nwresorts on Twitter. Make the most of your visit and sign up for an Epic Membership or download the Newport World Resorts Mobile App for free at the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Race, Raise funds, And Receive Prizes at 7-Eleven Run 2023 his February 4 and 5

In keeping with their annual run series tradition, 7-Eleven propels 2023 with a two-day fun run event encouraging everyone to step on the tracks for their 11th installment. Sprinting on February 4 and 5, the country’s go-to convenience store chain strengthens their hallmark of convenience by championing the event as an avenue for unifying recreation and fundraising. 7-Eleven enjoins communities to create change where proceeds of the run will be donated to the beneficiaries of Philseven Foundation, Inc.,    7-Eleven’s non-profit social advocacy arm. 

The 7-Eleven Run 2023 is open to all beginner and professional runners and is an exciting avenue for an outdoor date with friends and families. Multiple categories from 1k, 3k, 5k, 10k, 10k Buddy, 21K, 32K, and up to 42k are up to enjoy in the simultaneous event happening in three locations: Filinvest, Alabang in Metro Manila, SM Seaside City, in Cebu City, and SM City Davao in Davao City. 

This year’s run converges personal and community benefits as medals and cash prizes await winners of all categories at the finish line. More tokens are also to be awarded to the top three male and female finishers of the 21k, 32k, and 42k categories as they win the opportunity of representing the country in an international race.