Four of Ten Happiest Pinoys are Teachers

 Four of the ten happiest Pinoys recognized in a recent awarding ceremony are teachers.

The search for the happiest Pinoy is a joint project of Cebuana Lhuillier and the Department of Education which aims to find the most optimistic and resilient Filipino in the country.

The winners are student Arnel Alipao of Mainit, Surigao del Norte, marriage counselor Gilda Fortunato of Gumaca, Quezon, social worker Rommel Arellano of Limay, Bataan, teacher and peace worker Connie Emborong of Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, public school teacher Marcelo Otinguey of Kapangan, Benguet, UP Math instructor John Gabriel Pelias of Quezon City, entrepreneur Gerald Raymundo of Pasig City, alternative learning system coordinator and teacher Concepcion Tababa of Tubungan, Iloilo, businesswoman Rebecca Tiusonco of Borongan, Eastern, Samar and utility worker Leonardo Villanueva of Malabon City.

“DepEd is happy that even in contests such as this, teachers continue to be recognized as the face of inspiration and hope to other people,” said Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC.

Emborong is an advocate of "wear a smile". She reminds participants of all her training sessions to wear a smile all the time. At present, she is one of the editors of the newly developed Peace Education exemplars which will be used in teaching Peace Education and Children's Rights among shoolchildren in the province of Lanao del Norte. As a peace advocate, she is also a speaker/resource person and curriculum writer on the subject of peace education, gender and development and children's rights.

Public school teacher Otinguey believes in the motto "Life is service". Despite stories of disservice and inefficiency in public service, he continually explored ways to broaden his horizon and initiated advocacies in health, education, environment, safety, etc such as livelihood training to students, out of school youths and stay-at-home mothers. His resourcefulness and determination helped provide books and other educational materials for various schools and communities. He is also a recipient of 2005 Lingkod Bayan/Presidential Awards from the Civil Service Commission.

Meanwhile, Pelias is a living proof that poverty is not an obstacle to achieve and excel. He graduated Summa cum laude with the degree BS Mathematics from UP Diliman achieving the second highest general weighted average in the UP Diliman history -- 1.016. At present, he is already teaching at the Institute of Mathematics at UP Diliman despite enticing offers from multinational companies for him to work in their companies. His continued involvement in UP is his way of giving back to his school which had allowed him to achieve his dreams despite several drawbacks.

As part of the alternative learning system, Tababa has traveled to far-flung villages where many have not seen a book. Her goal is to inspire her students to change their lives through education. To her, teaching is not bound by the four walls of the classroom so she expands the gift of education wherever and whenever opportunity comes. She has even risked her life and that of her entire family to pursue her chosen vocation. Her daily routine includes a 23-kilometer walk from Tubungan, Iloilo to the farthest barangays -- where a precarious peace and order situation looms but this does not stop her in reaching out to the rebels and convincing them to resume their studies have become the focus of her advocacy. She introduced the BAOL (Barangay Aid on Literacy) program or mobile library to encourage them to study together with their families at their own pace. She bravely used education as a weapon to fight illiteracy, poverty and attain peace in her hometown. Because of her dedication to her profession, she was a finalist in the Metrobank Foundation 2007 Search for Outstanding Teachers and an honoree in the Bato Balani Foundations' "The Many Faces of the Teacher 2011.”

Luistro added that the search brings home the point that happiness can be found while in the service of others. “We note that the winners derive their positive outlook from serving the needs of other people,” he added.

The criteria for judging are: a constantly cheerful face and optimistic outlook; proven ability to rise above life’s challenges; and positive impact in the lives of others.

DepEd at the beginning of the school year launched a “Wear a Smile” campaign to bring out a cheerful atmosphere in the campuses and influence pupils and students to look forward to every school day.

“The wear a smile campaign will remind them that a smile can draw out positive energy from students and fellow teachers,” Luistro added.

 

Il Terrazzo Presents: Gourmet Weekend Series

  Last August 24, Il Terrazzo, the only lifestyle hub in Tomas Morato, gathered the metro’s top online influencers for a night of partying at the Ariato Function Center. Hosted by Monster Radio’s Gino Quillamor, Ignite @Il Terrazzo kicked off with an upbeat presentation of what people could expect of Il Terrazzo in the coming weeks. While introducing their new establishments, the crowd was treated to a scrumptious selection of Il Terrazzo restaurants’ bestsellers.

This time around,  Il Terrazzo brings another fun-filled and tummy-filling activity, dubbed as the Gourmet Weekend Series.  This is a part of its thrust of being the number one lifestyle hub in Tomas Morato.   Starting September 21 until November 10, every Friday and Saturday, you will have another reason to invade Il Terrazzo as gourmet specialists and start-up food entrepreneurs pop up and open their tents to serve up their specialties.

             Aside from the gourmet offerings, each week you will sure to enjoy their lineup of treats and entertainment, like live performances, and talks from guest chefs. You can check the poster to see the full list of what’s in store for you in Il Terrazzo every weekend.(Click on the poster above to see zoom it, to check on what to expect every date included).

           I've never been to Il Terrazzo but expect us to stride through one of its weekend of gastronomic treat.  Check back soon to see our gourmet picks from Il Terrazzo.  So don’t miss out on the opportunity to reward yourself with good food in a unique food fanfare and gourmet experience.

For inquiries, you can email Jen San Antonio at jenellsanantonio@gmail.com

Il Terrazzo is located at 305 Tomas Morato Ave. cor. Scout Madriñan St., Quezon City, Philippines. For inquiries, call (02) 374 8378.

Lemuria: Discovering a Lost Foodie Paradise

According to a certain myth, there existed a lost continent, Lemuria, which was once home to an advanced human civilization. These so-called Lemurians possessed vast knowledge and great power, as well as the uncanny ability to communicate with one another through mental telepathy.  

Myth or not, it took us miles to search, but not a lifetime.

Eureka!  It exists!  

Took us a number of wrong turns just to finally be appeased with the mythological description of the place.   A secluded place known only to serious gourmands and touted to be one of the most endeared date-place since the Schroeders open their home and and turned their property to be one of the Manila's Best Kept Secret. 

Upon entering wooden gate, the guards will need to make sure you have a reservation.  They don't accept walk ins to make sure of exclusivity, cars are left outside the gates as well, so you will walk towards slope of a road with lush greenery welcoming you.   It's like you were led away to a vimtage-stlyle villa. You will then be led to a French country house inspired two-story building.  Below it is the Brumms Quality Wines wine cellar.  The stairs are laden with Mediterranean design ceramic tiles.
There are parts of the wall were weather have treated the bricks bringing a more rustic feel to the whole ambiance.

 Ever since I read of this place, I've been in dire dreams of coming here till finally.   I guess I can be now considered as an unspoilt foodie, neh.  You see if you are really passionate about seeking the finest, the rarest and the most delicious, you will end up like most of us food bloggers and you will definitely come here.

The splash of yellow reminds me of the romance of Tuscan design playing well with the wooden doors, braces and chairs.  

With Bhogs...

The seating is very limited, maybe about eight tables and three on the veranda.   I was kind of wishing to be seated here for a more private nook having a view of the whole garden, but by the time we got there the place was almost filled-up.

The view on our my left side.  I just love the French feel the wooden console table partnered with an antique wooden pail on a red bricked-wall.

Bread selections on nifty basket will be served immediately with it butter and vinaigrette.

The Amuse Bouche, a deconstructed Lumpia on a curved spoon.

As for our appetizer, we had Tinapa Mouse which was best eaten with more of their freshly baked breads.  This is a creamy base of mashed potato flavored with Tinapa micro-flakes served with olive oil and pink-peppers.

Filipino  Bouillabaisse is the choiced soup.   The milky broth not warmed our cold and rumbling tummies but also was a delight in every scoop.  I've read that Lemuria specialize in French cuisine.   This time however we where treated with Filipino fusion dishes.  I think this one's inspired from our Grandma's Tahong or seafood Soups, only it is made milky and slightly buttery.

The blue edible petals are a signature to Lemuria.  A frivolous way to enjoy your ho hum salad.  Again bringing in the twist to our lato ang pako salad.  Regular leaves mixed with lato, pako and salted eggs drizzled with a sweet vinaigrette.   On the same plate is a cheviche of tawilis.  Marinated raw boneless tawilis is a first time for us and I think this is the only place we can find it.  The soft meat amazingly blended so well with the tangy marinade.

This bowl of Bangus belly Ravioli with Aligue Cream Sauce, danggit chips and kesong puti crumbs is a definition of Filipino genuis!  Think of it, a fresh ravioli is stuffed with bangus belly, a sauce consisting of Aligue in reduced sauce of cream, finished off with crusty flakes of danggit and chunks of goat cheese.   I can completely get lost with this, I don\t mind at all, as long as I'm here lost in a paradise called Lemuria.

That dish lingered a bit at our palate so to cleanse it off and prepare us to the next set of dishes, we were given a glass each of Lime or Calamansi sorbet.

Along with the set dinner we ordered are a glass of red wine.

Then Bhogs had the Free range native chicken leg confit.   Bhogs was so kind enough to give me the first taste.   Then I suddenly remembered my Papa.  This is how he fried chicken for us.   Simple salted chicken deep fried in canola oil, no frills just the pure pleasure of the moist and soft meat of the native chicken (which would be contrary to having ones regular hard-meat native chicken).  The chicken is a top a mashed sweet potato with red wine reduction as sauce.

Mine was the Free range native chicken breast, which was braised in red wine reduction and wild fresh mushrooms.  At first I kind of liked it, but I was never a fan of red wine reduction with its bitter aftertaste whilst the sweet note from the same sauce also stays on the tongue.

Tsokolate Tablea and Kapeng Barako Brulee ends our languid dinner.  I definitely laud them for the exquisite mix of everything on the menu and how can we not notice the artistic detailing of our plates.

This place should not be kept secret.   The place may be pricey but the experience is all worth every penny spent.   The staff are very welcoming, you are served like an honorary person, you can ask them questions about the place and before they serve your dish they explain it what's on it.

I never rate any restaurants we go to, but this should be rated 10 out of  10, all for the food, service and ambiance.

Bruschetta: Simplicity...

Just last month a new shopping haven was launched to the public at Alabang.  Metro Mall is the newest league in the supermarket and department store scene, grasping the Alabang A-list market.   After attending the event with its amazing surprises for the guests, I took home some fresh baguettes from their bakeshop and boy was I so happy getting home, with the thought that I could finally make another batch of bruschetta.

This is not just a bruschetta ((which is pronounced brus-ketta, by the way, I looked it up), this is the one from the movie Julie and Julia.  What I meant with that is that the recipe where they patterned this after is supposedly the one from Julia Childs' book, The Art of French Cooking.  The bruschetta served in Julie and Julia became a rage over the internet simply because of the beautiful colors and fresh, chunky ingredients served on top of bread fried in oil. I’ve made bruschetta before and did the usual thing of chopped tomatoes mixed with olive oil and basil, but this bruschetta just wowed me. I’m also sure Chris Messina devouring the dish like a hungry jackal added to the appeal. It was the larger chunks of tomato, bigger leaves of basil and what appeared to be something orange that made this bruschetta stand out.
I searched online and found a myriad of recipes all claiming to be the one shown in Julie and Julia, but image after image, it just didn’t seem to really look like the dish made in the movie.  The suggestions handed to me were to seek out a variety of tomatoes to get those colors, but I more remembered how bruschetta isn’t just limited to tomatoes, oil, and basil.  Anyway the look may matter, but what matters most is how my kids would like them.    You know the idea of having tomatoes and basil on crusted bread isn't seem that appetizing to them.

To be sure they can also have a sample of the French baguette from the Metro mall, I had some garlic buttered bread, in case they won't like the bruschetta.

Garlic bread

Some notes before you begin though.   Just like in the movie, my daughter and I fried the first batch of sliced bread on olive oil.  You see it's a bit impractical for us.  We use authentic EVOO which according to my parents are selects given to them by their Italian friends in Milan and I avoided indulging too much EVOO with this one, since the bottles we have are expensive.  You see the bread tend to soak up the oil making you add each time you add slices of bread.  So my daughter thought of a clever idea, brushing the olive oil at each side of the bread then fried them.  
Also, most of the recipes, I think even in the movie, the tomatoes and basil are tossed fresh, then dumped onto the fried bread.   I tweaked it a bit and cooked them over low fire just so my kids would eat it without getting that leafy, herby taste from the veggies.

Bruschetta

Ingredients:

1 loaf(s) (8 ounces) Foccacia or French Baguette
1 clove(s) (large) garlic, cut in half (skin removed)
8 medium ripe plum tomatoes, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
2 tablespoon(s) extra-virgin olive oil and more
1/4 teaspoon(s) salt
1/8 teaspoon(s) ground black pepper
parmesan cheese, ground

Procedure:

1.  Fry bread in 2-3 T. olive oil in skillet, browning on each side, and adding 1 more T. oil if necessary.
2.  Rub cut half of garlic over 1 side of fried bread.   It depends on you if you want to do it on the other side.      In our case, we did two sides, making it more garlicky, which we loved.
3.  On pan over a low fire, toss the tomatoes with some olive oil and about 1 tsp. sea salt and pepper.  Let it wilt a bit but make sure the tomatoes skin are still intact.
4. Then put in the basil leaves, toss a bit and turn off the fire.
5.  Spoon tomatoes (with oil and accumulated juices) over bread.

 Garlic Butter Bread

Ingredients:

sliced Foccacia or French Baguette
1/8 cup softened butter
whole garlic, peeled and sliced in half
parsley, shredded

Procedure:
1.  Over a medium fire, fry the bread with the butter, putting a little butter at a time until they are slightly brown.
2.  While the bread is still warm, rub the garlic over the bread.  You will notice that it melts and the sweat of the garlic sticks to the bread.
3.  Sprinkle with parsley.

The verdict?
After every batch the plate where we put the breads, goes empty every time.   I never really got to sit down and enjoy two slices.   I have to snatch one from my husband to get another bite.   Though we made quite a few batches, it was never enough for the six of us.
It was indeed a winner.
I thought the menschy actor Chris Messina was just a good actor as he was eating the bruschetta with great gusto.   Infact, I saw my husband and kids reacting the same way.   Being careful not to have any of the topping fall over.
Please, please you must try this.   Your husband and your kids or your friends will love you more with these.

After the Bruschetta eating mania
Enjoyed the rest of the afternoon playing with
Hazel Nutella our new pup.

Here are more of my posts with my Julie and Julia addiction:

• Finding the Joy in Cooking Through the Movie, Julie and Julia
• Nutella Cream Pie
• Celebrating Julia Child's 100th Birthday with Hollandaise Sauce

Buon Apetit!

Noriter Cafe: The Playground of the Creatives

Don't you just love taking a break from the crazy world with a cup of coffee while lounging off somewhere, where your thoughts run freely and concerns are clouded with dainty pieces adorning every nook and cranny.  There is a place that fits that dreamy afternoon.   Located near where I had the best and worst stage of my education life.
Just so you know, I just had posted a review on a Korean fusion restaurant which is also near the university, where I took a Bachelor's degree in Education with two majors, in Education and Mathematics.  Does that sound like me?  Hhhmmm...you guess!

Days before we tried Chef's Noodle at the University Mall, my daughter and I toured our way to Taft after getting her report card.  She did well somehow with her studies, so to reward her, I took her to Noriter Cafe.  We knew about this place years already, just that we couldn't take time to visit it.   So when she asked me if we can eat snack before we go home, I never hesitated to invite her at Noriter.

Hhmmm...what do you think, was she delighted?

The entrance

the guard actually sits on the white chair, good thing he went away in time for me  to take a shot of this wall.

Let Chef's Noodle Fire-up Your Senses

Oh U.M., I've missed you! 

  It's been sixteen long years since I last saw you.   

But when I saw you again, you've changed.  

From the fashionable and trendy alley now to gastronome's haven. 

 It might have dampened me but instead the transformation shook me up.

Nah!  I know it won't pass for a good poem.  But yes, I used to be a regular of UM , shortened from University Mall.  It used to be one of our hang-outs during college.  It's where I checked for vogue items to add to my rather traditional and commonplace apparel during those times.  

Now, let us take a closer look to what had replaced my dismay.   As a consideration, I haven't been very particular to the fad for fashion, rather, I had my senses for what's new in the dining scene.   The Philippine food market has been very open to more and more cuisines, that excites me more.   Like KPOP craze and Koreans being ubiquitous everywhere in the country, it's not far from reality that their food storm our dining tables.

 Korean restaurants, though few have been present since 1974, not many know about this.   And boy, how could we have missed the famous Korea-novela "Jewel in the Palace."  It did put a remarkable mark of awareness for us Filipinos about the dishes Koreans love, enticing us to try it.   Kimchi being the most famous is served in almost all of their dishes.  It is like the Korean's Salad.
Oh, how could I have forgotten, what really replaced my dismay was this Korean restaurant that my husband and I had tried,  Chef's Noodle.   Located on the second floor,

From Spain to the Philippines, Mayoral opens first boutique at Glorietta 4!

Mayoral, the leading brand for children’s wear in Spain is coming soon to make new friends in Manila!  

Mayoral offers a diverse range of products, clothing and accessories for children between the ages of 0-16 years. With each age range having its own distinctiveness, Mayoral has created three different brands. 

Mayoral catering to 3 months to 2 years old babies, inspired by soft colors and comfort; 2-9 year old boys and girls with comfortable, happy collection and garments that offer freedom of movement and girls 8-16 years old who are more fashion conscious with collection designed with the latest trends from around the world.

Newborn Mayoral, for the new mommies, provides a vast assortment of garments and accessories including sheets, duvets, blankets, cushions, baby bags, dummy chains, bibs, bathrobes and many more.

 And Nukutavake, for boys and young men ages 8-16 years, with designs that are adventurous, with character and defined style. 

Distributed by Retail Specialist Inc. (RSI), Mayoral is set to open its first boutique in Manila this September at the ground level of Glorietta 4. 

About Retail Specialist, Inc. (RSI)

Established in 1991, RSI is a distributor of global clothing and footwear brands in the Philippines. With over 20 years of extensive experience and expertise in the market to address the constantly changing needs of the Filipino consumer.

RSI operates 35 specialty retail stores in 16 Major Malls Nationwide. Each of our boutiques offers the Filipino consumer a global shopping experience that truly embodies the essence of our partner brands, including Naturalizer, Florsheim, Bossini, Via Spiga, Onex, Dezario, Zizi by Florsheim, Andrea Chenier and Andre Valentino.

For more information, visit www.retailspecialist.com

Yuujin 友人: Of Comrades and the Love for Fine Food

I was so blessed to have been invited by a friend to a dinner at a Japanese restaurant along Wilson Street in Greenhills.  Let me dub this as an invitation to the profound taste of Japanese cuisine.   With an invitation as such who can say no.   I'm not a regular Greenhills visitor but there is one peculiar restaurant that have always captivated me whenever I get the chance to pass by.   Just two days prior to the invitation my husband and I passed by the same street and there we were, caught staring at this restaurant on our way to Lemuria.

Yuujin　友人 as this rather private place is known has been serving the best Japanese dishes for seven years already.

In translation, "jin" part means "person", so this does, in effect, mean simply "friend", which is a formal way of expressing it.

The restaurant or  nihonn shyoku resutoran (Japanese) is owned by a group of friends since grade school.   All of them though have a distinct profession and businesses, and their friendship had even more blossomed with this concept as their baby.   

Like the Italian and French food flares, I have learned to love Japanese as it comes down to the quality of ingredients and the meticulous preparation of the food.  Chefs in Japan are often the owner of the restaurant and therefore take great pride and care in their offerings.   Yuujin however is owned by Filipinos, though the idea was presented by a Japanese who then became part of the corporation.   "When he was still here he was hands -on from the preparation and training of the staff in the kitchen," according to Chris Imbo, one of the owners.   The Japanese part-owner's passion served as inspiration  for the group to maintain the quality of their food and service even though he went back to Japan.

Black and Pink Theme Ideas for my Daughter's Party

2012 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos: Ten Exemplary Teachers Included

Being A Miracle in an ExemplaryWay

"Everyday, we try to look for miracles to happen in our lives. After having watched Bruce Almighty last night, I can't forget the lines of the one who played God - - The miracle is when a person has two jobs, tends to the family needs, and still manages to attend her son's baseball game (something like that)...and then his last lines...We shouldn't be looking for miracles in our lives. Instead, we should BE THE MIRACLE. To all my teacher friends, former students, and colleagues, we have a huge responsibility as educators but none of us entered this field for convenience. We knew all along that this job is a tough one but each time we make a difference in the lives of our students, even the realization on their parts comes at a much later time, I know how fulfilled you all become. i know I am. I am proud to be an EDUCATOR. Happy National Teachers' Month!"

This message was quoted from a friend's FB wall.  Ms. Tricia Coralejo-Montinola, an Administrator of School of St. Anthony's and an educator herself.  Quite astonishing to see people realizing their value as an educator, public servant and God's servant.   

2012 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos

Just last September 5, 2012, I was at Makati Shangri-La' Rizal Ballroom to witness the conferment