Monday, December 14, 2015

Holiday baking made easy with Midea

Whip your own Christmas cake with the Midea Pressure Cooker
 As Filipinos, we are known for our penchant for festivities and love for good food. Celebrations and banquets are inseparable in our culture and with the holiday season rolling in, a lot of us are gearing up for the coming parties waiting to be attended and hosted.

Being charming hosts are also very innate among Filipinos. It isn’t uncommon to use social occasions as an opportunity to showcase a signature dish or a passed down family recipe.  It adds a personal touch to a celebration and is a foolproof way of making an occasion even more special.

The Christmas season is that one time of the year when everyone goes all out with food preparations. Besides from Noche Buena favorites, however, desserts are also a huge hit during the holiday season.

But did you know that you can whip your very own yuletide sweets even without an oven? A dash of resourcefulness and a bit of creativity is all it takes to make your very own Christmas treat!

Pressure cookers are a good baking partner for those who do not have ovens. Though mostly used for main dishes, it can also prepare treats for the sweet tooth. In fact, pastries like cake and bibingka baked using pressure cookers come out more moist than oven-baked ones.

Try this simple bibingka recipe below for an easy-to-do, oven-free treat to liven up your holiday season.

Ingredients:
·         2 packs of bibingka ready mix (250g each)
·         6 cups medium sized-eggs
·         1 cup water
·         1 cup sugar
·         8 tbsp butter/ margarine (melted)
·         2 salted eggs
·         Grated cheese & coconut

Instruction:
1.  Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until well blended.
2. Pour the mixture into the pressure cooker pot.
3. Select the bake function. Cook for 45 minutes. Check doneness of the cake  with the toothpick test. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is ready otherwise let it bake for some more time.
4.  Remove from inside the cooker. Gently invert onto a cooling rack or plate.
5. Brush surface with margarine/ butter. Top with salted egg, grated coconut, sugar and cheese  if desired.

Midea’s Pressure Cooker is a good model that can meet your holiday baking needs. Its Thermal Circulation Technology provides even heating in the cooking pot while its preset timer makes measuring temperature easy.

Another advantage of this model is that it can also be used to prepare other party dishes with its 12 programmed functions and 7 levels of pressure for quick cooking.

This Pressure Cooker also makes cooking easy with its user-friendly features. It comes with a self-locking lid with an automatic and manual release function, a large LED display and push button control on the upper lid, and a removable inner cover for easy cleaning. Midea’s 10-Dimensional Protection System also promises long-lasting performance from this model.

Christmas is just around the corner and it is time to dust off our trusty cooking books and tighten our apron strings. Before slaving away at the kitchen, turn to home partners that can help make things easier for you.

To learn more about Midea’s Pressure Cooker and other home solutions, visit www.midea.com.ph and like their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MideaPhilippines for updates.

About MIDEA
Midea, one of the world's largest manufacturers of appliances, covers a complete range of products from electric kettles, washing machines, microwaves to large commercial air-conditioning systems. Thriving in over 150 countries, Midea has now arrived in the Philippines!

In partnership with Concepcion Industrial Corporation, Midea's global strength in the appliance industry infused with CIC's Integrity, Excellence and Total Customer Satisfaction give the world class brand a better understanding of the Filipino's needs. This way, with Midea, the Filipino can live different, choose different.

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Experience the soundtrack of your life with CloudFone’s Spotify edition devices

Filipinos love music. They listen to different songs wherever they are, depending on their current disposition in life – making every song relevant and significant. It is undeniable that music is very much integrated in the day-to-day lives of everyone.
Mobile tech innovator CloudFone recognizes this love of Filipinos for music, and the how more and more people are staying plugged in, listening to music, whether through their mobile phones, tablet devices, or even through desktops.
To further defy boundaries and address the growing wants and needs of today’s youth, CloudFone has partnered with Spotify in order to bringing a revolutionary device to life. Spotify is the the world’s most exciting global digital music streaming service. Now, through the CloudFone Thrill 500x, CloudFone Thrill 500x+, Cloudpad 702q, Filipinos will now be able to access any song they want and create playlists to fit every mood they are in.
Living up to its track record of being an innovator that pushes the limits and challenges existing norms, CloudFone, through its visionary Chief Executive Officer, Eric Yu, said this is the first time that Spotify has partnered with a mobile phone brand -- another true pioneering achievement for the young company.
“We are known in the industry as a pacesetter, leading light, a pioneer when it comes to introducing new and exciting technologies in the Philippines and making them within the reach of many Filipinos. This partnership with Spotify further reinforces this and paves the way as we materialize our aspirations and vision as a business, and this will definitely not be the last time you’ll hear about it,” declares Yu.
The CloudFone & CloudPad Spotify Edition series consists of the following line-up: the CloudFone Thrill 500x, CloudFone Thrill 500X+, and the CloudPad 702q. Here’s a run-down of specs for each smartphone and tablet device:
All these products have Panorama and High Dynamic Range (HDR) modes, Smile Detection, Voice Command controls, Zero Shutter Delay, and high-def video recording. You can now capture those special, stunning, captivating and wacky moments and memories on the street or just about anywhere in full, vivid and colorful detail—and without missing a beat.
The partnership between CloudFone and Spotify is definitely one that will rock the Philippine market for smartphones and tablets, an endeavor that will endear CloudFone and Spotify closer to the hearts of its Filipino consumers. We can all expect more industry-shaking efforts to come from this young company in the very near future, which are all part of its vision to further grow as a responsible and innovative business that aspires to make technology within every Filipino’s reach.
For more about CloudFone and its lineup of impressive Spotify-edition mobile digital devices, visithttp://cloudfonemobile.com; “Like” their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/cloudfone; follow them viahttps://twitter.com/cloudfone or https://instagram.com/cloudfonemobile/

Friday, December 11, 2015

Circuit Makati brings an Amazing Christmas



 
It’s a bustling Christmas at Circuit Makati, Ayala Land’s newest entertainment district, with numerous activities and concerts to entertain every member of the family throughout the holiday season.

The tallest Christmas tree in the city, towering at 78 ft., welcomes you at the Globe Circuit Events Ground, creating a fun holiday atmosphere for children and adults alike.

Catch the angelic voices of over a thousand choir participants at the Christmas Chorale Festival happening on December 5 and 12 at The Deck at Circuit Lane, and experience a symposium of chorale groups at the Globe Circuit Events Ground on December 20. 

If you’re into a different type of music genre, catch the Circuit Music Fest, a series of free concerts featuring the country’s most talented singers and performers.

On December 10 at the Globe Circuit Events Ground, Ogie Alcasid takes center stage to sing songs from important milestones in his life. Meanwhile, prepare for a memorable Christmas Day concert as Martin Nievera serenades you with well-loved ballads on December 25.  To welcome the new year, Rico Blanco and Up Dharma Down will perform on January 1.

Families can also make the most out of the holiday season, as well as enjoy the cool Christmas breeze, through Pop-up Night Cinema at Circuit, an outdoor cinema viewing of movie reruns, from December 26 to 30.

Ticketed events are also happening at Circuit Makati, and these include: Games People Play at the Power Mac Center Spotlight on December 12-13 and 19-20, and the Rakrakan Festival on December 19.

Apart from the shows, one can likewise explore the newly opened Circuit Lane where OPM Jam Nights will be held during the weekends of December. For gustatory delights and sumptuous holiday offerings, make sure to visit any of the mall’s dining outlets.  

To celebrate the season with thanksgiving and prayer, masses will be held at the newly consecrated St. John Paul II Chapel inside Circuit Lane. Sunday masses will begin on December 6 at 11am and at 6pm. An anticipated mass will be held on December 5 at 6:30pm. Simbang Gabi begins on December 15 at 6:30pm and masses will be held on December 24,25, and 31, as well as Jan 1, at 6:30pm.

Indeed, Christmas is all about having fun and bonding with family and friends, and Circuit Makati’s  holiday offerings will let you enjoy these and more.

For added information, check out facebook.com/CircuitMakatiOfficial or check www.makeitmakati.com/circuit-makati.

Marshall Islands Registry Opens Manila Office as fleet-growth passes new milestone



International Registries, Inc. and its affiliates (IRI), who provide administrative and technical support to the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Registry, opened their 27th worldwide office in Manila, Philippines.

The RMI Registry is the third largest in the world, surpassing 126 million gross tons at the end of October 2015 and more than 3,650 vessels.

“The unprecedented growth of the fleet is largely in part to IRI’s decentralization model, which includes technical and marine safety experts in key worldwide locations who can provide timely services to owners and operators,” said John Ramage,

Chief Operating Officer of IRI. “More than 250,000 seafarers are in possession of an RMI Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB), 35% of which are from the Philippines,” continued Mr. Ramage.

“The sheer volume of seafarers that will require new or refresher training and certification as a result of the Manila Amendments to STCW prior to the entry into force date of 1 January 2017 is tremendous,” said Captain Robert Fay, IRI’s Senior Vice President, Maritime Operations.

“We have noted that many Certificates of Competency and Proficiency issued in the past few years are based upon the older requirements and will be expiring on 31 December 2016,” he continued.

“Our newest seafarer documentation office here in Manila will work in coordination with our offices in Hong Kong and Mumbai to help facilitate training and certification review for Filipino seafarers in order to provide needed documentation in a timely manner,” said Annie Ng, Head of Asia for IRI.

“The office is already staffed by four personnel and is to be headed by Leo Bolivar who has a background of working for companies like Stolt-Nielsen Philippines, Inc., Uljanik Shipmanagement, Ulstein Marine Services and Navis Maritime Services, all with respect to ship and crew management,” she continued.

With the additional personnel in Manila, IRI’s worldwide staff is now over 350 employees. There are currently three individuals processing applications and issuing Certificates of Receipt of Application (CRAs) in Manila, with plans to recruit additional personnel in January 2016.

“We plan to augment personnel here in Manila as needed to provide the best service possible,” concluded Leo Bolivar.

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Lactum 3+ and 6+ is now available in Lazada.com.ph



Have you ever experience moments that no matter how you want to go out to shop or do the groceries, you just can't leave home or take a time out from the office? Or how about panicking because you only have a few scoops of milk left for your kid?

Parenting horror moments like these can now be avoided because online shopping site www.lazada.com.ph is now offering Lactum 3+ and 6+. Now, you can order in advance and pay either through cash on delivery or via credit card and be sure that your beloved sons and daughters will never go hungry again (I'm sure classic movie fans will get this).

Everyone knows how important milk is to children, right? As your child develops, he begins to have favorites, choosing what to eat and what not to eat. And because he's at that stage when he is most
curious about his surroundings, anything can distract him from his meal; his attention maybe grabbed by objects he nds more interesting than food. Sometimes, because of either of these, he won't even touch the food you serve, making you worry that he may not be getting all the nutrients he needs to be completely nourished.

Drinking milk can make your child 100% nourished. Try Lactum 3+ because it is formulated by Mead Johnson for children aged over 3 years old to 6 years old. It is made with the children's reference nutrient intake as guide, that's why it contains essential nutrients found in the food groups of the Food Pyramid. It also has Healthy-Nutri Blend of Lower Sucrose, Fiber and Healthy Calorie Blend** to help provide 100% nourishment in a healthier way. Giving your child 1 to 3 glasses of Lactum 3+ aday, combined with your child's usual diet, helps ensure that he meets his nutrient needs for 100% nourishment.

Visit www.lactum3.com to learn more about Lactum 3+/6+.  Buy now via Lazada: www.lazada.com.ph/lactum-3-6/.

Also, don't miss the Lazada's Grand Christmas Sale! Shop online on from Dec 10-12 and save up to 95% OFF! #GrandChristmasSale E ortless Shopping >> http://lzd.co/1212GrandChristmasSALEPH.

Thursday, December 3, 2015

PMA bares Agora awardees for 2015


The Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) recently bared its new set of Agora awardees for 2015 who have displayed creativity and overall excellence in the marketing field. This year’s Honorary Agora Awardee and keynote speaker, Department of Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. (center), in his speech, expressed honor and humility for being chosen to join the roster of past Agora awardees and likewise voiced his full admiration and respect to these outstanding individuals.

The Agora awardees for various categories are (from left): Jose Ma. Concepcion III  (representative Ramon Lopez), President  and Founding Trustee of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship Foundation, Inc., for Outstanding Achievement in Advocacy Marketing; Mario Bernardo Santos (representing Arthur Tan, President), of Integrated Microelectronics, Inc. for Outstanding Achievement in Export Marketing; William Tiu Lim, President and CEO, Mega Global Corporation for Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship – Large Scale; Catherine Salimbangon, Vice President of Organique, Inc. for Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship – Medium Scale; Lourdes Blanquita Banzon Falcon (wife of Raul Falcon - Country Manager) from Procter & Gamble Manufacturing (Thailand Ltd.) for Outstanding Achievement in Overseas Marketing; Carlo Katigbak, CEO of ABS-CBN Corporation, voted Marketing Company of the Year; David Guerrero, Creative Chairman, BBDO Guerrero Inc. for Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Communications; Dr. Nol Montalbo, CEO, Mont Albo Wellness Corp. for Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship – Small Scale; Dr. Carl Mark Miniano, Dean, College of Business Administration, Adamson University, Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Education; and Benjie Yap, Vice President, Homecare and Foods of Unilever Philippines, for Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Management.

These awardees will join the elite group of The Agora Circle, composed of world-class Filipino marketers who displayed out-of-the-box thinking and trailblazing achievements. The Agora Circle’s mission is to enable the sharing of strategies and best organization practices to further enrich the Philippine marketing industry.

Past PMA President (1991), Past Agora Awardee (1994) and Chairman of Mansmith and Fielders Inc., Josiah L. Go, is the Chairman of the Board of Judges for the Agora Awards.

The 36th Agora is organized by the Philippine Marketing Association. Dubbed as the “Oscars of Philippine Marketing,” The 36th Agora was held recently at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City.

Invest in a new refrigerator--- it's a must!


Here is one must read article for all homemakers.

Refrigerator units have seen drastic improvements over the last decade. What your mom used to own may look similar on the outside but what is inside may no longer match the technology of the recent models.  Whether it’s your first time buying a refrigerator or replacing the old clunker you have, careful consideration needs to be taken before making your purchase. Refrigerators are long-term appliance investments and taking the time to study the features and how they fit your needs will help you enjoy this big purchase in the next few years.

Phillip Trapaga, General Manager of Midea Philippines expresses, “The advantage of updating your home appliances is that you also get to enjoy technologies that better suit the standards of your modern lifestyle. With our lifestyles changing, it is normal to expect our technologies to keep up with them.”

First thing to consider when shopping for a new refrigerator is its electric consumption. Old fridges may use up to more than twice the energy of a new model. This means electricity is not being used efficiently and leads to higher utility bills.

“Appliances operating at lower energy rates are now very popular among homeowners because of the heightened awareness about the country’s current power situation,” says Trapaga. He continues, “Still, these consumers still look for quality and features that can meet their high standards.”

The French Door Refrigerator from global appliance manufacturer Midea is a good example of how energy efficiency meets quality. This home partner cuts down on electrical consumption by almost half than the conventional refrigerator, making it friendly to electric bills.

Innovative refrigerator models keep food fresh for a longer period of time compared to old fridges. Equipped with High Moisture Retention Technology, Midea French Door Refrigerator maintains an optimum level of humidity that keeps food fresh for a longer period of time. This is complemented by the Multi-airflow System which makes sure the temperature in each compartment is uniform. 

Additionally, this model from Midea has a UV light feature called the Photocatalytic Degradation Technology which aids in the breakdown of pesticides found in fruits and vegetables, making them safer for consumption. At the same time it’s also equipped with Photosynthetic Preservation Technology which replicates the natural environment of fruits and veggies prolonging their lifespan.
Be on the look-out for special features that only recent units have. Midea’s French Door Refrigerator’s Ice Maker and Japanese Ag+ filter block which purifies the water, ensuring in clear ice cubes ready in the freezer.

The size of the fridge which mainly depends on the needs of your family should also be taken into consideration. With new and clever designs of the new models, you can store up to a month-worth of supplies which means less trips to the grocery.

Midea’s French Door Refrigerator can fit up to 20 baskets of groceries. Social butterflies who love throwing parties will also be pleased with its roomy interiors which can accommodate large platters, trays, and serving dishes. Its two doors that open in the middle also double as shelf space for condiments and canned drinks.

Aesthetics should never be compromised for quality and efficiency. Midea makes sure that all its appliances fit into modern homes with their tasteful and stylish designs. The Midea French Door Refrigerator’s stainless steel design adds a sophisticated touch to any kitchen layout.

Trapaga concludes, “This is the advantage of modern appliances. They are designed with the consumer in mind, but on a more personal level. They are not just home appliances anymore but more of life partners.”


To learn more about Midea’s French Door Refrigerator and other home solutions, visit www.midea.com.ph and like their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MideaPhilippines for updates.