Make Cooking A Breeze This Season With These Nifty Kitchen Hacks




Bust food prep stress with these smart cooking tips.
What’s more exciting than gifts and Christmas carols during the holidays? The food and parties, of course! With Christmas just around the corner, the need to rev up our kitchens becomes even more necessary so we can catch up with holiday cooking demands.
For homeowners, however, the holiday season can both be fun and challenging, especially when it comes to preparing for all those potlucks and family dinners. So how do we cope? In times like these, it is important to start by making tweaks on your overall process.


Read on below for some smart cooking that can make your life easier this season:
1. Keep water from boiling over the pot.
This nifty hack will save you watching over your pot like a hawk. The next time you need to boil water for your pasta, put a wooden spoon over the top of the pot to keep it from overflowing. The bubbles of the water will get in contact with the pot and keep it from spilling over.  
An induction cooker, which offers controlled and customizable cooking functions, can help make your life easier, too. Midea’s Induction cooker, for example, has eight cooking functions customized for different cooking needs. Use the hotpot feature the next time you need to boil water. If the water in the pot dries up or the temperature is abnormally high, the induction cooker automatically switches off or starts protection function.
2. Roast a whole chicken evenly.
Roasts are big hits during the holidays, but they are admittedly a bit tasking to pull off. The next time you’re planning to roast a whole chicken, make sure to add ice cubes to it before popping it in the oven.
Put the cubes on the breast part of the chicken, which is also the fastest part that gets cooked. Icing this portion will help cook the part slower to match the required cooking time of other chicken parts so you get a nice, even roast all over.
Roasting or baking goodies can be practical. Try Midea’s Gas Range, which is optimized for LPG savings in the kitchen. For only 4php per 30 minutes of baking, you wouldn’t have to worry about running out of Gas while preparing your holiday treat. This gas range also comes with a Fry feature, spending only 1php per 15 minutes of frying. It is perfect for the holiday season as it can accommodate the heavy duty cooking with its large oven capacity. The Midea gas range is the best kitchen partner for Filipino cooking, especially during the holidays.
3. Fry well.
We’ve all had that desire to get our frying done by putting all of our meat pieces on our frying pans to save time. If you want tender, juicy meat, however, make sure to cook in batches with enough space between your meat.
It’s important to watch the stove temperature closely too. If the pan turns too hot, it will make the food lose its moisture and even cause oil to pop.
Midea’s induction cooker has a special fry function that can help guide you for starters, with customizable temperature if you want to adjust it.  Moreover, you’ll never be afraid of frying anything again with its flameless feature that prevents common stovetop accidents like burns, fire, and gas leakages.
4. Cook sides of food evenly without flipping.
The next time you need to bake something, make your food cook evenly by popping your cooking sheet when you’re preheating your oven. This trick will heat up the surface of your cooking sheet, helping the food cook well without having to pull them out just to flip them.
5. Get crispy, deep-fried food every time.  
For crispy, deep-fried treats, the trick is to make sure your oil is hot enough. You can determine this by dipping a chopstick into the oil—if there are bubbles around it, it is the right temperature.  Make sure that the food is dry, too (pat it dry with a towel before frying) to keep oil from splattering once you dip into the pan.
Midea’s Induction Cooker makes sure you get an affordable frying experience with its energy feature. For only 1php for every four minutes of frying, you can enjoy deep fried food this season without worrying about your power bill.
In addition to these tricks, you can improve your cooking experience with the right kitchen partners. Midea’s kitchen appliances are designed with the busy homemaker in mind, making them the perfect choice for the holidays.



----
About Midea
Midea, one of the world's largest manufacturers of appliances, covers a complete range of products from electric kettles, washing machines, gas ranges, microwaves to large commercial air-conditioning systems. Thriving in over 150 countries, Midea has now arrived in the Philippines! Midea is also a part of Forbes Fortune 500 companies with a market cap of $31.5 Billion as of May 2017.
In partnership with Concepcion Industrial Corporation (CIC), Midea's global strength in the appliance industry infused with CIC's Integrity, Excellence and Total Customer Satisfaction give the world class brand a better understanding of the Filipino's needs.


Posted in: , , , , , | Posted by :

The McDonald's Stripes Run 2017 is set to Cebu and Manila


We don't mind waking up early for this one of the most anticipated run for everyone! It's not just an individual run but families can really get to enjoy, bond and have fun! Two years ago, me and my family were able to join the McDonald's Stripes run, that's why this year, we are much much eager to join to once again feel the excitement and never mind the exhaustion. 


Now on its 8th year, the highly anticipated run will be held on November 25, 2017 at Garden Bloc, Cebu IT Park, Cebu City and on December 3, 2017 at McKinley West, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. 

Proceeds will be used to help public school children learn to read through the Ronald McDonald House Charity’s (RMHC) Read to Learn program. 

To date, Ronald McDonald Read To Learn has reached over 8,000 partner schools, trained 28,000 educators, and helped close to 12 million students all over the Philippines. This initiative, in partnership with the Department of Education, aims to raise the literacy level among Grade 1 and 2 public school students. 

Register yourself and your family for the McDonald’s Stripes Run from October 13 to November 23 for Cebu registrants and until December 1 for Manila registrants. Registration is simple with these three options: 

1. Fill out the registration form and pay at select McDonald’s stores.
2. Download the form on mcdostripesrun.com.ph, and settle the registration fee at select McDonald’s stores.
3. Register and pay online at mcdostripesrun.com.ph. 

Each registrant will receive a race kit, which includes a pair of the iconic red and white striped socks, a singlet, a race bib, and a stub for a free McDonald’s breakfast meal at the venue. 

This year’s fun run opens 7 categories including the 5K Squad Stripes, the newest division that’s perfect for the whole gang. Categories for this year’s run are as follows: 

Kiddie Stripes 1 kilometer run for ages 8 years old and below
Young Stripes 3 kilometer run for ages 8-15 years old
3K Stripes 3 kilometer run for ages 16 years and up
Family Stripes 3 kilometer run for teams with 2 adults (aged 16 and up) and 2 kids (aged 15 and under)
5K Stripes 5 kilometer run for ages 16 years and up 5K Squad Stripes 5 kilometer run for teams with 4 adults (ages 16 and up) 10K Stripes 10 kilometer run for ages 16 years old and up 

Exciting game booths and activities await the entire family and barkada at McDonald’s Stripes Run 2017 in Manila and Cebu. Sign-up today and tell your family and friends all about it! Don’t forget to use the hashtag #McDoStripesRun and tag @McDo_PH on Twitter and Instagram.

It will be another keepsake for our family and a just something to brag about. It will be a memorable moment again with our loved ones. I will definitely let my kids know the benefits of this run. So what are you waiting for Mommies and Daddies, sign up now and let's run and enjoy. See you there! 

For more information and to view the list of McDo stores you can register in, visit mcdostripesrun.com.ph or follow McDonald’s Philippines’ Facebook page, facebook.com/mcdo.ph.
Posted in: | Posted by :

ASEAN Music Festival: Strengthening Ties through Regional Music Showcase



Get ready for an exciting showcase of music diversity and regional excellence as the 2017 ASEAN National Organizing Council sets the stage for the ASEAN Music Festival 2017. The highly anticipated event is set to take place on November 14, Tuesday, from 7:00pm onwards atthe Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City.

With one shared identity, and one vision, the free concert aims to highlight cross-cultural exchange in the form of music performances from ten (10) participating countries all over the Southeast Asian region.
Come over and get involved in this one-of-a-kind soiree that champions top music discoveries on a global scale.

Joining the festivities are Filipino alternative, indie, and modern rock acts Parokya Ni Edgar, Franco, Silent Sanctuary, The Ransom Collective and Sandwich. Entrance is free!
Held along the sidelines of the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings, ASEAN Music Festival is part of the yearlong celebration of the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN and the Philippine Chairmanship of ASEAN Meetings for 2017.

Aside from the upcoming music festival, the grand celebration will be preceded by various ministerial meetings across Metro Manila and Clark Field in Pampanga.

For more details, please check/follow our event page: bit.ly/aseanmusicfest2017, and contact 
0956-591-3367.

#aseanmusicfestph #asean2017 #asean50 #nccaofficial
Posted in: , | Posted by :

"Shop The Universe" with Lazada Philippines #OnlineRevolution2017

Lazada Online Revolution brand partners together with Inanc Balci, Co-Founder and CEO of Lazada Philippines, during the sale’s kick-off event 


MANILA CITY, PHILIPPINES – Southeast Asia’s biggest online shopping event, the Online Revolution Sale, brings to the spotlight over 28 million local and international products from its most trusted brands and sellers. Customers can expect jaw-dropping offers, flash sales and exclusive launches up to 95% off.

Now on its sixth year, Lazada.com.ph expects over 150 million visits combined during the sale period, which begins November 9 in the Philippines. The combination of millions of sellers and buyers makes this year’s theme: “Shop the Universe” a perfect fit.



Luis Manzano hosting the Lazada Ph Online Revolution 2017 launch 


Shoppers looking for more will get more choices as items on sale during Alibaba’s single’s day (11.11) will be available through the Taobao Collection. Digital goods such as prepaid load, mobile data and restaurant & lifestyle vouchers are also available at 5% off.   

Christmas gift-seekers will be treated with more options at even better prices. Top deals include the Cherry Mobile OnRev smartphone for only Php 999, the Olay Night Ritual at Php 999 and the Casio G-Shock watch for only Php 2,995.

Bargain hunters will also love to the 11 Peso deals and flash sales every two hours. Some flash sale items include a Matrix microwave oven for Php 1,999, an A7 Sports camera for Php 439 and Mamypoko Extra Dry Skin Tape Diapers (30 pcs) for only Php 322.

Christmas shopping wouldn’t; be complete without raffle promos. Lazada has that too! Avent is giving away a cash prize of Php 1,000,000 to one lucky customer buying any Avent product. Lazada is also giving away free trips from Philippine Airlines and Star Cruises, as well as one Isuzu SUV to lucky shoppers. Each transaction entitles shoppers to an electronic raffle coupon. Through a collaboration with Freenet, the free internet platform of Voyager Innovations, customers using the Lazada mobile app can browse and shop without being charged for data consumption.

To get additional discounts, sign-up for a PayMaya account and enjoy additional 20% off (max. discount of P400) with the code PYMYNOV upon checkout for the whole month of November.

“With this year’s Online Revolution Sale, the best of the world is truly at everyone's fingertips. Lazada has been working closely with the top brands and sellers in the country and across the globe to offer the best products at the most affordable prices. We believe that campaigns such as Online Revolution will someday set the Philippines to be the online shopping capital of not only Southeast Asia but also the world” said Lazada Co-Founder and CEO, Inanc Balci.  

Christmas can’t get better than this! Visit www.lazada.com.ph/online-revolution/ and make your Christmas shopping merry and bright. The biggest sale of the year, Online Revolution, will be from November 9 to December 12, 2017. Watch out for the mega days on November 9 to 11 and December 7 to 12.

About Lazada Group
Lazada is the number one online shopping & selling destination in Southeast Asia – present in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Lazada helps more than 135,000 local and international sellers as well as 3,000 brands serve the 560 million consumers in the region through its marketplace platform, supported by a wide range of tailored marketing, data, and service solutions. Lazada offers an excellent customer experience through a wide network of logistics partners and its own first- and last-mile delivery arm.  



Posted in: | Posted by :

Alessandra de Rossi and Ivan Padilla's movie "12" : Relatable and Immersive

Alessandra de Rossi and Ivan Padilla in the movie "12" 

Is quitting really part of a relationship? Why does a good romance has to end? What are the factors and elements to be considered if things didn't turn out like what you've planned? 

For every relationship, it takes two to tango, right? And if the boat is sinking, both of you should paddle with right timing and in one direction with synchronicity. If the other one isn't responsive or doesn't show any interest at all, then that's the time you both should sit down and talk it over. 

In the case of this movie of Alessandra de Rossi and Ivan Padilla entitled "12," they both started as real good friends turned into lovers. Alessandra who plays Erika has felt that something's missing with her life, she has realized that if she's going to accept Anton's (Ivan Padilla) marriage proposal, will she be happy and contented? Will she live the happy life she imagined with her partner Anton? She began to reiterate her side, her thoughts, her innermost feelings. And the conflict begins... 



Anton, being the man and an established director, wouldn't also give way to her partner Erika. Their same issue just keeps on circling and coming through, no resolutions were made until such a point that they have to decide. 

I know some of us can really relate to their conflict and issues, but what would you do if you were in their shoes? As for me, aside from the feeling of #relatemuch and immersing myself on some of the situations, I could use some tips and ways from their characters and their very too-close-to-reality lines. 


Alessandra de Rossi and Ivan Padilla during the movie's presscon 


If you wish to watch the videos recorded during "12" presscon, please click here.

Showing in cinemas nationwide under Viva Films. This is a must-watch amazing peeps!!! 👍👍👍 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



A movie about two people in love always has its audience.  Majority of the viewers, if not all, most likely hope for a happy ending, but it’s really how the story unfolds and the roller coaster ride of emotions that create an impact.  In the newest VIVA Films presentation, that push and pull of feelings is one of the things you can expect, and more.

“12” tells the story of Anton and Erika, a couple who started out as friends for 5 years then became in a relationship for 7 years, making it a total of 12 years of being together.   Anton is a  commercial director, while Erika is a former band member who becomes his stay-at-home partner, lovingly and happily devoting her time taking care of her man.  Finally, the day comes when he asks her to marry him… will they end up getting married and stay together forever?

Fresh from the tremendous success of “Kita Kita”, Alessandra de Rossi plays the role of Erika with complete abandon, just like she is known to do in every performance.  This film is an assurance that this award-winning actress really loves her craft despite her statement before about wanting to quit showbiz, which hopefully will not be anytime soon.  

Playing Anton is newcomer Ivan Padilla who was seen as Hunter, Bela Padilla’s boyfriend in “100 Tula Para Kay Stella”, another blockbuster hit from VIVA Films.  Ivan is related to the famous Padilla actors, but he’s excited to show everyone in the Philippines that he deserves to be recognized for his own talent in acting.  Just like Alessandra, he asserts that he has really put his heart and soul in playing his character.  

In an interview, Ivan revealed that he won an award in a film festival.  He acquired acting experiences in American TV shows, like “Dexter”, and “CSI:Miami”, “CSI:New York”, and “The Closer”, among others, and Hollywood movies like “Here Comes The Boom”, with Salma Hayek.  He is also adept in martial arts, particularly Jiu-Jitsu.  

The chemistry between Alessandra and Ivan is something to look forward to in this romantic drama that is surely relatable to couples of today.

“12” is showing in cinemas nationwide starting November 8, 2017.  



.  

Posted in: , , , , | Posted by :

Score tickets for the Jack TV MADFest 2017 on November 11


JACK TV brings back the biggest Music, Arts & Dance Festival: MADFest 2017! Juan Sound. One Playground. A Celebration of Breakthrough Filipino Talents. Enjoy 12 hours of non-stop music & fun happening on November 11, 2017 at the Circuit Makati Events Grounds from 3 PM – 3 AM.

For FREE tickets, check out the Jack TV MADFest giveaway on facebook.com/solar.jacktv! Local vocals to watch for in this awesome event is Parokya Ni Edgar, Gab and John from Urbandub, Mayonnaise, Sandwich, Hale, Imago, Kjwan, Gracenote, Hilera, SUD, Ben & Ben, The Ransom Collective, Tanya Markova, Veronica and I, IV of Spades, Ang Bandang Shirley, Pow Chavez, BNK, and more. DJ Toons, DJ Katsy Lee, MC Ronthug are set to fire up the party come midnight, plus performances by Legit Dance Crew and The Alliance.

Don’t miss out on more updates and join the conversation at #MADFest2017 and #JackTV.

For more details, check out Jack TV on http://jacktv.ph/, on Facebook via www.facebook.com/solar.jacktv, on Twitter via @jackTV, and on Instagram via @jacktvnetwork. Jack TV is seen on GSAT Ch. 19, Cablelink Ch. 36, and Cignal Ch. 126.

###
Solar Entertainment Corporation is one of the biggest content providers in the Philippines. It is committed to elevating the network to a global standard and maintaining Solar as a leader and innovator in the industry. Until today, Solar continues to widen its programming to meet the demands of emerging audiences.


Posted in: | Posted by :

#F1Cares: F1 Hotel Manila Community Engagement Programme



“Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community,”

F1 Hotel Manila carried out its first corporate social responsibility last September 2, 2017. “F1 Cares: Community Engagement Programme”, which was led by the hotel’s execom, was done to highlight the company’s great compassion towards social awareness.

Being an institution that values its responsibility not only to the company, but also to community’s environmental and social wellbeing, F1 Hotel Manila reached out to organizations that help the elderly and deaf community.

The hotel chose two community organizations for the “F1 Cares” campaign. Talking Hands, a deaf education center, is an organization that provides programs and services to children with hearing-impairment and their families through the project: ESTE- Ending Silence Through Education Programs. GRACES, or Golden Reception & Action Center for the Elderly and other Special Cases (formerly as Golden Acres Home for the Elderly), is one of four homes for the elderly under the DSWD, which houses 288 senior citizens rescued from the streets or from families that can no longer take care of them.

Aside from providing humble donations, F1 Hotel Manila aims to continue a strong relationship with these beneficiaries, by planning to extend internships to Talking Hands students, and conducting activities with Grace’s. With the hotel’s success for five years, it is only rightful to give back to community, and become socially responsible. F1 Hotel Manila is located in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

For inquiries, call 908-7888, or e-mail to inquiry@f1hotelmanila.com.






Posted in: , , , , , | Posted by :

Viddsee Juree Awards Top Ten Finalists Announced By Viddsee

Alembrg Ang Awards Director Viddsee Jury Philippines


Young filmmakers to win Blackmagic camera and film course in L.A. at Viddsee Juree Awards

Manila, 30 Oct 2017 -- Fresh, innovative and inspiring stories have been chosen to vie for top honors at the Viddsee Juree Philippines, a festival of short films that aim to celebrate and support filmmaker communities in Asia.

The nominated films are by upcoming talents from different schools such as the University of the Philippines, Far Eastern University, Mint, College of St Benilde, Letran, and International Academy of Film and Television. Their works are about families, personal struggles and the realities in rural communities— a young boy’s dream of becoming a mermaid, two brothers dealing with the loss of their parents shot entirely on a drone, a father battling grief and injustice after his son’s death, and more moving stories.

Viddsee’s head of content Nikki Loke comments: “Themes from the top ten films highlight local cultures and nuances, while others reflect universal themes of mental health and identity, for example. Overall, I was very impressed with all the elements of storytelling like casting, cinematography, script, supporting the authenticity of these stories.”

The winners of the Viddsee Juree Awards will be announced at a ceremony on Saturday, November 25, at the FDCP Cinematheque Centre Manila. Viddsee will also hold a series of workshops, forums and short film screenings at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde on 24 November, and at the Cinematheque from 24 to 26 November. All these are open to the public.

The initiative kicked off three months ago through an online campaign and offline roadshows in Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao where it received encouraging response from the creative community.

Two top entries will be named Gold and Silver winners. They will win production equipment including a cinema camera sponsored by Blackmagic and a five-day Film Immersion Course in Los Angeles sponsored by the Motion Picture Association.

For the nominees, landing on the shortlist is a prize in itself.


Derek Tan Co-founder Viddsee


Nikki Loke Viddsee Head of Content


“There are some people who have criticised my work,which made me question my ability as a filmmaker. Being part of this competition made me more confident as a person and a filmmaker, and that I have the chance to be recognized by a bigger audience, that I have a shot in this industry, says Tashana Rivera, director of the film “Companion”.

For Christian Candelaria, director of “In His Island,” being selected is also a tribute to those who helped him make his film. He declares, “I’m humbled and deeply proud to have the privilege of collaborating with such amazing and fine group of people who shared the same passion.”

The jury is composed of Loïc Valceschini, festival programmer of Neuchâtel Int' Fantastic Film Fest and Locarno's Semaine de la Critique, Marcus Manh, Vietnamese film producer and founder of YxineFF, and Antoinette Jadaone, Filipino film writer director of blockbuster hits like “That Thing Called Tadhana and “Love You To The Stars and Back.”

Viewers can see these films and other eligible in out-of-competition films for free on Viddsee.com.

For more information on these events and the shortlisted films visit https://www.viddsee.com/juree/philippines2017

~~~

About Viddsee Juree Awards
Viddsee Juree Awards is an initiative celebrating the entertainment industry's picks of Asian short films from all genres: fiction, documentary and animation. In this second edition of Viddsee Juree Awards, stories are picked from the brightest talents and upcoming filmmakers in the Philippines to be watched and judged by a panel of international judges. Each short film shortlisted for the competition will be watched by millions online and selected for film screenings around various cities in the Philippines. Juree is part of Viddsee’s commitment to celebrate and support filmmakers and film communities in Asia.

About Viddsee
Founded in 2013, Viddsee is an online entertainment and technology platform that drives distribution and marketing of short movies. Its unique stories have generated over 1 billion views through Viddsee’s mobile applications and platforms with its proprietary marketing insight of targeted communities and content. With the vision of building an ecosystem for creators and audience, Viddsee empowers storytellers to tell their very own local stories that resonate with a global audience. Visit www.viddsee.com to find out more.

About Film Development Council of the Philippines
Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) is an agency under the Office of the President mandated to promote and support the development and growth of the Philippine film Industry and currently under the leadership of Chairperson Liza Diño. FDCP's goal is to create a thriving and self-sustaining Filipino film industry that contributes to the cultural and economic development of the country.


Posted in: | Posted by :

DINA DELA PAZ-STALDER, AWARDED AS MOST INFLUENTIAL FILIPINA IN THE WORLD

President & CEO of Stalder Group of Companies Dina dela Paz-Stalder

Another Filipina is awarded in the 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL FILIPINA IN THE WORLD.
Dina Dela Paz-Stalder, a skincare expert, was awarded with this prestigious recognition, specifically in the Founder and Pioneer Category (Global FWN100 Award) in Toronto, Canada on October 27, 2017, by Filipino Women’s Network. She was selected from an outstanding field of nominees from around the world.
The Global FWN100 Award™ recognizes 100 Filipino women who are changing the face of leadership in the global workplace.  It distinguishes them for their outstanding work in their respective fields, and further recognizes them for their achievement and contributions to society.  Dina Dela Paz-Stalder’s award and global recognition is another evidence of Filipino pride as she proves that Filipinos are also global leaders in terms of skincare innovations and extraordinary leadership.
Started from just a small steel pot for skincare formulations,  she now owns and leads the Stalder Group of Companies which includes  Stalder Laboratories Incorporation (a cGMP-certified, Halal-certified and FDA-approved manufacturing plant located in San Pablo, Laguna),  the BCP Dermatological Corporation (the marketing arm),  and the Diana Stalder Face, Body, Skincare Center (formerly known as Dermaline Facial Center).
Aside from being an entrepreneur, Dela Paz-Stalder is a strong advocate for causes such as the environment and community development.
For community development, it would have been easier to build a factory in an industrial zone, but as a farmer’s daughter, the grit and determination that served her well in business is something she applies equally to her advocacies.  So she opted instead to empower her town mates, and give back to her hometown. As far as environment is concerned, at all levels of production, she is adamant about waste segregation and sludge/water recycling. Working with the Mother Earth foundation, the community has also produced malunggay tea, mushrooms, and green charcoal. With this, Dela Paz-Stalder was recognized with a blue ribbon award from the Laguna Lake Development Authority, an honor bestowed upon environmentally responsible businesses. 
"I feel overwhelmed with this recognition, as I did not expect to be given this prestigious award.. Being one of the Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World Award: Founder & Pioneer gives me the opportunity to show my capability as a Filipino and as a woman in inspiring business entrepreneurs. Now, I am more motivated to encourage more people with my story - from my humble beginnings to the dazzling height of success. May we all continue to work together, nurture and empower this unique group, FWN," said Dela Paz-Stalder.

From left to right: Hon Thelma Boac, Global FWN100 Awards Trustee; Susie Quesada, FWN President; Maria Nieves Santos-Greaves, FWN Board Secretary; President & CEO of Stalder Group of Companies Dina Dela Paz-Stalder, the FWN 100 Most Influential Filipina Awardee for Founder and Pioneer Category; Hon. Marilyn Mondejar, FWN Founder and CEO; Maria Beebe, Ph.D, FWN Board Chair

FWN awardees world wide

Posted in: | Posted by :