Author: engkanta

2 min read

Young Adult (YA) author Jennifer Smith was at a queue in a convenience store when the inspiration for her latest book Windfall came in the form of a man with…

Young Adult (YA) author Jennifer Smith was at a queue in a convenience store when the inspiration for her latest book Windfall came in the form of a man with stocks of lottery tickets in his hand.

“I’ve always been interested in moments of change, that exact time when someone’s life changes. There’s not a better example of that than through winning the lottery,” she explained in an interview shortly before a book signing event at Ayala Center Cebu.

National Book Store brought another two bestselling authors, Smith and Jasmine Warga, to the Philippines. NBS hosted the book signing events for Smith and Warga last November 11 in Cebu and on November 12 at SM Aura Premier in Taguig.

Smith authored several bestselling young adult novels, including “The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight,” “This Is What Happy Looks Like,” and “The Geography of You and Me.” Warga wrote such books as “My Heart and Other Black Holes” and “Here We Are Now.”

BOOK SIGNING. Jasmine Warga (left) and Jennifer Smith talk to Cebu journalists before their book signing session with fans in Ayala Center Cebu.

Young Adult book themes

Windfall, which was published in May 2017, revolves around a young woman, Alice, who buys a lottery ticket for her best friend Teddy. It ends up winning him the $140 million but the money soon creates a gap between them.

Warga’s new book Here We Are Now tackles the life of Taliah, who recently meets her biological father Julian. He asks her to go to Indiana with him to meet her dying grandfather. Taliah goes on a journey with her father, and soon learns he wasn’t the father she hoped for all these years.

Her other book My Heart and Other Black Holes touches on such topics as teen romance, mental health, suicide and has been translated into over 20 languages.

Warga said music, though she has no aptitude for it in the way that musicians have, is a common theme of her book because she considers it the closest thing to magic in this world.

IN CEBU. Jennifer Smith and Jasmine Warga sign books for fans during an event in Cebu.

Writing inspirations

Smith and Warga talked about how they became writers, their writing process, inspiration for their books, and favorite authors.

The two said they had a great experience and already tasted a variety of Filipino food. What they haven’t done yet but wanted to do was try the local Jollibee branch.

All of Smith’s and Warga’s books are available at several National Book Store branches in the Philippines.

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5 min read

Events Food

Blu Bar and Grill pairs great food, fantastic wines in Moonlit Wine Dinner

Marlen Limpag

November 4, 2017 1:49 am November 4, 2017

5 min read

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5 min read

Seafood on ice, it said on the menu. It doesn’t quite describe the delight of an appetizer that formally started our Moonlit Wine Dinner at the Blu Bar and Grill…

Seafood on ice, it said on the menu. It doesn’t quite describe the delight of an appetizer that formally started our Moonlit Wine Dinner at the Blu Bar and Grill of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.

Smoke enveloped the dish as it was brought to the table over exclamations of amazement, a pair each of fresh shrimps, mussels, scallops served atop a block of ice shaped like a bowl.

MAIN COURSE. Marco Polo chefs slice roast tenderloin for serving to those who joined the Moonlit Wine Dinner at the Blu Bar and Grill.

It came with the perfect complements: half a slice of lemon wrapped in a dainty net to trap the seeds when squeezed, spicy tomato-based dip, and a glass of Baron de Philippe de Rothschild Reserva Especial Chardonnay from Chile.

Our wine-pairing dinner just started, but it was easy to see we were in for a treat.

Moonlit Wine Dinner at the Blu Bar and Grill of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu

SEAFOOD ON ICE. Smoke enveloped the dish as it was brought to the table over exclamations of amazement, a pair each of fresh shrimps, mussels, scallops served atop a block of ice shaped like a bowl.

Culinary creations

We savored the foie gras paté with a glass of carmenere in between conversations that hopped from good food to family and reminisces of travel, in particular Taiwan, because we happened to be seated near a Taiwanese working for a Japanese IT company in Cebu.

The main course was Churrasco, and it included freshly roasted tenderloin slices and lamb cubes, sausages, pork belly, and fish fillets. We enjoyed the meat selections from both land and sea with another glass of red wine, this time poured from a bottle of Baron de Philippe de Rothschild Escudo Rojo.

MAIN COURSE. The main course was Churrasco, and it included freshly roasted tenderloin slices and lamb cubes, sausages, pork belly, and fish fillets. This was paired with a bottle of Baron de Philippe de Rothschild Escudo Rojo.

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu’s Moonlit Wine Dinner combined creations by the culinary geniuses of the Blu Bar and Grill and wines from Chile distributed by Titania Wine Cellar, Inc., said General Manager Mr. Brian Connelly.

“It’s not just the fact that the food and wine are both great, but the way we put them together to complement each other,” Mr. Connelly told dinner guests shortly before the start of the dinner.

PISTACHIO ice cream on warm choco lava topped with vanilla sauce, paired with a glass of merlot.

Dinner with moonshine

Manna Alcaraz, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu Communications Manager, said the wine-pairing dinner was intentionally scheduled last October 27, 2017 when it was waxing towards a full moon.

She added that the initial plan is to hold it one night every month when there is a lot of moonshine but they would probably start with quarterly Moonlit Wine Dinner events for now.

The first Moonlit dinner introduced wines manufactured under the Baron de Philippe de Rothschild brand and distributed in the Philippines by Titania Wines.

ROAST PORK. One of the many highlights of a great evening: delicious food, good wines, and great company.

Fine wine selections

Mr. Connelly said the wines that accompanied the food, from the chardonnay and escudo rojo to cabernet sauvignon, include some very fine selections from Chile.

From a full main course, we feasted on a selection of cheeses washed down with the Baron de Philippe de Rothschild Reserva Especial Cabernet Sauvignon.

Dinner ended on a sweet note with pistachio ice cream on warm choco lava topped with vanilla sauce, made all the sweeter by a glass of merlot.

Interested in this incredible extravaganza of food and wine? Call Marco Polo Plaza Cebu at +6332 253 1111 for the next wine pairing dinner schedule.

More photos of Moonlit Wine Dinner

GOOD FOOD, GREAT COMPANY. Our table with Manna Alcaraz (raising wine glass), Marco Polo Plaza Cebu Communications Manager, writer Dr. Nestor Alonso (standing) and staff of Titania Wines.

CHEESES. This plate was paired with Baron de Philippe de Rothschild Reserva Especial Cabernet Sauvignon.

FOIE GRAS PATE paired with a glass of carmenere.

MAIN COURSE. Meat selections.

FOOD, WINE PAIRING. Marco Polo Plaza Cebu General Manager Mr. Brian Connelly watches fireworks after opening Moonlit Wine Dinner. “It’s not just the fact that the food and wine are both great, but the way we put them together to complement each other,” he says.

MARCO POLO CHEFS get a much-deserved applause from the dinner guests.

MOONLIT WINE DINNER combined creations by the culinary geniuses of the Blu Bar and Grill and wines from Chile distributed by Titania Wine Cellar, Inc.

MEAT SELECTIONS.

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4 min read

Business Events Travel

Marco Polo Hotels-Hong Kong 2017 highlights: Awards, big events, upgrades

Marlen Limpag

October 28, 2017 4:39 pm October 28, 2017

4 min read

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4 min read

From winning awards and hosting big events to undertaking upgrades, it has been a busy and memorable 2017 for the Marco Polo Hotels-Hong Kong, which include the iconic Kowloon landmark…

From winning awards and hosting big events to undertaking upgrades, it has been a busy and memorable 2017 for the Marco Polo Hotels-Hong Kong, which include the iconic Kowloon landmark Marco Polo Hongkong as well as newer facilities Gateway and Prince.

The three hotels were given the Merit Award at the 2017 HKMA Quality Award ceremony held on July 21, 2017, while the yearly event Marco Polo German Bierfest garnered the Gold Award for “Best Outdoor Events: Arts, Leisure and Entertainment” at the Marketing Events Awards 2017 organized by Marketing Magazine.

ANOTHER AWARD. The Marco Polo German Bierfest was given the Gold Award for “Best Outdoor Events: Arts, Leisure and Entertainment” at the Marketing Events Awards 2017.

Samantha Poon, Director of Communications for Marco Polo Hotels – Hong Kong, said this demonstrates the commitment and dedication to quality at Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, Gateway Hotel, and Prince Hotel. She provided updates during a dinner hosted by Marco Polo Hotels – Hong Kong for Cebu and Davao media and bloggers at the Blu Bar and Grill of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.

The annual Quality Award by the Hong Kong Management Association (HKMA) recognizes organizations from various fields of industry and business that have achieved outstanding performance and quality standards.

MERIT AWARD. Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, Gateway Hotel, and Prince Hotel were given the Merit Award at the 2017 HKMA Quality Award ceremony last July 21, 2017.

Marco Polo Bierfest

Now on its 26th year, the award-winning Marco Polo Bierfest kicked off last October 20 and will run until November 11. Celebrated in the outdoor area of Marco Polo Hongkong, against the breathtaking backdrop of Victoria Harbour, the event features partygoers dressed in traditional lederhosen and dirndl while a German band plays folk and oompah tunes and hosts interactive and drinking games.

Marco Polo Bierfest

Guests get to enjoy authentic Bavarian dishes, including the best crispy pork knuckles in Hong Kong, and the finest German beers. Those who book a stay with any of the Marco Polo hotels via marcopolohotels.com within the Bierfest season get two complimentary tickets to the event through the Bed and Bierfest package.

To further extend the Bierfest spirit, hotel guests also receive in-room amenities Marco Polo German Bierfest 2017 special edition beer mugs (maximum two per room) and Erdinger beer (maximum two 500ml bottles per room).

BREATHTAKING VIEW. The Marco Polo Bierfest is celebrated in the outdoor area of Marco Polo Hongkong, against the breathtaking backdrop of Victoria Harbour.

Pretzel

MARCO POLO BIERFEST. Roast pork knuckle served with braised red cabbage and gratinated potato.

Hotel upgrades

As part of continued quality improvements, the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel also recently completed an extensive upgrade to its building facade.

Gateway Hotel, meanwhile, is set to unveil an entirely new Continental Club floor in the uppermost level. It will feature 21 well appointed guestrooms and suites that offer stunning views of Hong Kong’s dramatic skyline.

Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel_Harbour View Room.

The new Continental Club rooms will continue to reflect a sophisticated, stylish design and layout, enhanced with the latest technology for today’s modern travellers.

Continental Club guests enjoy a host of exclusive privileges, from daily complimentary breakfast to all-day coffee to tea service.

Marco Polo Hotels – Hong Kong Cebu dinner for Cebu, Davao media

CEBU, DAVAO journalists and bloggers during the dinner at the Blu Bar and Grill of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.

COMMITMENT TO QUALITY. Samantha Poon, Director of Communications for Marco Polo Hotels – Hong Kong, said the recent awards demonstrate the commitment and dedication to quality at Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, Gateway Hotel, and Prince Hotel.

HOTEL UPDATES. Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, Gateway Hotel, and Prince Hotel provided updates during a dinner hosted for Cebu and Davao media and bloggers at the Blu Bar and Grill of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.

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3 min read

Business Properties

Paramount highlights green living, smart homes in Wellington Greens residential project

Marlen Limpag

October 23, 2017 9:09 am October 23, 2017

3 min read

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3 min read

Green and smart. That is how Cebu´s residential developer Paramount Property Ventures, Inc. envisions its up and coming residential community Wellington Greens in the hills of Compostela, Cebu. The property…

Green and smart. That is how Cebu´s residential developer Paramount Property Ventures, Inc. envisions its up and coming residential community Wellington Greens in the hills of Compostela, Cebu.

The property is nestled in a quiet neighborhood of the town, amid towering trees and lush greens.

“Imagine having a home in such beautiful place. You’re not too far from the busy city yet you come home to a peaceful abode. In this new project, we say that you can breathe and live green,” Arli Arenas-Vergara, PPVI Vice President for International Operations, said during the media launch of Wellington Greens last October 17, 2017.

WELLINGTON GREENS. PPVI Senior Vice President Emmanuel Victor Estrella says the community is also designed to be an intelligent one: the units will be built as smart homes with a modern security system and provision for the use of solar panels to answer daytime electric consumption.

Zen-inspired ‘smart’ homes

Wellington Greens, which spans about 10-12 hectares, will feature six Zen-inspired house models and amenities that are designed to encourage outdoor bonding activities for families.

A landscaped gateway with guardhouse will lead to an activity pavilion, swimming pool with sun deck, dual play court, playground for kids, jogging trail and meditation garden.

PPVI Senior Vice President Emmanuel Victor Estrella said the community is also designed to be an intelligent one: the units will be built as smart homes with a modern security system and provision for the use of solar panels to answer daytime electric consumption.

“We have an automatic entrance gate also equipped with security cameras and there’s wifi connection in the amenities area,” said Estrella. Wellington Greens is the newest project of PPVI in the northern part of Cebu and the first out of a partnership between its mother corporation Cañedo Equity Ventures Inc. (CEV) and the Norkis Group of Companies.

Middle class target

Positioned for the mid-market bracket, Wellington Greens homes cost from P2.1 – P6 million but with more units priced in the P3 million range.

“Our target is the growing middle class in Cebu. We continue to expand in this market for the next five to 10 years,” said Rey Maribao, CEV Vice President for Strategic Corporate Planning and Business Development.

He added that the CEV-Norkis partnership “is in line with the strategy to provide solutions for the housing backlog catering to the rising middle class from OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) remittances and BPO workers.”

LUSH GREENS. Arli Arenas-Vergara, PPVI Vice President for International Operations, said that with Wellington Greens, “you’re not too far from the busy city yet you come home to a peaceful abode.”

Green living

Green living is not a new concept for PPVI, but it takes the advocacy to a new level with Wellington Greens.

“People these days are getting busy with work. They travel and go somewhere else to relax. But when they return from vacation, reality strikes — you go back to work and earn the stress again. And so we thought of a community where homeowners can enjoy a nature escape everyday. This is the concept of The Wellington Greens. It can be your weekend home. A Sunday home where you can relax but what if everyday is a Sunday? That’s how we envisioned this project,” Arenas-Vergara said.

Estrella added that Compostela Mayor Joel Quiño also embraces the concept of Wellington Greens.

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4 min read

Events Food Lifestyle

Cafe Marco whips up authentic Indian feast in Khana

Marlen Limpag

October 19, 2017 1:49 am October 19, 2017

4 min read

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4 min read

Spices and herbs plus robust flavors equal one incredible buffet experience as Marco Polo Plaza Cebu celebrates the Indian festival of lights Diwali with the culinary event Khana from October…

Spices and herbs plus robust flavors equal one incredible buffet experience as Marco Polo Plaza Cebu celebrates the Indian festival of lights Diwali with the culinary event Khana from October 17-24, 2017.

All throughout the food festival, the hotel´s buffet restaurant Cafe Marco will feature a menu of dishes paying tribute to the gastronomic adventure that is India.

Marco Polo is known for having the best food in Cebu and reinforces this reputation through culinary experiences like Khana, said hotel general manager Brian Connelly.

CAFE MARCO will feature Indian dishes during its Khana culinary journey that runs until October 24.

Culinary festival

Chicken tandoori, massala and curry meals, kebabs, several kinds of chutney, chapati, samosas, naan and roti are just a few dishes available for lunch and dinner at Cafe Marco during Khana.

Desserts include delectable concoctions like the carrot halva, falooda, jalebi, chai tea ice cream, and rose cheesecake.

Roast goat and biryani rice.

The culinary fest is aptly named Khana, which means food in Hindi. To ensure that the intricacies of India´s cuisine, one of the most colorful and diverse in the world, is presented to perfection, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu has taken on Judeline L. Murjani as event consultant.

Authentic Indian dishes

Murjani, a Cebuana married to an Indian national and the mother of former Miss Cebu Namrata Neesha, brought as usual her repertoire of experience and skills to the Cafe Marco kitchen.

She and Cafe Marco´s world class chefs prepared a line-up of dishes that make up an authentic and fitting Indian feast for Diwali. (Full listing of dishes at the end of this article)

Aloo Gobi Massala

Khana promises to be an exciting culinary journey with a special buffet lunch rate of P880 net per person from Mondays to Saturdays. Dinner buffet rate is P1,440 net per person.

Celebrate the Festival of Lights and experience a wonderful week of authentic Indian dishes, only at Cebu City’s finest.

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu Khana culinary journey

DIWALI. Marco Polo Plaza Cebu general manager Brian Connelly lights the rangoli to mark the start of Khana culinary journey.

More photos of Khana culinary journey

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu Khana indian food festival

Chickpea Dal Tadka

Chili pickles

Vegetable and Chicken Samosa with Chili Pakoora.

Gulab Jamun

Kushmar Salad

Lamb Roganjosh

Palak Paneer

Peda

Rose Cheesecake

Lentil Salad

Culinary consultant Judeline Murjani .

Former Miss Cebu Namrata Neesha Murjani.

Dancers perform a number to mark the opening of Khana.

Full Khana menu

Lamb Shish Kebab
Lamb Roganjosh
Lamb Vindaloo
Lamb Kebabs
Lamb Haryali
Lamb Kofta
Prawn Biryani
Vegetable Biryani
Jeera Rice
Chili Pakoora
Aloo Gobi Massala
Chickpea Dal Tadka
Vegetable Pakoora
Mixed Seafood Curry
Goan Fish Curry
Prawn Kebab
Fish Sarsowali
Whole Fish Massala
Gulab Jamun
Carrot Halva
Apple Jalebi
Falooda
Savory Lassi
Barfi
Bomra’s Tomato Salad
Fish Tikka Salad
Baingan Bharta
Lentil Salad with Panier
Chana Masala
Indian Potato Salad
Vegetable Samosa
Chicken Samosa
Papadum
Chapati
Naan
Roti
Moong Dal Soup
Chicken Mullingatawny
Vegetable Curry Soup
Raita
Green Chutney
Mango Chutney
Tamarind Chutney
Chicken with Gravy
Whole Chicken Tandori
Chicken Korma Curry
Chicken Tikka Massala
Chicken Kebab
Aloo Prata
Chai Tea Ice Cream

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3 min read

Events Lifestyle

Art materials, workshops featured in National Book Store ‘Make and Create’ festival

Marlen Limpag

October 16, 2017 3:11 pm October 16, 2017

3 min read

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3 min read

Fine art paper, journals and notebooks, colored pencils, oil pastels, watercolors, and pens of all kinds and functions, the National Book Store Make and Create Arts and Crafts Festival had…

Fine art paper, journals and notebooks, colored pencils, oil pastels, watercolors, and pens of all kinds and functions, the National Book Store Make and Create Arts and Crafts Festival had everything that budding artists and art fans could possibly need.

For the two-day event, the Prestige Paper Brands sold journals, notebooks, and sketchbooks at a discount. All the products displayed at the festival are also available at the National Book Store branch in SM City Cebu.

ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL. The 2-day event by National Bookstore featured fine art paper, journals and notebooks, colored pencils, oil pastels, watercolors, and pens of all kinds.

Buyers were able to choose to have their plain-covered journals personalized with their names or favorite quotes. This was done for free by the brand’s calligraphy expert.

Limelight notebooks are made of paper that´s up to 120 gsm so it’s thick and perfect for sketches or art works using watercolor.

The company also carries the Fabriano and Acquarello fine art paper products that have cotton in their composition. Fabriano has 20 percent cotton while Acquarello is made of 100 percent cotton. This makes both paper lines capable of holding water.

Limelight notebooks are made of paper that´s up to 120 gsm so it’s thick and perfect for sketches or art works using watercolor.

Art and crafts materials

Sam Josef Abatayo, Sharpie brand management trainee, said they have specialty pens that can be used on various materials including fabric.

Sharpie markers can be used for artworks on shirts, bags, and sneakers, he added. To make the design more permanent, it will have to go through a heat setting process.

Marvy Uchida is a Japanese brand that retails calligraphy, drawing, coloring, brush, and specialty pens.

Sharpie.

It sells ball point and chisel and bullet types as well as gel pens and highlighters for school and office use, according to May Janine Fernaneo, Marvy Uchida marketing officer.

The brand also carries drawing and calligraphy pens as well as fabric and other markers for hobbies and crafts.

Professional art brands

Prismacolor has a colored pencils set with a staggering 150 hues for professional use.

There are National Book Store products like Chameleon’s one pen blends and multiple tones and Caran D’Ache’s oil pastels and colored pencils.

Faber-Castell also has a lot of materials for children and students, from the soft touch brush sets and tri-grip brushes and watercolors to colored pencils and crayons.

Elmer’s Glue offers more choices now as well and has a colored line for more interesting artworks.

When it comes to pens and markers, Uni carries a diverse range of products. There are the Jetstream, Uniball, Click Gel, and Signo lines. It also has drawing pens, mechanical pencils, correction pens, highlighters, as well as several kinds of markers for a host of functions and uses.

More photos of National Book Store Make and Create Arts and Crafts Festival in Cebu

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3 min read

Business Properties

Real estate firm CEV ties up with Norkis for property projects

Marlen Limpag

October 15, 2017 6:02 pm October 15, 2017

3 min read

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3 min read

Two strong homegrown companies forged ties recently to undertake real estate developments in Cebu. The Cañedo Equity Ventures, Inc. (CEV) and the Norkis Group of Companies officially sealed their partnership…

Two strong homegrown companies forged ties recently to undertake real estate developments in Cebu.

The Cañedo Equity Ventures, Inc. (CEV) and the Norkis Group of Companies officially sealed their partnership only last August, and two big projects are already in the works.

These include a 10-hectare residential community targeted at the middle market bracket and a six-hectare memorial park in the northern town of Compostela, company executives said in a recent press conference.

CEV, Norkis partnership

CEV chair Filomena Cañedo and Norkis chair Dr. Norberto Quisumbing, the two pillars of the conglomerates, affixed their signatures to the partnership during a separate and much earlier signing ceremony held at the Cebu City Sports Club.

The collaboration is in line with CEV´s mission to address the housing backlog, catering in particular to the rising middle class made up of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and BPO employees and their families.

“Compostela used to be a small and quiet town. Then the Cañedos came with all their ideas and development projects,” Quisumbing was quoted as saying in a press statement released by CEV. He also reportedly expressed high confidence in the venture.

Cañedo Equity Ventures, Inc. Norkis Group

PARTNERSHIP. Cañedo Equity Ventures, Inc. chair Filomena Cañedo and Norkis Group of Companies chair Dr. Norberto Quisumbing seal the partnership between the two companies in the presence of company officials.

Compostela property developments

Land development for the residential community in Compostela will take around two years, said Rey Maribao, CEV VP Strategic Corporate Planning and Business Development, during a talk with journalists.

The project is first in line for the Philippine Paramount Property Ventures, Inc. (PPPVI) and Norkis partnership. It is scheduled to be launched by the last quarter of 2017.

Norkis, a motorcycle manufacturer and distributor with land properties throughout the country, will benefit from horizontal, vertical, and mixed use development projects through CEV´s real estate arm PPPVI.

Compostela is the best place for PPPVI to expand, according to Maribao, citing indicators showing that the third-class municipality is working to become a high growth area in Metro Cebu and a booming population growing at a yearly average of 2.27 percent.

More progressive town

Norkis will likewise partner with CEV’s memorial parks development company, Celestial Meadows and Developers Corporation.

Quisumbing said people will very soon see a progressive Compostela. Cañedo, for her part, thanked Norkis for partnering with CEV.

“We are very honored to partner with the reliable Norkis Group. We are one with you in transforming Compostela into a better community. We look forward to working with you in developing Compostela and other parts of Cebu,” she said in the same press statement.

CEV is a conglomerate in Minglanilla that oversees eight companies performing highly in the fields of real estate, parks and memorial, construction, food, training, and education.

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4 min read

Events Lifestyle

Space age metallic, modern heritage, spunk inspire new FitFlop collection

Marlen Limpag

October 15, 2017 10:43 am October 15, 2017

4 min read

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4 min read

FitFlop introduces its autumn and winter 2017 collection of sandals and closed shoes silhouettes in Cebu, and they come in elegant metallic, lightweight breathable fabric, and high street fashion. In…

FitFlop introduces its autumn and winter 2017 collection of sandals and closed shoes silhouettes in Cebu, and they come in elegant metallic, lightweight breathable fabric, and high street fashion.

In line with the brand’s mission to be the most comfortable and addictive footwear in the world, it creates products based on biomechanics research but without compromising on style, said Primer Group of Companies regional brand manager Maria Soledad O. Aquino.

FitFlop´s autumn and winter collection took inspiration from space age metallics, modern heritage, and a fashion rebel attitude that makes sandals perfectly fine for autumn wear.

NEW FITFLOP COLLECTION. Primer Group of Companies regional brand manager Maria Soledad O. Aquino explains features on one of the new FitFlop collection during the launch in Cebu. With her is senior marketing associate Irene Trajano.

Autumn, winter collection

Senior marketing associate Irene Trajano said metallic embellishments can be found across several FitFlop styles for the season, from the glittering discs on toe-thong sandals to the pewter, rose gold, and black touches in the popular Uberknit fabric for ballerinas and sneakers.

Modern heritage details are incorporated in FitFlop mules, ballerinas, and sneakers, which perfectly complement the season’s fashion styles.

NEW FITFLOPS. The new line comes in elegant metallics, lightweight breathable fabric, and high street fashion.

This season’s collection also highlights spunk and one’s inner rebellious streak. One doesn’t have to limit the Lumy “slides and Banda” to summer; wear your pairs with their punk stud detailing paired with skinny black jeans and big jumpers during autumn, too.

FitFlop products inspired by high street fashion come in the muted and grandiose colors of fall: deep plum, midnight navy, tan, and black. Of course, the patent, snake, and suede and stud finishes on those sandals and closed shoes silhouettes definitely make them stand out.

IN CEBU. The new collection was unveiled in Cebu last week.

Legendary cushioning

According to Aquino, the story behind the brand started 10 years ago with FitFlop founder Marcia Kilgore who looked but failed to find footwear that she can wear through her daily routine.

¨She met with two biomechanics in London and, within a year of research and development, the first FitFlop that boasts of a triple-density microwobble system was released,¨ Aquino cited.

The technology makes possible the legendary super cushioning in FitFlop classic styles. It provides three levels of targeted cushioning for all-day comfort, and allows wearers to walk all day without feeling any impact on the foot.

FitFlop has since come up with the supercomff, anatomicush, and iqushion cushioning technologies for other product designs. FitFlop created the supercomff for people who prefer fewer inches on their footwear and anatomicush for the athletic styles like loafers and sneakers.

New Fitflop autumn and winter collection

FitFlop Banda TP Studs

Boogaloo

Honeybee

Lumy Leather Sandals

Lumy Leather Sandals Studs

Lumy Leather Slide

Lumy Leather Slide with Studs

Superballerina with Sequins

Superbendy Ballerina

Superbendy Mary Jane

Superskate with Sequins

Superskate Slip Ons

Uberknit Ballerina

Uberknit High Top

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3 min read

Food Lifestyle

Heavenly flavors define Marco Polo Plaza Cebu’s Signature Six

Marlen Limpag

September 27, 2017 9:17 pm September 27, 2017

3 min read

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3 min read

Get ready for a mouthwatering experience coming your way, as Marco Polo Plaza Cebu makes easily accessible to dining guests its Signature Six culinary creations. The hotel bestsellers adobo, mango…

Get ready for a mouthwatering experience coming your way, as Marco Polo Plaza Cebu makes easily accessible to dining guests its Signature Six culinary creations.

The hotel bestsellers adobo, mango cheesecake, ensaimada, malicious cookies, silk road iced coffee, and earl grape iced tea are now available in the different Marco Polo dining outlets.

Diners can have their daily fill of an all-time favorite Filipino dish, the adobo, since it now forms part of the extensive Cafe Marco buffet. Whether it’s pork, chicken, seafood, or vegetables marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic, guests are sure to have their adobo fix anytime at Cafe Marco.

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu’s renowned Malicious Cookies.

Best dessert

Aside from being served in the buffet, Marco Polo’s award-winning malicious cookies can be had at the Lobby Lounge to pair with your favorite coffee or tea. Guests may also choose to order a box or two to bring with them when they go.

These maliciously tempting chocolate chip cookies have received several recognitions and have been hailed as one of the Best Desserts in the Philippines.

Silk Road Iced Coffee

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu brings coffee to another level with its blended iced frappuccino that combine overnight-infused coffee with cinnamon syrup and milk, marshmallow, and Italian meringues.

The delectable concoction is then topped with cinnamon s’mores that is warmed to perfection.

Adobo

Earl Grape Iced Tea

Not a coffee person? Try out the refreshing Earl Grace Iced Tea. It’s earl grey tea flavored with crushed seedless green grapes and elderflower syrup. It is served in a gorgeous set-up that’s perfect for an Instagram post. Or two.

Th blended coffee and earl grey tea may be ordered from any of the hotel’s dining outlets including the Blu Bar and Grill.

Luscious pastries

When it comes ensaimadas and mango cheesecake, Marco Polo has both down to perfection. The ensaimadas are the perfect merienda and pasalubong treats. You can enjoy it as a solo or for takeaway in a box of three or six.

The hotel mango cheesecake is sweet, creamy, and topped with luscious Cebu mangoes. You many not know it but the cheesecake’s crust is made of crushed malicious cookies.

More photos of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu Signature Six Launch

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu is also known for its delicious ensaimada, which is a favorite pasalubong item of guests.

Earl Grape Iced Tea

S’mores for the Silk Road Iced Coffee

Mango cheesecake

Silk Road Iced Coffee is delicious and not overly sweet.

A demonstration on how to prepare Silk Road Iced Coffee.

Mango cheesecake

This is how Earl Grape Iced Tea is prepared.

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3 min read

Business Lifestyle

AboitizLand opens Foressa Trails with trail run, bike event

Marlen Limpag

September 18, 2017 9:10 am September 18, 2017

3 min read

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3 min read

To mark the opening of its new adventure park Foressa Trails in Balamban, AboitizLand has partnered with the Primer Group of Companies to bring the Salomon Xtrail Race to Cebu…

To mark the opening of its new adventure park Foressa Trails in Balamban, AboitizLand has partnered with the Primer Group of Companies to bring the Salomon Xtrail Race to Cebu on October 15, 2017.

Foressa Trails in Cansomoroy, Balamban was developed according to international standards and now has a hiking path system of 27 kilometers with varying levels of difficulty, said AboitizLand Projects in Planning Manager Eduardo Aboitiz.

The mountain park, which used to be known as Canso X, is an hour and a half drive from Cebu City through the TransCentral Highway.

FORESSA TRAILS. Present during the press conference announcing the Salomon Xtrail Race are (from left) Andre Borromeo of Motor Ace Philippines-Kawasaki, Cyrel Canedo, Primer Group Area Operations Head-Visayas; Eduardo Aboitiz, AboitizLand Projects in Planning Manager; Joey Zamora of AboitizLand; and Jason Gabrinao, GreenStrat Inc. (Photo by Marlen Limpag)

Aboitiz said it is intended as a place not just for homeowners of the AboitizLand’s 257-hectare residential development Foressa Mountain Town in the same area but for anyone who loves nature and adventure. Foressa Trails will offer hiking, biking, and camping, among other activities.

“With Foressa Trails, we hope to give everyone an experience that will allow for fun memories and priceless moments within a well-designed community that nurtures life,” he added.

Foressa Trails is seamlessly integrated into Foressa Mountain Town, where one can escape into an adventure.

Salomon trail run

AboitizLand will mark the opening of Foressa Trails on October 15 with the first-ever Salomon Xtrail Race in Cebu in the morning and a trail ride organized by Motor Ace Philippines-Kawasaki in the afternoon.

Cyrel Canedo, Primer Group Area Operations Head-Visayas, said the Salomon Xtrail Pilipinas 2017 will feature two distances — 11 and 21 kilometers.

The Bike Trails extend up to 17 km and is designed based on standards of the International Mountain Bicycling Association.

He added that registration is ongoing for the 11K, which costs P700, and 21K, at P1,200, in Salomon SM Seaside Cebu and R.O.X. Ayala Center Cebu. This comes with a Salomon race bib, jersey, race cap for all 21K runners and first 50 registrants for 11K, and medal for 21K finishers who complete the run within the cut-off time of 5 hours.

Mandatory gear

According to Canedo, 21K registrants will need to present a medical certificate. Runners for both categories also have to prescribe to the mandatory gear that includes a whistle and hydration pack with at least 1,000 ml of water.

Primer is targetting 250 to 300 participants for the mountain run.

Motor Ace Kawasaki, meanwhile, will announce registration details for the Motor Ace Track Day in the next few days.

At Foressa Trails, you can hike, bike, camp, stargaze or sight-see. It will definitely be the best location for your outdoor experience, making nature your playground.

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3 min read

Feature Food Lifestyle

Waterfront hotels in Cebu highlight modern Cebuano flavors in food fest

Marlen Limpag

September 9, 2017 10:59 am September 9, 2017

3 min read

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3 min read

Ordinary bread, the common danggit, and dried green mango become the creme de la creme of appetizers under the expert hands of celebrity chef Tristan Encarnacion in a food feast…

Ordinary bread, the common danggit, and dried green mango become the creme de la creme of appetizers under the expert hands of celebrity chef Tristan Encarnacion in a food feast featuring the Flavors of Cebu at the Waterfront hotels in Cebu and Mactan.

The Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino and Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino Mactan have extended the culinary celebration of “Modern Filipino Taste” at the two UNO branches up to November, adding more Cebuano choices in the wide selection of Pinoy dishes available at the buffet.

APPETIZER. Chef Tristan Encarnacion prepares an appetizer of danggit atop crispy bread and topped with diced green mangoes and tomato sorbet.

Chef Tristan revealed during the media launch of Flavors of Cebu that the bread, the base of his starter concoction, can be easily sliced and rolled thin if it is chilled first.

His newest appetizer creation involves putting ground danggit atop the crispy bread and topping it with diced green mangoes and tomato sorbet.

Chef Tristan presents the new appetizer he whipped up from danggit and bread.

Cebuano food flavors

Guests during the launch also saw Chef Tristan in action as he hatched up the favorite dessert of Waterfront Cebu City General Manager Anders Hallden.

Vanilla ice cream got wok-fried and rum-glazed. A topping of cashew nuts and caramel syrup finished off the delectable treat.

WOK-fried and rum-glazed vanilla ice cream with a topping of cashew nuts and caramel syrup.

Mr. Hallden said they’ve added to the UNO buffet food creations of Chef Tristan that highlight Cebuano flavors given a new delicious spin.

Pinoy culinary treats

On top of these dishes, both UNO branches in the Waterfront hotels in Cebu City and Mactan continue to serve the menu of traditional Filipino treats injected with mouth-watering twists by culinary world power couple Chef Roland and Chef Jackie Laudico.

Paella.

Diners get to enjoy such culinary treats as the pinahungawang isda sa mangga, lechon baka sa kalabasa at mangga, ampalaya na may itlog, des pancit toh, paella one and two, bacon bagnet, and kinilaw.

Buffet rate is P898 per person and the Waterfront hotel in Cebu City has an ongoing promo where 15 guests in a group pay only for the price of 10.

More photos of the event

Different kinds of dried fish and squid.

Pinahungawang isda sa mangga and lechon baka.

Bacon bagnet

Sisig.

Different kinds of sauces.

More appetizers.

Ensaladang talong.

Different types of cheese and nuts.

Local desserts.

More desserts.

Mousse

Appetizer with mangga and cheese.

Waterfront Cebu City General Manager Anders Hallden and chef Tristan Encarnacion

Chef Tristant and Waterfront Cebu City staff with bloggers and writers who attended the event.

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5 min read

Feature Food Heritage Lifestyle

Casa de Cacao offers tablea tales, chocolate indulgence

Marlen Limpag

September 4, 2017 10:38 pm September 4, 2017

5 min read

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5 min read

A short lesson on the cacao plant that turns into a decadent feast, Raquel Choa’s The Chocolate Journey at the home she calls Casa de Cacao is an experience that…

A short lesson on the cacao plant that turns into a decadent feast, Raquel Choa’s The Chocolate Journey at the home she calls Casa de Cacao is an experience that is not to be missed.

Imagine an afternoon of sikwate (chocolate drink) in any flavor you can think of: sweet, dark, spicy, flavored with hibiscus, jasmine, or mint.

Mix and match your warm cup with variety of chocolate-based goodies: cookies, crispies, brownies, cakes.

Settle down as the woman behind Ralfe Gourmet and The Chocolate Chamber (TCC) tells you the bittersweet story behind her love affair with chocolate and the need to recreate Maria Cacao’s palace in her Cebu residence.

SIKWATE. Raquel Choa prepares sikwate, a traditional chocolate drink, using a batirol inside Casa de Cacao, her recreation of the legendary Maria Cacao’s palace in the mountain.

Chocolate journey

This particular culinary indulgence, Ralfe Gourmet marketing manager Edu Pantino said, starts fittingly enough with the American evergreen tree that bears the beans from which chocolate is made.

“The Chocolate Journey of a thousand miles begins with one cacao step,” he cited, in reference to the intricate chocolate-making process and Choa’s journey as the woman behind the artisanal cacao-based food and products that are marketed under the Ralfe Gourmet brand.

Our welcome drink was sikwate with hibiscus.

He shared how the cacao plant grows large fruit pods from tiny flowers, what conditions allow it to flourish, and the process the beans go through – fermentation to roasting – before these are finely pounded and formed into the bitter chocolate rounds we call tablea.

Choa, aided by her kids and long-time staff, shows how they make tablea the old-fashioned way at Casa de Cacao. She then uses the newly-formed chocolate rounds to make Cebu’s famous sikwate using the wooden beater called batirol.

Cacao beans on different stages of fermentation in preparation for roasting.

Sikwate flavors

My favorite was the spicy sikwate which she made by grinding pieces of chili on a small platter, adding atsuete as flavor enhancer, and straining the mix into a jug of chocolate concoction simmering over a hot stove.

We tried a variety of flavors: sikwate with hibiscus, with mint, with jasmine.

Roasting of the beans.

The hot sikwate pairs perfectly with Choa’s cake creations baked without milk, eggs, and water: the torta de cerveza uses cerveza negra while torta de Francisco (hatched in anticipation of the visit of Pope Francis) is made with olive oil and wine.

When I thought I couldn’t take another bite, out came the choco ryza (chocolate crispies), cookies, and brownies courtesy of Choa’s kids and they were just too scrumptious to pass up.

Raquel Choa tells the story of Maria Cacao.

Casa de Cacao

Choa grew up with her grandmother’s stories about Maria Cacao, with her golden ship and resplendent palace in the balete tree. Although no human can ever see or visit this place, it didn’t ever stop Choa from wishing.

Casa de Cacao, venue of The Chocolate Journey, is Choa’s creative recreation of Maria Cacao’s palace in the mountain.

“Mi casa, su casa (My home is your home),” she would tell guests who go on The Chocolate Journey with her, adding it is the realm where chocolate is the artist’s medium.

Interested in joining The Chocolate Journey? Call +63917 827 2318 or email [email protected] for inquiries or reservations.

Raquel Choa forms a cacao de bola while her son molds tablea during a press tour at Casa de Cacao.

Chocolate events

Some details:

The Chocolate Journey
Cacao Bean Evolution
Trails and Tales of Maria Cacao
Tablea 101

The rate is P1,500 per person for groups of 11-15, P1,800 for groups of 6-10, P2,100 per person for groups of 4-5, P3,000 per person for groups of 2-3, and P4,800 for one person going on The Chocolate Journey.

Casa de Cacao, venue of The Chocolate Journey, is Raquel Choa’s creative recreation of Maria Cacao’s palace in the mountain.

Chocolate Stop
Hot choco at The Tsokolate Bar
Chocolate tasting
Rate is P550 per person.

Sikwate Ceremony
Tablea-making
Savoring Tablea
Rate is P1,000 good for five persons.

Raquel Choa’s cake creations baked without milk, eggs, and water: the torta de cerveza uses cerveza negra while torta de Francisco (hatched in anticipation of the visit of Pope Francis) is made with olive oil and wine.

Spicy sikwate. Raquel Choa made this by grinding pieces of chili on a small platter, adding atsuete as flavor enhancer, and straining the mix into a jug of chocolate concoction simmering over a hot stove.

Cacao fruits.

Cacao beans

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2 min read

Business Tech

DTI leads moves for digital transformation of MSMEs

Marlen Limpag

September 3, 2017 2:08 pm September 3, 2017

2 min read

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2 min read

An online campaign that accompanied an e-commerce mentoring program by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Cebu generated leads from as far as London for a furniture company….

An online campaign that accompanied an e-commerce mentoring program by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Cebu generated leads from as far as London for a furniture company.

The fact that potential buyers visited the Cebu-based company to check out its products shows the reach of digital marketing, said DTI Cebu Provincial Director Maria Elena C. Arbon during the Digitize Cebu conference in Cebu last August 30.

As the agency tasked to assist micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), DTI is now focused on getting them to undergo digital transformation.

“Last year, we went into the startup space. We interfaced with them and developed some programs for tech startups. This year, we’re trying to mix together startups and tech communities with brick and mortar MSMEs,” Arbon said.

PROGRAMS. DTI Cebu Provincial Director Maria Elena C. Arbon goes over the different programs for micro to medium enterprises of her office. Key parts of the program revolve around technology tools and digital developments.

Digital transformation programs

DTI has several programs for micro to medium enterprises, three of which revolve around technology tools and digital developments.

These include startup ecosystem development, digital transformation for brick-and-mortar MSMEs, and e-commerce mentoring.

According to Arbon, the e-commerce program is an intense 6-week, 12-module course that aims to get companies online. Close to the end of the training activity, the enterprises are required to undertake a 3-week selling campaign using what they’ve learned from the course.

The ecommerce campaigns have resulted in sales amounting to as much as P2 million for the first batch and P3 million for the second batch of enterprises. Furniture buyers from London also came to visit a furniture company in Cebu when it went online as a consequence of the e-commerce course.

Cebu startup ecosystem

Arbon cited that DTI also just recently held the Slingshot Conference, a tech event that aims to bring together traditional businesses and startups so they get to serve each other’s needs.

Early this year, she said they came up with a startup ecosystem development program. Part of the process involved using existing tools to determine the maturity of the startup environment taking into consideration talent, capital, and infrastructure among other things.

“On a scale of 1 to 5, we’ve determined we’re at 2 plus,” Arbon added. One of the ongoing campaigns of DTI is to create a master list of existing startups in Cebu.

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2 min read

Business Tech

Diamond Rent-A-Car executive: Digital marketing a must for SMEs

Marlen Limpag

August 30, 2017 4:01 pm August 30, 2017

2 min read

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2 min read

When Diamond Rent-A-Car first tried out digital advertising several years ago, it was a relatively new thing in the Philippines. Quincy Buenaflor, the company’s vice president for operations, said he…

When Diamond Rent-A-Car first tried out digital advertising several years ago, it was a relatively new thing in the Philippines.

Quincy Buenaflor, the company’s vice president for operations, said he was able to successfully sign up for Google Adwords just by following the required steps.

“Just a few minutes after our company ad was posted, we already started getting hits,” he shared during Wednesday’s Digitize Cebu conference, which aims to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through digital marketing tools.

The family-owned Diamond Rent-A-Car, which was started by Buenaflor’s parents around 40 years ago, had relied heavily on traditional media like newspapers and billboards for its advertising needs.

DIGITAL ADS. Diamond Rent-A-Car vice president for operations Quincy Buenaflor shares his experience on using Google ads to grow their business in a talk with Rebeca Siccardi, strategic partner manager for Google Sales. The case study was among the sessions in today’s Digitize Cebu event.

Digital marketing

Buenaflor said that when they tried digital advertising, specifically through Google ads, they found it to be very effective in reaching out to potential customers. The company now spends 80 percent of its budget on digital platforms and only 20 percent on traditional methods.

“With digital marketing, I reach the right person,” he added, citing that he believes it provides the same opportunity in general to SMEs.

According to him, digital marketing should be part of every company’s advertising campaign. Diamond Rent-A-Car operates 1,600 rental vehicles and manages another 4,000 for various clients.

Google AdWords

The Google AdWords campaign helps with the company’s expansion by reaching the target market in a specific location.

Buenaflor said having AdSpark manage the company’s digital ads made the campaign more effective.

“It’s different working with a group with expertise on digital marketing. With AdSpark, we now have peace of mind. We know that for every little bit we spend, AdSpark makes it work for us,” he added.

AdSpark is a digital and mobile advertising company that’s fully owned by Globe.

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2 min read

Business Community

Utility companies work to rid Cebu City of ‘spaghetti’, dangling wires

Marlen Limpag

August 27, 2017 10:33 am August 27, 2017

2 min read

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2 min read

Power, telecommunication, and cable companies have banded together to remove unsightly “spaghetti” and dangling wires from Cebu City streets to prevent accidents and as part of a clean-up drive. The…

Power, telecommunication, and cable companies have banded together to remove unsightly “spaghetti” and dangling wires from Cebu City streets to prevent accidents and as part of a clean-up drive.

The Visayan Electric Company, Inc. (VECO) is leading the initiative in collaboration with PLDT, Smart Communications, Skycable, Globe, and Eastern Telecom Philippines.

CLEAN-UP DRIVE. Anton Mari Perdices, VECO chief operations officer, answers a question during a press conference on the effort to clean up the city of “spaghetti” and dangling wires. With him are (from left) Richard Trasmonte, technical manager of Eastern Telecom; Rene Lescano, PLDT and Smart customer service and operations zone head; Niño Rey Sarabosing, Skycable general manager; and Edlin Jose delos Reyes, Globe regional manager for cable engineering.

Anton Mari Perdices, VECO chief operations officer, said he was asked by Mayor Tomas Osmeña a few weeks ago to oversee efforts that will address concerns over low-hanging power and cable wires.

When VECO called for a meeting to discuss the mayor’s concerns, PLDT and Smart customer service and operations zone head Rene J. Lescano said he suggested that they form a group like what they did in Iloilo to tackle the same problem.

TEST AREA. The group first focused on a portion of Gen. Maxilom Avenue, specifically from the corner of F. Ramos St. to the corner of Juana Osmeña St., as a test area for the clean-up.

The group first focused on a portion of Gen. Maxilom Avenue, specifically from the corner of F. Ramos St. to the corner of Juana Osmeña St., as a test area for the clean-up.

Globe regional manager for cable engineering Edlin Jose delos Reyes said that after assessing the situation, they took out the dead wires and bundled the active ones together with clamps.

UNSIGHTLY. Power, telecommunication, and cable companies in Cebu are working together to remove unsightly “spaghetti” and dangling wires to prevent accidents and as part of a clean-up drive.

The next step will be show it to Mayor Osmeña and get his approval on their solution before coming up with a timeline for clean-up works all throughout the city starting with its main thoroughfares, added Skycable general manager Niño Rey Sarabosing.

Representatives of the utility companies agreed that an underground installation of power and cable wires would be very expensive and not a fitting solution for many areas in Cebu City.

WIRES gathered after the clean-up.

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4 min read

Food Lifestyle

Celebrity chefs reinterpret local cuisine in Waterfront hotels’ Filipino food fest

Marlen Limpag

August 23, 2017 1:57 am August 23, 2017

4 min read

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4 min read

What happens when you dip kangkong leaves in a special batter with ground tamarind before deep-frying them to crispy pieces? You get sinigang bites, a new take on an old…

What happens when you dip kangkong leaves in a special batter with ground tamarind before deep-frying them to crispy pieces? You get sinigang bites, a new take on an old favorite, as the Waterfront hotels in Cebu give homage to homegrown Filipino food in a culinary festival that runs up to August 31, 2017.

The Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino Mactan and Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino in Lahug joined forces to celebrate Cebuano and Filipino cuisines in a food festival called “UNO’s Modern Filipino Taste: A Filipino Feast for All Senses.”

SINIGANG BITES. Chef Roland Laudico dips kangkong leaves in batter that includes ground tamarind as he explains their new take on traditional Filipino food. At left is Chef Jackie, the other half of the celebrity chef couple.

Culinary world power couple Chef Roland and Chef Jackie Laudico worked with Waterfront to come up with a menu of traditional Filipino treats injected with mouth-watering twists.

Mr. Anders Hallden, general manager of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, and Mr. BenHur Caballes, hotel manager of Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino Mactan, led the opening of the event at UNO, popular international buffet and a la carte cafe and restaurant.

Filipino cuisine reimagined

In another event held in line with the food festival, Chef Roland and Chef Jackie showed media and bloggers how the regular crispy kangkong can take on a novel taste with a new or extra ingredient.

The batter for the kangkong leaves is made up of the usual flour and baking soda but flavored with fine tamarind (sampaloc) powder to give it that extra kick.

KINILAW. With a sauce made of bell pepper roasted and pureed and seasoned with salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil, this kinilaw is one you should try. Dijon mustard tops the dish.

The chefs also give the common table fare sisig a makeover, replacing pig’s head and liver with lechon leftover. It is spiced up with garlic, onions, chili, and kalamansi juice and topped with the Laudicos’ own sauce creation.

The kinilaw na isda gets a boost, too, in both methodology and ingredients. Soaking the fish in kalamansi and vinegar changes its taste so the Laudico chefs add these to the kinilaw last. Other differences in the kinilaw: the bell pepper is roasted and pureed and seasoned with salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil. Dijon mustard tops the dish.

Chefs Lau, Jackie culinary creations

The celebrated husband-and-wife culinary geniuses updated old-time favorites, popular comfort food, and classic dishes by the subtle addition of new and enticing flavors and presenting them in ways that catch attention and whet the appetite.

“Cooking, like any facet of culture and art, keeps evolving and transforming in tune with changing lifestyles and the development of technology. The tastes we presented find a delicious common ground between heritage and technology. Thus, the flavors are familiar but surprising,” a press statement released by Waterfront quoted Chef Roland as saying.

Waterfront Chefs Roland and Jackie Laudico

CELEBRITY CHEFS Roland and Jackie Laudico with Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino general manager Anders Hallden.

The Laudicos reinterpret such delicious selections as Balut Napoleon (layers of balut flavor plus shots of its savory juice), Ngohiong Cones served with a spicy sauce, Sinigang Bites (tamarind-spiced kangkong chips topped with bangus mousse), Palabok Bites, (the goodness of palabok topped with Carcar chicharon), Seafood Paella Negra (made with fresh seafood and squid ink), Paella Valenciana, Spicy Bellychon (oven-roasted pork belly with labuyo chili), Sushi Noy (Filipino maki topped with matambaka flakes), Queso de Bola Cheese Cake, and Tsokolate OH with Peanut Butter Mousse.

All throughout August, diners get to partake of these culinary creations at popular Cebu dining spot UNO in both Waterfront hotels in Cebu City and Mactan.

SISIG MAKEOVER. Chef Roland prepares their new take on the sisig, this time using leftover lechon, and served on a pouch made of dumpling wrappers.

More photos of UNO’s Modern Filipino Taste: A Filipino Feast for All Senses

Ngohiong cones and sinigang bites.

Paella

Sisig basket.

Spicy lechon belly

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3 min read

Events Feature Food

Sushisake at Radisson Blu Cebu pairs fine sushi, sashimi with premium sake

Marlen Limpag

July 31, 2017 11:57 pm July 31, 2017

3 min read

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3 min read

When Radisson Blu Cebu flew in Chef Jeff Yalung from the Middle East for a taste test, they asked him to create Japanese food that’s more than the usual fare….

When Radisson Blu Cebu flew in Chef Jeff Yalung from the Middle East for a taste test, they asked him to create Japanese food that’s more than the usual fare.

His creation is now the centerpiece as Radisson Blu Cebu merges traditional Japanese cuisine with modern flavors and came up with new dining concept Sushisake.

Located at the upper lobby of the hotel, the newly-launched restaurant is small and intimate and offers a fine selection of sushi and sashimi prepared in traditional Edomae style as well as an impressive collection of premium sakes.

DYNAMITE SUSHI. Chef Jeff’s specialty combines tuna, salmon, grouper, and a creamy crab as topping.

Sushisake features the traditional and specialty rolls of Chef Jeff, who has over 10 years culinary experience with international hotel brands in the Middle East, said Radisson Blu Cebu director for sales and marketing Ann Olalo.

Sushisake menu

The menu carries sushi servings that deviate from or improve upon traditional flavors and ingredients.

TRADITIONAL AND SPECIALTY ROLLS. Sushisake features traditional and specialty rolls paired with a premium sake collection.

One example is Chef Jeff’s dynamite sushi, which combines tuna, salmon, grouper and has creamy crab as topping.

“When you take a bite, something explodes in your mouth. That’s why we call it dynamite,” Yalung said during the restaurant’s recent launch.

CHEF JEFF YALUNG has over 10 years culinary experience with international hotel brands in the Middle East.

Chef Jeff also offers the special california, so called since it combines ingredients other than the usual crab sticks and cucumber plus a secret sauce.

A few other specialties include the surf and turf, spicy crab roll, and dragon roll.

Sushi specialties

Olalo said Chef Jeff can do over 50 sushi varieties infused with his own rich sauces and marinades and even welcomes the opportunity to create more. This is what makes Sushisake different from other Japanese restaurants in Cebu.

INTIMATE VENUE. Located at the upper lobby of the hotel, the newly-launched Sushisake is small and intimate.

She added that they envision Sushisake as innovative and trendsetting, and took great pains with the restaurant layout and furnishings.

The restaurant lights were inspired by chopsticks and the menu incorporated certain design elements: waves of the sea, a fishnet, and rice grain.

Sushisake is open from 6:00-10:00 p.m.daily. Guests are encouraged to make dinner reservations by calling (63 32) 402 9900 or by sending an email to [email protected].

More photos of Sushisake

SAKE. Sushisake features an impressive collection of premium sakes.

KANI SALAD of crabstick, cucumber, white cabbage, and orange tobiko with Japanese mayo and ponzu dressing.

Fresh fruits.

Mochi ice cream.

Yuzu tart with sake meringue and green tea ice cream.

Sesame seed panna cotta and coconut ice cream.

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2 min read

Events Feature Lifestyle

Oakridge holds Fitstrip Bazaar to promote wellness lifestyle

Marlen Limpag

July 23, 2017 8:02 pm July 23, 2017

2 min read

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2 min read

Fitness and healthy living advice from experts and athletes and access to wellness products marked the first Oakridge FitStrip Bazaar held from July 22-23, 2017 at Oakridge Garden Plaza. The…

Fitness and healthy living advice from experts and athletes and access to wellness products marked the first Oakridge FitStrip Bazaar held from July 22-23, 2017 at Oakridge Garden Plaza.

The weekend activity was intended as a family event and to promote a wellness lifestyle, said Oakridge Realty and Development Corp. Director for Sales and Marketing Estee Marie Plunkett.

She added that they’re looking at holding it on a more regular basis.

Organic vegetables and fruits.

On the first day of the Oakridge Fitstrip Bazaar, Mary Deen of Love Yoga World shared her fitness journey in “Getting Everyone on the Mat.” She also led an hour of outdoor yoga for interested guests at the garden plaza.

After Deen, Pio Gerardo Solon of Epic Performance Fitness talked about getting physically and mentally fit for the Ironman triathlon event.

Mary Deen of Love Yoga World holds a yoga session.

Oakridge Fitstrip Bazaar exhibitors

Held in partnership with Rustan’s Supermarket Cebu, the event also served as an opportunity for small-scale wellness entrepreneurs to display their wares, added Plunkett.

Made available were beauty and wellness products by Human Nature, Mary Kay, and Gale’s Garden, which sold refreshing desk cacti and succulents.

Fruit juices.

Macology 101, which made available its Salted Egg Potato Chips by Little Chef; Ultra Green Coffee Cebu, an organic product whose benefits include weight loss, lower blood sugar and cholesterol, and natural detoxification; Leylam Shawarma for shawarma overload; and Thirsty Juices and Shakes for refreshing fruit juices were among the food exhibitors.

A food preparation demo happened on the second day of the Fitstrip Bazaar. Chef Geoffrey Broutin of L’Artisan showed how to make “Quick Healthy Meals on the Go.”

Desk cacti and succulents.

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3 min read

Feature Food

Ding How: oldtime Cebu favorite Chinese restaurant reopens

Marlen Limpag

July 20, 2017 12:35 pm July 20, 2017

3 min read

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3 min read

The restaurant that introduced dim sum to Cebuanos in 1969 reopens at Robinsons Galleria Cebu and brings back the popular dishes from the old Ding How menu. “When we talk…

The restaurant that introduced dim sum to Cebuanos in 1969 reopens at Robinsons Galleria Cebu and brings back the popular dishes from the old Ding How menu.

“When we talk about our first experience with Chinese food, we think of steamed rice, siomai, and spring rolls. Cebuanos got to know dimsum through Ding How and it is an experience that is unique to Cebu,” said Steven Kokseng, marketing manager of Harbour City Dimsum House, Inc. The company owns and operates the Harbour City, Dimsum Break, Ding Qua Qua and Ding How brands.

Steamed rice is a Cebuano favorite.

Ding How Dimsum House opened along Colon Street in 1969 but a shift in the Cebuano preference for fastfood in 2000 prompted the company to replace it with Dimsum Break.

Steven said they noticed over the past few years a growing sophistication among Cebuano diners characterized by an openness to try new things and feel this is the right time to bring back the Ding How brand.

Egg tarts.

Ding How menu

Today’s Ding How is for customers who want to relish dim sum and eat at a more leisurely pace, according to business development manager Christopher Kokseng.

He said the company’s three other brands are more associated with quick dim sum fixes, adding that a good location was one of the things taken into consideration when they brought back their “grandfather brand.”

Ding How spread.

The company also looked into the old recipe books and did research and development so it can serve Ding How’s “heritage” dishes with a modern spin.

Dim sum orders like the crystal scallop and kuchay dumplings, baked shaopao, pork trotter, custard with salted egg bun are revived from the old menu and exclusively offered at Ding How.

Although they looked at what people enjoyed before and made it available again, Christopher said they also continue to serve the current favorites throughout their restaurant brands.

More photos of Ding How reopening

Cabbage pouch.

HERITAGE DISHES. Ding How looked into the old recipe books and did research and development so it can serve “heritage” dishes with a modern spin.

Custard with salted egg bun.

Crystal scallop and kuchay dumplings.

Baked shaopao.

Pork trotter.

Harbour City Dimsum House, Inc. business development manager Christopher Kokseng and marketing manager Steven Kokseng answer questions in a press conference on the reopening of Ding How.

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Community Feature News

Tutelage Learning Center brings progressive education to south Cebu

Marlen Limpag

July 17, 2017 10:37 pm July 17, 2017

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With its small class sizes, individualized program for regular and special education students, child-centered curriculum, Tutelage Learning Center is every parent’s dream school. What’s even better for preschool and elementary…

With its small class sizes, individualized program for regular and special education students, child-centered curriculum, Tutelage Learning Center is every parent’s dream school.

What’s even better for preschool and elementary kids, Tutelage Learning Center (TLC) will start classes on August 1, 2017 in a second and bigger branch in Pakigne, Minglanilla.

Ava Kristine Rosello, vice president for administration, said they offer all levels of instruction from playgroups to sixth grade as well as early interaction programs for children with special needs.

Tutelage Cebu started out in 2006 with tutorial programs to aid schoolchildren and added classes gradually until they were able to offer the complete primary education levels. Its first school is located on Edros Road, Cebu City.

PROGRESSIVE EDUCATION. Officials of the Tutelage Learning Center talk about their school in a press conference. TLC will start classes on August 1, 2017 in a second and bigger branch in Pakigne, Minglanilla.

John Dewey philosophy

TLC espouses the John Dewey method of instruction, which follows the progressive rather than the traditional way of teaching, explained senior curriculum advisor Lanore V. Suico.

She added that aside from the fewer students in Tutelage classrooms, they are also active participants, problem solvers, and planners in classes.

“John Dewey believed that kids learn best if they are doing the activities firsthand. At Tutelage, children express their thoughts and ask questions,” Suico also said.

Curriculum adviser Yollymar Lemente said that aside from the learning they get from academic lessons, kids are also taught such competencies as finance and life skills.