Paradizoo-Mendez, Cavite “Paradise of Best Practices in Agriculture”.

Celebrate this International Year of Family Farming in Paradizoo as it unfolds one of the biggest festivities in the field of agriculture...

“POWER OF THREE 2014”

from January 11 to March 2, 2014.

Learn more about agriculture, from flowers, vegetables to different farm animals and produce which you may buy. Also, watch a parade of different kinds of horses from the smallest to the biggest type of breeds in merriment of this year of the horse. 

PARADIZOO: POWER OF THREE

“Festive Bloom of Agriculture”

In celebration of the year of the International Family Farming, experience one of the most anticipated annual festivities in the field of agriculture as Paradizoo re-unfold “Power of Three" (floral, vegetable and agri-livestock fair). Join us from January 11 March 2 featuring an amazing Horse Parade, a gala for this year of the horse. See different breeds of horses from thorough breds to miniature horses, display their regal statures as they parade together with their colorful and magnificent carts.  Also develop and enjoy your understanding towards agriculture as you will learn the Best Practices in agriculture. They will exhibit and display farm produce, sale and auction of livestocks (imported breeds of goats for milk and meat, sheep, several pig breeds animal feed, and a lot more). There will be briefings, discussions on breeding programs and free seminar on flower, vegetable and livestock care.

Be mesmerized to a variety of breathtaking floral designs, formal hedges and topiary during Flower Festival starting Jan 18 up to Jan 25. Witness a stunning haven of farm and garden everyone would wish to experience. Additional attention-catching topics to look forward are The Knowledge of Bonsai, Biotechnology Products, Health, Fitness and Wellness, Vermi Composting Technology, Pineapple Jam Making and Aquavermiponics, a modern gardening technology.

Get a chance to interact with animals and know the basics of farming from Feb 1 to Feb 8 in Veggie Festival and Feb 15 to Feb 22 in Livestock Festival. And once you get to know how to milk a goat, ride the horse, and witness a chicken lay an egg, or plant a coffee, cabbage or flower you can opt to buy the farm produce. Then, learn the right way from farm selection to breeding of goats and sheep on Feb 15. Lastly, be trained how to practice food safety on Feb 22.

Located in Mendez, Cavite, Paradizoo is ideal for picnics, educational field trips, outdoor and group outing programs. It is a fascinating paradise that showcases the beauty of flora and fauna. Have a taste of this magnificent theme farm with its latest attractions. Be part of the opening of Noah’s Ark, a comforting means of expressing a lasting tribute to your pet by selecting a burial vault and permanent marker in marble or granite. And have a glimpse of the Wedding Pavilion and Boot Camp a perfect location for different events.

This would be one fruitful experience you surely wouldn’t want to miss. So for those who yearn to have this wonderful experience,Park opens from 8am to 5pm. For you to explore more of this amazing theme farm visit www.zoomanity.com.ph or call 899-9824/28; txt 09178351111 for more details.

Mӧvenpick Resort Cebu Tops Hot New Destinations List in 2013, According to Google, CNN

New Filipino-owned Swiss Hotel is Second Most Googled Destination in the Philippines

CEBU, Philippines (December 26, 2013) – Filipino-owned Mӧvenpick Resort Cebu is the second most Googled destination in the Philippines, according to Google’s 2013 year-in-review search list. As first reported on CNN, the Zeitgeist is Google’s year-ender report and lists the hottest travel destinations by country.

The annual Google report captures the trends and interests of people all over the world, including new favorites among Filipinos.

Sky Ranch in Tagaytay and Tubbataha Reef in Puerto Princesa were ranked the first and the third respectively. Pico de Loro, Tugawe Cove Resort, Potipot Island, Amana Waterpark, Misibis Bay, Nuvali and Laiya resorts rounded up the ten spots that Filipinos were most interested in learning more about.

Manny H. Osmena, owner of the two-year old Mӧvenpick was thrilled to hear about the results. “When my General Manager told me about the great news, I was so happy. It Is a gift from God to be recognized for the complete transformation of the property, as well as the transformation of the food and beverage service. We welcome visitors who are curious about the resort and aim to give them a great experience with the unique ambience of Mӧvenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu.”

Interesting amenities and offers at the resort include the Ibiza Beach Club reminiscence of the club atmosphere in the Spanish island. Guests could watch gorgeous views of the sunset as they enjoy the Balearic-stye churrasco capped by the world-famous Mӧvenpick Swiss Ice cream. Guests could also order the same premium coffee served in Mӧvenpick Hotels in Paris, Zurich and Berlin. The outdoor performance venue shoes exciting Latin dance numbers, fire exhibition dancers and Las Vegas style performances four to five nights a week produced by our in-house artists under the direction of the entertainment director hailing from Majorca, Spain Paco Beltran. Meanwhile special occasions culminate in a special fireworks display over the beach from the rooms, views of the aqua colored waters and the seamlessly constructed boardwalk made from ironwood look pristine and serene. Guests pamper themselves with the finest bath sets imported from the luxury brand Chopard. To begin and end the journey is a luxury hotel car service: a Porsche Cayenne, which provides visitors a full-circle experience of excellence and elegance they won’t forget.

The above qualities of Mӧvenpick Resort Cebu make it a place for a great and luxurious stay. The traits of this place have fueled the Filipino traveler’s interest in making Mӧvenpick Resort Cebu his destination of choice in 2013 and beyond. 

American Eye Center gifts OFW heroes with a yuletide privilege

The Christmas season is all about the spirit of giving. And give is what the American Eye Center, the country’s leading eye care center, will do this Yuletide season.

In line with its support of Filipinos working abroad, the American Eye Center is giving eligible OFWs the ultimate gift with its Pamaskong Handog OFW Privilege Card through its Shangri-La and Greenbelt branches. With the OFW Privilege Card, kababayans can now secure eye health for themselves and for their dependents from anywhere in the world through discounts on diagnostics and treatments.

“The essence of the holidays is giving back to the community and American Eye Center does so by honoring our beloved OFWs. These modern day Filipino heroes deserve much recognition and we do that by offering quality eye care for them and the rest of their families through our exclusive OFW Privilege Card,” says American Eye Center’s COO Dr. Benjamin Cabrera.

American Eye Center offers the OFW Privilege Card to all overseas Filipino workers and their qualified dependents. The card is absolutely free and entitles the bearer to a 50 percent discount on comprehensive eye examinations and 15 percent discount for their dependents. The card also allows special 20 percent discount on cataract surgery, 15 percent discount on All Laser or Bladeless LASIK, and 10 percent off on diagnostic procedures.

The card also offers exclusive discounts at American Eye Center partner SPEX Optical. All OFW’s need to do is set an appointment and present valid overseas employment documents to avail of these unlimited discounts starting December 2013 to March 2014.

Eye health and OFWs

“American Eye Center honors OFWs with this privilege because we believe and respect the sacrifices they make to provide a better life for their families. In order to do so, these modern day heroes need to be physically up to take on this challenge which is where eye health comes in. They deserve nothing short of optimum eye health to achieve overall well-being,” Dr. Cabrera said.

Excellence in Ophthalmic Care

American Eye Center has been breaking new ground in ophthalmic care since its establishment in 1995. American Eye Center’s level of excellence is backed by the Associated Eye Specialists, the most experienced and longest-running EyeMD group practice in the country, composed of 17 doctors extensively trained in various ophthalmic subspecialties. The Center is also staffed with highly qualified optometrists, nurses and counselors to provide patients with personalized quality eye care.  

           

American Eye Center is a full-service diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical eye facility fully accredited with the Department of Health and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. It houses the latest diagnostic equipment for the early detection and monitoring of all eye diseases such as Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy and Cataract.  

Its location in Greenbelt 5 in Makati City has a laser suite, an operating room, a recovery room, examining rooms, and a spacious reception area.  Clients can also choose from a wide array of elegant eyewear from SPEX, a world-class eyewear center adjacent to the American Eye Center and managed by The Optical Shop. 

The company’s main office is located at the level 5, Shangri-La Plaza, EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd., Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City. For inquiries and details, call tel. nos. 636-0762 or 729-EYES (3937) or email us at info@americaneye.com.ph. You may also visit www.americaneye.com.ph for more information about the OFW Privilege Card.

Avail of American Eye Center’s OFW Privilege card and ensure a clear future for the entire family. Set an appointment today via phone or e-mail or through American Eye Center’s appointment planner available at their website. Always stay in the know by downloading the American Eye Center App available on iPhone, iPad, and on Android.

Little Jose's Red Velvet Cupcakes!

 

I once visited a known cafe in Makati just to have a cup of coffee after a long day at work. I saw this red cake with white icing in their display and I initially thought it was a strawberry short cake; when it was my turn to place in my order i looked closer at the name of that deliciously looking slice, it says "red velvet". So to prevent my self from embarrassment of not knowing, i ordered my coffee and just pointed the cake. I went back to my table, opened my laptop and comfortable sat on their nice comfy couch. "Rich strawberry-ish yummy cake" that’s what my mind was whispering in my head when I was about to take my first bite. And yeah. At first i was disappointed not tasting the red berry but as i ate the slice, uhm.... it was not bad at all. I did like the texture and i did like the "tease-me" red colour. Since then, i became fond of having red velvet as part of my dessert (if available) but tasting hotels, restaurants and patisseries different versions, i came up with no specific standard on what red velvet really taste like. But I’m sure about one thing, it has this distinct texture in my mouth. (Long pause... think of a word to use... eerrrnnkk! failed!) Yeah, can't think of any sentence to express my taste buds reaction.

 

Red Velvet Cupcake is actually one of the best sellers of Little Jose's Kitchen. When I saw Joy Acosta's version... wow. Can I eat those golden teeny tiny balls on top or should i remove it and go immediately to a lhuillier? Uhm, good thing i tasted it. It’s edible. It’s not accepted in any pawnshop in the world.

 

The icing on top is definitely delicious and when you take a bite, when you allowed the frosting to blend with the cake. Oh my. You need to close your eyes, take a deep breath and say uuuhhhmmmmm...yummy...i wwhhaannttt ssoooohhhmmmeee mmhhoooorreeee... and poof! The rest of the piece is history in your belly.

 

I suggest that you can have a serving of these cupcakes on your kids’ birthday party because for sure they'll like it! If you have any friend who will celebrate her 18th birthday and the motif is red and gold or even red and white, you can tell her planner to have these cupcakes displayed in the dessert area. 

 

Bridal shower or even stag party; baby shower or even anniversary, it's one sweet deli you and your family will love all year round.

Made by ONLY THE FINEST ingredients and baked by a fashionable mum, the cakes i tasted have the finest flavours and eclectic textures.

 

Planning a party? Little Jose's Kitchen offers Table party packages featuring a combination of delectable round cakes, pastries, cookies, and much more!

Note: All prices in our standard price guide reflect pick up orders only. Delivery may be additional.

If you have a special request please contact us for price quotes, schedule taste test and more details.

Email: little_jose@rocketmail.com

Instagram: instagram.com/josescupcakes

mobile: 09173506810

https://twitter.com/JosesCupcakes

https://www.facebook.com/LittleJosesKitchen?fref=ts

 

Welcoming the year of the Horse!

First Blog for the Year of the Horse, 2014. I know most of you waited for the night to cross over the 1st day of January. Food extravaganza, Fireworks galore, Family gathering, booze over load, annual traditions like Jumping (belief to get additional height), Wearing polkadots and stripes (for money), having 12 different fruits in the dining table (for luck and having something to eat during the 12 months of the year), and the list goes on. Mainly, these stuff that we usually do came from different cultures mostly from the Chinese. There's one more thing we have a tendency of doing every New Year, having a New Years Resolution.

Secular tradition, most common in the Western Hemisphere but also found in the Eastern Hemisphere, in which a person makes a promise to do an act of self-improvement or something slightly nice, such as opening doors for people beginning from New Year's Day - as defined by Wikipedia.

 Noticing other Filipino's responses when asked, "What's your New Years resolution?" Mostly would say "I wish to have a better physique / job / grades" etc. They will also say "Sana" meaning hopefully / wishing. But I'm just wondering, do they really understand what does "NEW YEAR RESOLUTION" means?

In my personal perspective, its should be answered with a verb that links to more defiant action. Rather than saying "wish" it will be better to say "Will" then followed by the actions one must do to get what he/she wanted. I, for example, One of my objectives this year is to blog more, for me to have my desired output, my inputs will be my daily writing training, my exposure, my willingness to write and avail more time to post. Why is it my New Years Resolution? my initial blog site just focused on food, but i want to re brand myself and my blogs to other things that I love, like events, travels and adventures, I know I can do better, I can explore more, I can share and inspire additional audience with my online journal, I can expand my network of friends.

Wishing or hoping with no action will not place our dreams in our hands. If we weren't able to get it from last year, find another solution to resolve the problem, to achieve what we wanted, to have a grasp of what we needed. Have a positive outlook in life, shake off negative vibes, pray and work for it and you'll never know, the issue you were trying to resolve from the previous year will be long gone without you even noticing it. You don't need to wait for another 31st of December to make a resolution, it will become your daily habit, to be someone better and one step closer to your desire, every time you wake up.

Happy New Year everyone! Stay Positive and GOOD VIBES THE HORSE YEAR ROUND!

Au Revoir - Merci Beacoup 2013, Bonjour 2014!

This year has been a roller coaster ride for me, been in a painful-like-about-to-die illness, emotional and intellectual chaos and unimaginable personal struggle but amid these challenge, I had my series of victors,  I've been known for many names towards the end of the quarter, The Captain of the champs,  Venus, Luigi and Mr. China. I have conquered the dance floor, the ITIL examination, the blogging world. I have met people who caused me pain but new friends from work to the events and pageant world came. This year has been literally bitter sweet and I Thank you. for being part of it. Thank you for your support and your prayers. Your love and care, your concern and empathy. I raise all these to our Almighty Father, for we living a purpose only He had written. God Bless you and your family this 2014! 

The Globe in my hands

The world is now in my reach. Just last Friday, I was able to FINALLY get a post paid plan with Globe. After a few days of going back and forth (because I keep on forgetting some requirement) I eventually signed my self for a couple of years commitment with the telecom.

Photo from: google search

Waiting queue seemed endless so I shopped a bit around the store across them and was just in time when they called my name. I arrived there a few minutes before 6:00 pm and I was called around 7:00 pm-ish. I immediately mentioned to their personnel that I need a plan that can give me a strong connection in our company's VPN and I also need a gadget that fits a bloggers lifestyle. I felt he was surprised and a tiny bit more enthusiasm arose specially when I handed over my documents. Iphone 5c was the first one he offered but I'm not really a fan of Mac so I mentioned that an iconic-showbiz-brother I know got an LG G2 Android for plan 1799 and I told him I have another friend who waited for almost a month to get her phone / line working and the rep responded quickly that I can get the phone I wanted right away! Sounds cool right?  like a quick costumer service satisfaction, so then he walked me through the plan and its inclusion and explained the plan and the peso value thingy.

photo from google search

For my plan I got 3200 PV to consume. I came up with:

For the Gadget - 1100 PV

1 Month Internet Access - 999 PV

Globe / TM Calls for 20 minutes - 100 PV x 3 = 60 minutes = 300 PV

All Net Combo, 5 minutes call and 100 text message to all networks - 100 PV x 3 = 15 minutes and 300  text messages to all networks = 300 PV

All Net text, 125 sms to all network (on top of All Net Combo) - 100 PV x 3 = 375 sms to all network (on top of All Net Combo) = 300 PV

INT'L 5 mins international call and 5 isms - 100 PV x 2 = 10 mins international call and 10 isms = 200 PV

photo from google search

He assured me that I will only pay 1799 every month and will not incur any internet charge since its included in the plan and will only be billed for extra sms / call minutes once I go over the total accumulated PV conversions I have. I also have an LTE sims that I can use when I want to go online and the signal is fine.

All my inquiries that day were answered promptly and he kindly asked me to wait for my name to be called for the release of the unit and plan. I was also asked to provide a month deposit of 1799 php and I didn't need to go out to withraw from an ATM, I just swiped my BPI Savings account card. He went to the new accounts desk to give my docs and when he came back he said I'm 8th in the list, I asked if I could go to the loo and smoke real quick, and he said its quite fine. So I quickly ran to the nearest washroom then smoked half a cigarette, when I went back, it was the same person sitting in the release desk when I went out. I was like, OMG, 8th in the list? how long do I need to wait?! I stood near the sofas, I sat, I went our for a smoke, checked some phones, sat, stood up, smoked and check the LG and sat and had a quick nap before they called me. OH MY. I'm not a very patient person! 

photo from google search

3 - 5 hours of waiting and alas! I got my globe at hand!! I might have forgotten to mention that I told the representative that I will write about my experience with them in my blog and he said there's no problem with that. So join me in my 2 years journey with MyGlobe Superplan.

http://www.globe.com.ph/

Shawn's way in every buffet

Being a foodie, you must be really adventurous when it comes to food (well obviously lol). Your tongue must be really versatile for you to write your "major major" gastronomical encounters. Sad to say, I'm just half the glutton that I am. I'm one of those unfortunate souls who are allergic to seafood. I can only eat canned sardines and tuna and macarel, bagoong, tuyo and daing and sweetened pusit and dilis, other than that. I have to have my maxi care card ready lol. I also don’t drink alcoholic beverages, only sparkling soda or just a sip of chardonnay are my limitations. I know I'm missing a great part of life for not enjoying those stuff but it won’t stop me for exploring the dishes i can devour!

Buffet is one of my ways of tapping myself on a back in every achievement or just a simple luxury if we have enough time and savings. I always look forward in filling my tummy with new food finds!  and with no further a do, here's a list of what I do every time I'm set to sail in the abyss of chewing extravaganza!

My buffet tips and toes!

1. Minimal or no rice involve.

E.g. paella, fried rice, Yangchow, maki etc. our culture likes rice in every meal. And being biologically male, I tend to eat more than a cup or sometimes the entire basket of rice in kanin club. Well in buffets, i try to turn a way a bit from these carbs little bits. madaling makabusog ang kanin. Always remember that so try resist temptations or have a little of it.

(My favourite pumpkin soup of Tony Romas)

2. Minimal soup.

Just a few spoonfuls in your bowl are enough for you to taste all of them. Soups are liquid and usually thick, it can make your tummy heavy easily.

3. Have a bit of everything.

Just slim slices of meat or just a few spoonfuls of what you want to taste. It will give your tongue a variety and will give you more tummy space for the one you will like or like the best!

4. Don’t drink too much.

Sip a little at time. But don’t be shy drinking if you're already thirsty or if the food is really spicy. Make sure you have enough drink to grab when you feel you're about to choke. Sodas and fruit shakes are sweet, "madaling makabusog at makaumay". Have a glass of iced water or tea instead.

5. Try the unusual.

Adobos, friend chickens, afritadas etc. are home cooked meals and carenderias have them. Try some cuisines that are new to you. Don't be afraid to explore. Just make sure you're not allergic to it and ASK for the ingredients of major components of the dish. It's hard to enjoy the rest if the feast grasping for air or scratching yourself. For those who are blessed, they sometimes don’t ask, they're the braver soul lol.

6. Pause for desserts.

After tasting the appetizers, main courses, and its time for my favourite part of the meal! THE SWEETS! Pause for a few minutes. Have a sip of coffee or tea to give a little more space for treats. Also have a glass of cold water or hot tea near you just in case your taste bud finds something too sweet. For cakes, don’t take the bigger slice, as much as possible just get the part you like but slimmer than the big chunk. For fruits, sparkling practically, aim for the expensive ones lol. we can get a Fuji apple for 20 php but if you see big tounged strawberries moreover fruits that are not usually seen in markets like blueberries, raspberries etc., get more than a piece ehehe.

Majority of the buffet hubs only allows you to have your "shall return’s for only a couple of hours but if you're done with my fancy 6 steps, still have time and tummy space, you can go ahead and have another set of the few of the food you liked the most!