Nuts About You - A Featured Baker (Part 1)

 This blog was supposed to be a tribute to the good old nuts.   Nutty nuts...like walnut, pecan, peanuts and coconuts (oops!).   Sorry for those who are allergic to them.   However, I wasn't able to have the proper time to compile all the food that I had prepared and have eaten  with it, sure is  not a way to give justice to these protein and mineral rich food.    

Not to waste the thought though, I wished to pay my testimonial for a high school mate  who I haven't seen nor talked to for years like any of my close friends, and Facebook made it easier for all of us to touch base with.

:Before we get to her baked goods, let us first meet her.  

THE BAKER
Here she is, Armi Rose as we know her, is a mom to two adorable kids, hhmmm, I don't think that her eldest boy would still be considered a kid anymore.   You will see more of her in the coming days, she had come out of her baking shell and is welcoming the sweet world with her delicate concoctions.  This hot and fabulous lady knows how to make each occasion extremely worthwhile and once you try out her baked goods your life will turn upside down and sweeter. 

Picture from Ms. Armi Rose (FB)

THE BAKED GOODS 
The one on the top is the Nutty Cappuccino cake.  I ordered this for our teachers' training.  It instantly became a crowd-pleaser.  A coffee and a cake in one, let me say, topped with a delightful dollup of pure chocolate fudge.   Silkened with a cream-based icing with a subtle aroma of cappuccino.  Finished off with nuts sprinkled all over the top and of course, the cherries.

Here a shot I stolen from my seatmate's plate.  Look how perfectly  airy but firm the cake is, and in between two layers is a scathe of more chocolate goodness.   The nuts added crunch and savory to it.   My friends and church mates who were at the training enjoyed the cake and sadly I didn't get a big slice.   The coffee aroma of the cake had everyone getting slice after slice, so I guess you know what that mean.  

Did I mention I had two cakes that day?   The Nutty  Toffee Crumble Cake was a surprise.   I wouldn't mind having too much nuts for that day and oh well of the cakes too.  What wonder can brown sugar make.   If you're not that fond of that kind of sugar, you will definitely change your perspective of it.   This reminded me of my childhood cravings for toffee.   A toffee is actually a candy, a mixture of sugar and butter, something that resembles a caramel or butterscotch.   Having said that,  I'm sure it made you drivel, by the sound alone of sugary sweetness of the cake.   Sinful indeed, this cake is.   The toffee cake is smothered with dulce de leche, drizzled then with chocolate ganache and wonderfully topped with peanuts. The dulce de leche was spot on and I love how it matched  the toffee cake.   I couldn't tell you how fast slices of these cake were gone in an instant at our home and as I was writing these, I am drooling, and sorry if I made you salivate also.
Okay now, I'm sure you want to meet the lady behind these cake creations and delve into these cakes. 

Do call Armi Rose Lontok  at her cell phone at 9175019694, or email at armirose_lontok@yahoo.com

Win a Romantic Dinner Concert for Two at The Dining Room

It's Valentines days once more!  I know we are on the mid-month of April and the hoola-balouh of  February has ended, but don't you want to celebrate it once more, or if you weren't able to , here is an opportunity.
Gourmet Farms will be celebrating their  25th year, a Silver Anniversary, and as their way of expressing their heartfelt gratitude to all who have supported, bought and have experienced their wonderful service in the dining and gardening world they want to share it to their most blessed customer.
So, how's a Dinner for two at The Dining Room of  Gourmet Farms in Silang sounds?
Passe?
Well then, how about a Concert Dinner for 2?
Better yet, a Dinner Concert where Jose Mari Chan serenades  you and your special someone while enjoying a sumptuous deal of a meal.
Here is how:
1.  Visit www.eventsandweddings.ph and subscribe to the side to be eligible for their contest.
2.  Send them an email at eventsanweddings.ph@gmail.com  answering this question:
        What do you want the most about Gourmet Farms and why?
    You can sent only one entry.
3.  Here is the real stunner,  on April 21, 2012, Jose Mari Chan himself will be the one to choose the best entry and the lucky winners will be joining the 25th Anniversary celebration of Gourmet Farms with Jose Mari Chan hosting the event.
4.  Fine print:  Your e mail address and the information on the said email will be shared publicly for marketing purposes.
5.  Once you've been chosen, you need to confirm your attendance 1 day before.
6.  Promo runs from April 1 to 21, 2012.

The PRIZE:
1.  Dinner Concert for two on the 28th of April 2012 with Jose Mari Chan at The Dining Room, Gourmet Farms, Silang, Cavite.
2.  A sumptuous dinner for two is included (without wine and liquor).
3.  A souvenir 25th Anniversary gift bag for all attendees.

Company Details The Dining Room at Gourmet Farms is the newest event venue just five minutes away from the Tagaytay Rotonda. The imposing white structure with its blue dome is nestled in what used to be Gourmet Cafe along Km. 52, General Aguinaldo Highway, Lalaan 2, Silang, Cavite. The venue has a comfortable seating capacity of 150 guests in its main dining area. The place has a mobile stage, its own kitchen and bar, private function rooms, separate sound room, restroom facilities and covered verandas, one of which opens up to a lush al fresco garden. The al fresco area can accommodate a maximum of 300 guests. Event packages that can be customized to the client’s preference cater to a party of 50 to 500. The Dining Room at Gourmet Farms also has a roofdeck overlooking part of the pathway leading to the 11-hectare organic farm and a distant view of the activity along the highway. Special weekend lunch and dinner buffet set-ups that serve, among others, an exciting menu called “Ang Bagong Pinoy,” present favorite Filipino classics like adobo, kare-kare, lechon kawali, sinigang, and pakbet with a more cosmopolitan flavor using a variety of culinary herbs grown in the farm. The main attraction of the buffet is always its bottomless salad bowl (which its predecessor Gourmet Café pioneered back in the early 80s.) A generous heaping of organically-grown greens that Gourmet Farms is known for, is tossed a la minute for each guest. The distinct and meticulous presentation of the dishes complete the whole dining experience. Location An easy 90-minute drive from Manila, the Dining room can be found on Mile Marker 52 on the Aguinaldo Highway in Silang Cavite. Our location is perfect for those wishing to have more than just a great dining experience. We’re minutes from the scenic ridge of Tagaytay with its magnificent views of the Taal Volcano and Taal Lake, and surrounded by its churches and retreat houses. It’s also perfect for travelers, as we are enroute to the beaches of Batangas and we’re close to hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, and spas. Features The Dining Room can accommodate 200 guests seated and up to 400 standing, and hundreds more in the adjacent landscaped gardens. You will be attended to by the trained catering staff of Gourmet Farms and served with an array of meals from our Filipino and International Menus. The venue is equipped with a platform stage and separate sound rooms that you can use to entertain your guests. We also offer design and printing support for invitations or marketing collaterals. For your convenience, we have a paved parking lot that can hold up to 30 cars. And when you need to take a break or sometime to yourself, there’s always the Splendid Chapel, as well as guest rooms, in the Sanctuary.

	Gourmet Farms
Website:	info@thediningroom.com.ph
Contact Person:	JESSICA (+63-917-8312299) ISABEL (+63-922-8213977) ANNE (+63-920-9618121)

An Easter Spectacle at Pan Pacific

Last Sunday was  an Easter  celebration  kids had anticipated.  Hotels in the metro  all  warmed up and prepped up in preparation for this day.    So why wouldn't we celebrate, in fact,  why don't we  celebrate  it everyday as we rise up in the  break of dawn.   Why?  Here is why...

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. “Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.”
Matthew 28:5-7 NASB

Yes  Easter day is a commemoration of  the Lord's risen day.   He doesn't die every year and  rises from the dead three days after every year.   It happened once and  He paid it all once.  

And I am just so happy, elated even  to be invited  to celebrate it with my kids at  the first and only  hotel in the country  that has  the finest  Butler  services,  Pan Pacific Manila.    Parents came  excited as much as their kids were,   and  we were all in for  a treat, which made us adults  became like children for a day.   Let my pictures tell you how the afternoon was.

Right before we entered,  we were greeted warmly and goodie bags were to welcome everyone

The stage adorned colorfully geared-uo for the Eggs-travagant Carnival theme

Charming dining setup, where we all sat on a cushy and tables lowered so kids are more comfortable and relaxed

My daughter Danica paused for the face to be painted

Kids and adults alike had their turns on the face painting spot which had faces livened up with colors and glitters while we enjoy more fun treats.

Giant castle and bouncy house inflatables

Kids  wandered around for the game booths provided which was made more exciting with prizes

We were kept entertained all afternoon with balloon arts, parlor games and magic shows

Spongebob, Patrick Star and the whole Bikini Bottom gang were there and so with  Noah and his animal friends

And then there's the buffet.  The ticket called for a kiddie snack buffet but hefty enough even for adults.    On our plate are hotdogs on sticks, chicken drumsticks, and spaghetti.
If you think the party ended there, wait till you see the other pictures below.

Each children experienced being inside a gigantic bubble.

 Then on to the highlight of the afternoon treat, the Egg-citing "egg-hunting."   Everyone frantic about finding the eggs.   The elegant rooms were turned upside-down as each guest searched for that coveted number of eggs to win the special prize.

The prize for the one who had the most number of colored eggs had this bunny couple taken home.

Though most of the kids and parents got dismayed not bagging home the cute baby  rabbits, we all had so much fun.  Thanks to the butlers of  Pan  Pacific who were present, taking care of all the needs we had during the party.   The kids brought home tons of candies, toys and joyful memories from that afternoon and they can't wait for the next Easter celebration! 
What could have been a better  spectacle for the children and the whole family to celebrate  the Lord's Risen day commemoration.

Pan Pacific Manila is at M. Adriatico corner Gen. Malvar Streets, Malate, Manila.  For events and other offers, visit panpacific.com.

About Pan Pacific Manila

The first and finest Butler hotel in the Philippines – ranked among the top Asia city hotels at the 2008 and 2009 Readers Choice Awards and named one of the best places to stay in the world at the Annual Gold List by the Conde Nast Traveler.  Awarded as the Philippines’ Leading Business Hotel at the 2011 and 2008 World Travel Awards. 

Conveniently located at the heart of the historical and cultural district of Malate in the Manila Bay area, Pan Pacific Manila is a short drive to the city’s convention, exhibition and business centres and a walk away from shopping, food and entertainment establishments.  A business hotel, designed to offer a comfortable abode to business and leisure travellers with its excellent facilities and service, the hotel has 236 all-executive rooms and suites and 7 spacious function rooms. 

For more information, call (63-2) 318 0788 or visit panpacific.com/manila for more special offers. 

Her Real Stylishness: The StyleRPA Tribute to Upcoming Talents

Online lifestyle magazine StyleRPA.com celebrated its launch last March 30, 2012 with the first of its many His/Her Real Stylishness tribute awards at Society Lounge, Makati.

            “We want to show that lifestyle is evolving. As the word ‘lifestyle’ goes, it’s alive,” said StyleRPA.com founder and Editor-in-Chief Philip Abadicio. “People change their habits and ways of living.”

Abadicio’s awareness of the changing times led to the recent birth of StyleRPA.com’s television extension, StyleRPA TV. The show aired every Saturday evening on GNN (Channel 8 on Destiny Cable) from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

    “We store information differently now,” he said. “I believe TV is here to stay. It’s more environmentally-conscious in the way it doesn’t use paper. It can [also] be stored online.”

            “We’re in a good time to introduce ourselves to a burgeoning market that gets their information online.”

            As a lifestyle news website and TV show, StyleRPA.com's obvious challenge was keeping up with shifting trends. “It’s a different medium, a different market,” Abadicio said. “It’s a market where attention span is shorter and there is a bombardment of information. We always need to be ahead.”

            “We like to discover what’s new instead of focusing on those who are already known or established. We'd like to be a platform for new designers, new stylists, new chefs, new musicians, new writers…It’s a gut feel that this person’s going to make it.”

            With the His/Her Real Stylishness Award, the lifestyle news website paid tribute to the rising talents who were able to ride the waves of change and made ripples themselves, beginning with the first awardee: 21-year-old fashion designer Ashley Cayuca.

             She exhibited her latest designer swimsuit collection Verao Quente in StyleRPA.com's grand launch, featuring 15 swimsuits of bold cuts and colors, from hot pink bikinis to sultry sheer black swimsuits. Cayuca's creations had graced various magazines and TV shows and were worn by celebrities like Daiana Menezes, Jessy Mendiola, Lauren Young, and international model Michelle Paloma. 

             Cayuca was awarded after the show by StyleRPA TV’s hosts, Amanda Elvina, Ria Casco, and Nicole Reyes. Among the audience were Cayuca’s parents, violinist Jay and Chikky Cayuca, her brother, Kevin Cayuca, Ateneo Blue Eagle players Chris and Nico de Chavez, and other friends and family.

             Also in attendance were StyleRPA.com and StyleRPA TV’s Philip Abadicio, Society Lounge owner Patrice Freuslon, House of Rodriguez’s Tenten Rodriguez, Meow Meow Productions’ Marton Benitez, Mike Oreta, Chuck Oreta, Vishoes owners Sheridan and Denise Villanueva, Bespoke Holiday Décor’s Archie Chua, Logika Concept’s Lei and Yasmin Coles,  Pan Pacific’s Pauline Areglado, Digicon Events Management’s AV Galvan, Intercontinental Manila’s Judy Ty, Vanity Magazine’s Joy Fong, Meg Magazine’s Rain Dagala,   Blog-ph.com’s Jayl Aquino, Occassions of Joy’s Joy and John Mendiola,  karenade.com’s Karen Lopez, and of course  moi

             Soon after, the audience partied to the beats of Dj Akx. As the StyleRPA.com founder had said, ‘lifestyle’ is alive – exciting, dynamic, and shifting. While the landscape continued to change, StyleRPA.com remained on the lookout for new talent in this new media generation.

StyleRPA.com gives special thanks to House of Rodriguez Salon and Spa in Pandakan, House of Vela in Sampalok, Raymond Rodriguez Salon and Spa in Makati, Coca-Cola, Soyami Soya Chips, and Banana Boat Sun Screen Lotion for this event, and Bistro Better for the food.

Win Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus with McFloat Summer Medley

Wouldn’t it be cool to jam with a new gadget this summer? McDonald’s makes this dream come true with Summer Medley of Surprises – McDonald’s newest instant prize card promotion. Until May 31, when you try any of McFloat Summer Medley’s yummy refreshing drinks – Blueberry Sprite McFloat, Coke McFloat, Four Seasons Sprite McFloat, Green Apple Sprite McFloat, or Honey Banana Sprite McFloat – at any McDonald’s store nationwide, you will get a promo card which gives you a chance to win a brand new Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus.

 

Aside from a Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus, there are other awesome prizes that can be won via Summer Medley of Surprises: FREE Upsize to Large Soft Drink for any Medium Value Meal purchase, FREE juice Up for any Medium Value Meal purchase, FREE Upsize to Large Fries for any Medium Value Meal purchase, Double Cheeseburger with Regular Soft Drink for only P75, P20 OFF on a purchase of Big Mac a la carte, or P20 OFF on a purchase of a Quarter Pounder with Cheese a la carte. Each promo card is a definite winner!

The summer surprise from McDonald’s does not end there. New brand ambassador Xian Lim will be visiting a few McDonald’s stores in the metro to meet customers who are certified McFloat lovers. Just follow the schedule below, order a McFloat, and get a chance to see Xian:

APRIL 16, Monday

McDonald’s Greenhills, 1:00-2:00 PM

McDonald’s Eastwood, 2:30-3:30 PM

McDonald’s Katipunan, 4:00-5:00 PM        

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/McDo.ph.     

The Doctor Who Loves Putting Beautiful Smiles on Every Faces

What could more fulfilling for a professional than doing something worthwhile with one's skills and ultimately to live  for others.   One of those people is plastic surgeon  Dr. Laurence Loh who found his calling to help out children with facial deformities by supporting Operation Smile.   Operation Smile is an international non-profit organization that aims to heal children’s smile by providing safe, effective reconstructive surgery for children born with facial deformities. 

Of Pink and Violet Hues and Macarons

Taste of Purple
Grapes hang purple
In their bunches,
Ready for
September lunches.
Gather them, no
Minutes wasting.
Purple is
Delicious tasting.

         by Leland B. Jacobs

 My eyes set their gaze across the horizon
The sun is setting in late fall afternoon
Cold snap in the air as the leaves swirl about
A welcoming view is the painted pink sky

Streaks of pale blue dotted with white
Have been suddenly brushed with a soft pastel
The beauty is breathtaking, such natural artistry
I am in awe of the painted pink sky

I think of you now, how magnificent it would be
To find ultimate and much needed serenity
Wrapped up in your strong arms in loves sweet embrace
To be held by you under the painted pink sky 

Author Unknown

And then there's blue...and blue cheese-honey macaron. 

Bizu Patisserie

Address:  G/L Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center
Makati City
Tel. Nos.: 7572498 - 7574749

 

Bataan: In a Whole New Light

I'll be blogging all the way, this Saturday...
 March had brought me to a lot of events, places and things of much interests, and of course all the food that consumed my personality.  The foods consumed me in the sense that I have gained more interest in trying out new cuisines and not so normal foodstuff.
It's already April and I haven't  written any about most of the things I have gained knowledge of.
Let me start of with one of my family's travels.
A  Weekend at  Morong, Bataan...
It would take you an approximate of 170 KM  drive from Pasay to Morong and that would be about 3 to 4 hours without  traffic congestion.   There are more than one route to take reaching Morong beaches.

Public School Teachers Hone Skills in Teaching Spanish

Have you ever wonder what would it be like learning Spanish?
Dora the Explorer is a kid show at Nickelodeon which my kids would always watch in the morning,  where simple words were translated to  Spanish while,  Dora the main character and her animal friends go about solving puzzles and trekking with the Map.   I have actually learned a few words and phrases mind you.   Let me see?
Hola for Hello,  Buenos Dias for Good morning,  Gracias for thank you and De nada for you're welcome.  Pretty amazing don't you think.  
What if most of our professionals know and speak more than  3 languages, would that mean that we have an edge and what it takes to be globally capable of conducting ourselves in our profession even outside our countries.  
With these in light,  the Department of Education have come up with a summer program for our teachers to develop themselves in the form of language and communication.

Have an Easter Carnival

Yesterday was Palm Sunday  which  marked the kick-off of  Lenten week.   Jesus' triumphal entry was re-enacted in some churches where people  brought fronds of palm leaves ornamented with colored bows.   Followed by days when some will be  mourning to what have been traditionally known in remembrance of  Christ's torture to His crucifixion to His coming from the dead.   While others would be rallying off somewhere to slack up and bond with family and friends.  
The Sunday following that week is the glorious Easter festivity.   Some still fail to understand  the true essence of the the death and the coming to life from death of Jesus.   In remembrance to this,  hotels and malls get all glamed up to give the best of the festivity to their clients and guests.  
But unlike most hotels, one would need to avail of the accommodation  deals to check out what would have been a fun-filled event for all the members of the family, Pan Pacific opens  up its grand hotel being the only one with a unique Butler Service to an Easter Carnival Eggs-perience.
On April 8, 2012, that's Easter Sunday,  doors will be opened  at 3 pm for a out of this world fun time for the whole family.   A magic show, carnival booths, and a castle-like inflatable welcomes every child even the child at heart.  For a ticket that costs only  P 650,  a kiddie snack buffet, plus  treats and goodies await you!
Egg-cited?   So  what are you waiting for,  call 3180788 and reserve your tickets.

Pan Pacific  Manila
Address:
M. Adriatico corner Gen. Malvar Streets, Malate , Manila City 1004 Philippines