Have you Tried Tropicana's Coco Quench?

Have you seen the commercial where the voice over has that demure and alluring whisper "Coco Quench?"  The sound really had embed itself on one of my hearing quarters (something likened to LSS) yet resounds with full impact.  I have always loved coconut water, not only for its nutritious value and healing capabilities but more so the quenching power it gives me after a day of running around the house with errands.   On that commercial a significant product is introduced in a sexy-looking tetra pack.
The new product Tropicana Coco Quench, which is 100 percent fresh and made from real coconut water, is the first locally-produced drink with an eight-month shelf life.  This new product harnesses tropical Philippines’ vast coconut production and capitalizes on the advanced technology of Tetra Pak packaging to keep the coconut juice fresh without the need for preservatives and added flavors.

I was one of the few to be invited to experience the product on its launch last September 27 at One Esplanade.  A cocktail bar was set up on one side and I was lucky enough to be early for the event so I was able to try some mixes of mocktails and cocktails where the new Coco Quench drink was used.

First up was Coco Lychee Martini.  Coco Quench was built up with Martini and placed on a chilled glass half-filled with crushed ice then topped with a fresh lychee.  

I also had tried a glass of Coco Mango Frappe without the alcohol.  I think it's a conflate of mango juice, Coco Quench, some syrup, and a liquid resembling the taste of alcohol.

These test tubes looked rather amusing but I dared not to taste it for according to a friend it's enticingly heady.

When it was time to see what's in store for us at the program launch, Borgy Manotoc came out and led the night.   He introduced the product and the video that launches the new product in the market with the face of Coco Quench, Supermodel Charo Ronquillo, who has walked the runway at prestigious New York and Paris fashion shows.  She was chosen to be the brand ambassador for Coco Quench given its proposition as the beverage for consumers who lead an active lifestyle.

A fashion show also was part of the program.

What are the benefits of coconut water?  

Coconut water is the purest liquid second only to water itself. It is chock full of electrolytes, calcium, potassium, magnesium; everything that is good for you.   Now Tropicana Coco Quench serves you all those anytime, anywhere, no need to wait for "Manong" passing by selling coconut on their husks on push carts.

You see coconut water is an isotonic solution which replaces the fluids and minerals that the body loses during physical activities

If you consume coconut water on a regular basis it can reduce urinary problems. People who suffer from strangury, polyutra and other urinary ailments drink coconut water to relieve their symptoms.

Drinking coconut water with one teaspoon of olive oil for three days will kill intestinal worms and clear the stomach of worms, which makes for better digestion.

People who have kidney problems and are plagued by kidney stones should drink coconut water in addition to taking their medication. Drinking coconut water regularly helps to break up kidney stones making them easier to push out.

Coconut water is almost identical to blood plasma and this makes it easy to use for blood transfusion. In cases of emergency coconut water has been used as an intravenous hydration fluid instead of the standard IV fluid. During World War II many wounded soldiers were saved in the Pacific because of emergency transfusion using coconut water as plasma.

Coconut water contains monolaurin, an antiviral, antibacterial and antiprotozoal monoglyceride that is used to kill lipid-coated viruses such as HIV, Herpes, cytomegalovirus, flu and various pathogenic bacteria.

Coconut water is great at reducing vomiting. People who have typhoid, malaria, fevers or other ailments that are known to induce vomiting drink coconut water to settle the stomach. As such, coconut water is also a good thing to drink during a hangover.

So drink up and be quenched with the perfect juice made and protected by nature, now in every pack of the new Tropicana Coco Quench! 
Coconut water like no other. Try it now!

Thank You Teachers!

October 5 is the day where we recognize the importance of educators in shaping the minds of tomorrow.   In fact it will be celebrated globally.  There are many teachers that I’ve encountered over the years that have made a difference in my kids life and in mine too, and I’m sure that educators continue to be a source of valuable knowledge and support to the students of today. Even as technology is rapidly changing around us, nothing can replace the value of a truly dedicated teacher, her mild-toned voice, the hugs, tap on the back and shoulders and risible expressions. Our hats are off to you today and everyday! Keep up the good work!

With this let me share you what the Department of Education enunciates on this.

Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC has urged the nation to look kindly at our teachers and give them the recognition they deserve by saying “thank you” to them.
 “All of us were once students and we all have at least one teacher who have made a difference in our lives and to whom we owe who we are today,” Luistro said.
 The education chief is taking the lead in the celebration of the 2012 World Teachers’ Day set on October 5 in Limketkai, Cagayan de Oro City. CDO was chosen as this year’s venue to highlight the heroism of teachers during the onslaught of Sendong.
 DepEd is continuously looking for ways to further improve the economic lot of public school teachers as well as their professional advancement. “But I do believe that if only we, as a nation, learn to appreciate the value of teachers, the rest of our needs (as a nation) will be provided much easier.  A nation that is unable to appreciate the contribution of a teacher is a nation that is unable to see a bright future,” explained Luistro.
 In a press briefing yesterday, the Education chief expressed his thanks to his former college professor in De La Salle University, Professor Emerita Quito, as one of his life changing teachers. He said “Prof. Quito taught me that life is beyond textbooks and Philosophy is everywhere.”
 President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared September 5 to October 5 every year as National Teachers’ Month (NTM) through Presidential Proclamation 242 signed in 2011. The NTM seeks to empower Filipino teachers by engaging the public in creating a strong movement that cultivates a Filipino culture that celebrates the service and heroism of all teachers.
 DepEd is enlisting the support of teachers groups, student organizations, educational institutions, private corporations, professional organizations, media, corporate foundations and the local government units in coming up with novel ways to celebrate the teaching profession. 

Yep, even those who are seated in the government know how to thank their teachers.  I too was once a student and I definitely owe a lot to them, having them as a part of those who have shaped me as I am now.   I used to be a teacher too and it just melt my heart hearing nice words of gratitude (even receiving gifts) from my pupils and their parents, it encouraged me to do more for them even without asking for anything in return.    It builds up a cloud around me which no one could steal nor harm.   Moments when you go back at times when I'm down realizing that I am important.  Those kids perhaps are now in high school or grade school, though they nay never remember me anymore, I still treasure their cute voices saying "Thank you Teacher."

I realized, my kids have teachers, and I know how my kids could be rough at times but my kids are happy with them and what's important is of course they're learning.   So to thank them and foster them to do the same, we baked batches of Strawberry Swirl Muffins to give to them.

Also, to all my teachers in elementary, high school, and college with special mention to Chef Sylvia Reynoso-Gala (who taught me how to bake properly with fun and science involved) here's to all of you, my very first take on the Best Ever Cheesecake I have made so far.  I will share the recipes in another blog and will link it here.

My first-grader insisted in decorating the cheesecake with chocolate chips,
but happened that there seemed to be less space for the word Teachers.  LOL

From Gastronomy by Joy, THANK YOU TEACHERS!

HAPPY WORLD TEACHERS DAY

How about you?  Have you said thank you to your teachers yet?  Well you don't need to wait a lifetime to do it.  Join us till tomorrow as we profess our appreciation in a gamut of ways.

Weekend Staycation at The Linden Suites

If you are yearning for a bigger place to breath and be gone from the world at least over a night or if you happen to be on a business trip here in Ortigas, Pasig City, this is the place to be.   If only I could have known earlier that a place such as this that is family-friendly, classy yet homey and near shopping havens like SM Megamall, The Podium and Shangri La.   Linden Suites now has been gaining  popularity of being a party place.  Did you know that more and more families, office mates, friends are enjoying intimate parties here?

With that having discovered, my husband and I made a choice to celebrate my daughter's birthday here.  Apparently this wasn't in our plan for a kiddie party.  The pink and black theme which I have thought over for months flopped.  As the days drew near the birthday, more and more problems occurred.   The venue manner took us a lot of deals.   Then there were the decorations, loot bags, party games and activities, and the catering and the list goes on.   Though me and the kids are super excited, hubby seems to more stressed about it.   Till he dropped the ball and went online to look for XBOX Kinect and eventually luring the birthday girl to ask for it and not do the party anymore.  Come on it's a game what else would the whole pack ask for?  To make the long story short he bought one.  We all enjoyed it at home though having the feeling that you might break something, or having to contend to the meager space we have in our sala, where we have to remove our sofas just to have all four dancing at the same floor.

We just have to do a party, even a small one but where?  Till it hit me!  Why not on a hotel, with spacious room, wide LED screens, centralized AC, why not on a suite? Why not The Linden Suites?

Too much ado about the planning made me just want to be buried on a clean, white, smooth sheet covered bed.  The one that would not hurt my back for being too cushy or too hard.  Eat off and sleep off unnecessary disappointments and just rendering love and fun fro the family specially to our youngest, Danica, the celebrant.   I will be sharing her birthday happenings on a different blog.   Let me just share you how we have loved our stay at the Linden Suites.

Here is the corridor outside one of our suite, which is just across the elevators.   We booked 2 two-bedroom suites, since we were expecting 8 adults and kids who will be hitting it off for a night.

Upon entrance to the suite, a large dining area with a big table and chairs welcome you.   Ahead is a seating space with an LCD Tv with an entertainment system, two couches, and a mini office.

A bit tad excited about where I will be catching some Z's , I headed off to one of the bedroom nearest the living room.

Comfort is the word that best describe each rooms.  It has a separate room AC, LED Tv, study area and bathroom.

It even have everything you might be needing for a longer stay, all camped in a cabinet.  Though simple (compared to the laud kind on other hotels, it has all the essentials, safe box, baskets for some accessories, bathrobe, some hangers, slippers and a flat iron and it's bed.

The bathroom, laden with a not so big bath tub and shower, clean towels and hygiene essentials ready for use.

It even had a hair dryer and make-up mirror.

On the other room are two single beds, also with its own bathroom.  The laid back ambiance is as inviting to our kids as to me.  No expensive and ludicrous wall hangings, a cool speck of cream on the wall paints and hardwood flooring.

Though the other room only has provisions for a shower area, it also what the other bathroom have.   AS you go out, the kitchen will be on your left,

The view of the kitchen from a far end of the living room.

You will be surprised to find it complete with amenities such as refrigerator  sink, counter top convection oven with hood and cabinets.  The water in the faucet can be either hot or called.

This is love foe coffee-addicts like us.  A coffee-maker, electric pot, cups and coffee mixes are available.  If you can not stand your food getting cold, a microwave oven stands by.

Got caught staring at this aluminum backsplash of the convection cooker.   Lookey they even have a bread toaster.

 If you want the comfort of not cooking nor going out, they actually have a cafe on the second floor on the other tower, or call the help desk for orders, menus are at the office table.
Read about our gratuitous breakfast at the Cafe here:
Gratuitous Breakfast at The Linden Suite's Coffee Shop

Here is the lobby where the cafe is at and the elevators taking you to your floor.

And after having your hotel breakfast wouldn't it be really awesome to take a dip in the pool or lounge in a jacuzzi?  The Linden Suites has two swimming pools, one at the roof deck and a temperature controlled  indoor pool.

With the initial plan scratched, we had an option to celebrate the birthday at a resort somewhere in Laguna for my kids love to swim.  But we weren't able to find a place more suited for the event.   I'm just so happy my kids had a fantastic morning swim at Linden's indoor pool, while I got to depressurize at the jacuzzi while watching my kids enjoy the warm water.
Now would that not impress anyone?  Here is more...

They are offering rooms at discounted prices packaged with afternoon treats.

The Linden Suites
37 San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1600
Tel: +632 638-7878
Fax: +632 638-7877
www.lindensuites.com

Going Back to the Basics of Italian Dining

Authentic Italian concept developed for Philippine market!   That's how I summarize my description of Piadina Italiana.   Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of dining at their Greenbelt branch with a dear friend.   While talking about future business plans and some catching up with each others uncertainties, we shared with the packaged meal which I bought using Ensogo vouchers.   

With this phrase that caught my attention: "Manila’s Finest Italian Resto: Set Meal for 2 feat. Soup, Insalata Piadina, Pasta, Calzone, and Panna Cotta (valued at P980),"   I didn't make a wink and instantly bought the voucher.

I knew that my friend have acquired a gourmet tinge from traveling and working from the rich nation of Dubai down  to the exotic resort of Marakesh in Morocco, so to make sure our lunch would be rather hanging on to that taste and play safe, I brought her here.  Included in the meal for two package are:  Soup of the day, Insalata Piadina, Pasta of your choice, Il Calzone di Carne, and Panna Cota for dessert.   Need to mention though that a hot bowl of soup each was served first, to recall, I think it was Cream of Potato soup.

Insalata Piadina is a fresh salad featuring mixed greens, bacon bits, garlic mushrooms and blue cheese drenched in balsamic and olive oil dressing.  To give it a kink, caramelized walnut bits were added.

Next, served really fast albeit dining in the their rather small table, worried that big plates would soon pile up our table and yet we still on with savoring their Zuppa del Giorno.  We chose to have the vegetarian pasta, Pasta Barese, which features broccoli bits, anchovy flakes sautéed in garlic and tomatoes with garlic oil.  Simple yet healthy Italian dish just the way we both like it.

A humongous serving of Calzone followed as we were halfway on our pasta.  A Calzone is actually a pizza (which is likened to a closed, folded pie) folded halfway.  When Merna had first cut it, the stuffing just oozed out, and the aroma of a perfect tomato sauce seasoned richly with basil wafted off our table.    The stuffing is made up of ground beef which I think have been marinated with some herbs and spices first, mixed then with garlic, mushrooms  and all smothered in tomato sauce.  Some  flaxen of melted mozzarella cheese are spotted alternating with the sauce, giving the sauce a slightly creamy and chewy tweak, just like eating our fave pizza.

To cap off our hefty lunch we were served  with a cup each of Panna Cotta.  The classic Italian dessert with its  gelatinous-creamy sweetness, slithered down my mouth.  And with the chocolate ganache top, the silky mouth-feel of this dessert really made my day, though this may not be the best panna cotta I have tried, this sufficed for that day.
Since it's expansion from its first branch in Greenbelt Food court, it took me time to try them again even with the knowledge that my sister love this restaurant.   To date this is just my second time with Piadina Italiana.   You may want to try their Piatto Speciale (single serve choiced plate) with complete meals ranging from
P 170 to P 210 which comes with a drink.  I have tried their Pollo Alforno Con Pasta.  It's a plate with a cut of chicken which is baked, served with Pasta of the day and Piada bread.   I didn't like my first with them, where I found the chicken to be raw near the bone and a bit dull and bland.  But you see it was like years already.  So maybe we can try it again and see if they have made improvements with their baked chicken.
So far, I can say that everything we had were awesome, priced reasonably high though more affordable than other nearby Italian restaurants and the service of the staff is okay.

Also, I recommend Bistro Ravioli for their top-notch fresh ravioli, pizza and more pasta.   We had our lunch there during my youngest daughter's birthday.  Another delightful Italian joint to get your fill of gastronomy from one of my favorite cuisine-Italian.
Thanks to the couple, Merna and Didier Deroet for the treat, by the way


Piadina Italiana Restaurant – Greenbelt Branch
Address: Greenbelt 1 Paseo de Roxas, Legaspi St. Ayala Center, Makati City
Contact Number :    02- 752-5019

Century Park Hotel’s Oktoberfest Fever

Century Park Hotel joins the Oktoberfest fever with its line-up of activities and special promotions.

• How would you like to be indulged with an epicurean experience of finest Greek cuisine?  Let Century Park Hotel invite you as they join forces with El Greco Enterprise Corporation, for its Greek Food Festival on October 5 to 7 at Café in the Park.  Feel the true flavors of the Mediterranean and reach Europe with just your taste buds for only P 1,215 net per person.
• Restaurant Week.   In cooperation with the Wine Depot 2012, the hotel celebrates Restaurant Week from October 8 to 14  .  At a special promotional price of P 998 net, lunch and dinner buffet diners at the Café in the Park get a free glass of Veramonte Reserva Sauvignon Blanc or Veramonte Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Vittoria sparkling water and Vittoria coffee.
• Eat-All-You-Can at Century Tsukiji.   Recognized by the Miele Guide as one of Asia’s finest restaurants of 2012, Century Tsukiji extends its “Eat-All-You-Can” promo for all sushi lovers, for a mere P 888 + per person. Promo patrons for that week will likewise get a free glass of Veramonte Reserva Sauvignon Blanc or Veramonte Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Vittoria sparkling water and Vittoria coffee. This Japanese treat still includes a cup of miso soup and a plate of fruits of the day.

• Tapas Platter with Wine. Tapas lovers can now enjoy their favorite pica-pica for only P 388 + in their beverage outlets, Top of the Century and Atrium Lounge. Three bar chow platters are available for patrons. The first one has the mini Master Butcher’s favorites, the second with Spanish Beef Salpicao and third with mixed grilled Spiedini. All platters have mini assorted cheese and bread basket. That’s also with a free glass of Veramonte Reserva Sauvignon Blanc or Veramonte Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Vittoria sparkling water and Vittoria coffee during the Restaurant week.
• Beer by the Bucket.   And to catch with the Oktoberfest fever, the Top of the Century at the 19th floor extends its Beer by the Bucket promo of 6 bottles of your choice of Manila Beer, Coors, Tanduay Ice, Beer na Beer and Ginger Root beer for only P 300+ per bucket. This promo from Monday to Saturday, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. is inclusive of a free plate of pica-pica of the day.
• Atrium Lounge will continue the highly-successful unlimited Premium White Wine Promo priced at P 595 + from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Enjoy a selection of Beringer Chenin blanc & white Zinfandel, Calvet Chardonay, Gruner Vetliner Hopler, Muscadet Sevre et maine, Pomino Blanco marchesi de Frescobaldi, Riverbank Riesling Wente and Stonehaven Riesling while listening to the wonderful soundscapes from the live musical entertainment courtesy of our resident pianist and Century Strings.

For inquiries and reservations, please call (632) 528-8888 and (632) 528-5907 or email foodbev@centurypark.com.ph

The Century Park Hotel is owned and operated by Maranaw Hotels and Resort Corporation.