Negros Christmas…a Heritage of Hope

And just like that, Negros Season of Culture rounds out another year. This time, three inspiring features tug at the heartstrings of those who long to be home. Each, carefully selected to represent Integrity, Industry, and Innovation, core values that have carried Negrenses through adventures high and low, near or far.

Home furnishing designer Christina Borromeo-Gaston of Hacienda Crafts in Manapla, Negros Occidental, has collaborated with the Carmelite nuns of CM Bamboo Craft Centre based in Iloilo. With over half a century of creative work between them, these two design houses, habitues of Manila FAME shows, are launching a collection of Christmas tree ornaments. The artistic manipulation of bamboo veneers into Filipino-motif vignettes makes this holiday trims unique – what a way to bring the country to cosmopolitan living! Curated into themed collections, 18 hand-crafted ornaments attest to the integrity of the bamboo and the desire to tell the story of Philippine rural life. It is at once sophisticated and artisanal. Lean into nostalgia in “Bamboo Trimmings”

The persistent lure of Negros to come home finally got this Oxford-bred pastry chef to roost, and perhaps for good. Born in Kabankalan City, Kaye Bello grew up in the UK but always longed to return. This was helped along by regular vacations to Negros. How she eventually became a pastry chef is a whole story on its own, suffice it to say that hard work or industry served as the backbone of her journey. Chef Kaye apprenticed with the world’s most “Googleable” brands, including Gordon Ramsay and William Curley. Today at only thirtysomething, she runs Kalamay, a patisserie in the heart of Kabankalan serving delectable cakes and pastries, and winsome bonbons. Those and a “cup-a-tea”. Enjoy a hearty serving of Negros pride in “Home Sweet Home”.

Finish the line, “Christmas without music is like…”. Every city in the country has its company of homegrown music talents. Bacolod is no different. Mojo Nova is a band based here, with Tim de la Rama on drums, Joanne Bernal on vocals and percussions, Hans Samson on guitar, and Van Luceñara on keys. This month, Negros Season of Culture collaborates with Mojo Nova.

As survivors of a challenging time, the creative team of NSC wishes to herald the coming year on a note of hope. Enter innovation: The classic Negrense caroling song, “O Senyor Tagbalay”, which portrays Joseph in search of a place for Mary to give birth, is reissued by Mojo Nova with a modern arrangement. Because gratitude and good tidings are ageless. Against this lyrical backdrop, warm felicitations from Negrenses elsewhere in the world join Negros Season of Culture in saying,  “thank you” for the year that was. Catch hope on www.negrosseasonofculture.com.

Malipayon nga Paskwa! Paghidaet sa Bag-ong Tuig.”

Merry Christmas! Peace in the New Year.

Vibal Foundation’s Philippine Cartography Wins Gintong Aklat Award

Vibal Foundation’s (VF) Philippine Cartography 4th edition won the 2020 Gintong Aklat Awards for Social Sciences category. The awarding ceremony was streamed live on the Facebook pages of the Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP) and Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) on Wednesday afternoon, November 17. VF’s Program Director Kristine E. Mandigma, book editor Dr. Carlos Madrid, and Ms. Denden Quirino, daughter of the book’s author and National Artist Carlos Quirino, gave their acceptance speeches. 

Established in 1871, Gintong Aklat Awards is conferred bi-annually by BDAP. The outstanding Philippine books are chosen based on overall excellence—from the quality of production, design, and printing to the quality and significance of content. 

Philippine Cartography 1320-1899, Fourth Edition

National Artist Carlos Quirino recounts how the concept of the Philippines emerged as a vague grouping of islands in the early fourteenth century and evolved in fits and starts over half a millennium into its current iconography. The Philippines as a geographical and ideological construct was shaped by a long lineage of cosmographers, cartographers, and artists spanning diverse cultures and times, such as Zhu She Ben, Luo Hong Xian, Abraham Cresques, Francisco Rodrigues, Juan López y Velasco, Diogo Homem, Gerardus Mercator, Sebastian Münster, Robert Dudley, Comte de Lapérouse, Pedro Murillo Velarde, Claudio Montero, Francisco Coello, José Algué, and many others. 

From ancient Chinese scrolls, Japanese and Portuguese portolan maps, French scientific surveys, and British merchants’ nautical charts, Quirino weaves a history of heroics and everyday drudgery, of personal and international rivalries, as well as of egregious mistakes and brilliant insights.

Philippine Cartography was first published in a limited edition in 1959 and reissued a second and third time in Amsterdam and Quezon City. For this fourth edition, editor Dr. Carlos Madrid annotated Quirino’s text and added a selection of over 450 new maps to form the largest bibliography of over 1,600 Philippine cartographic materials. 

Profusely illustrated with over 200 images, this edition is further enriched with six remarkable foldout maps, among them the outstanding Topographía de la Ciudad de Manila, which is reproduced for the first time in high resolution. This edition is also specially honored with a foreword by renowned historian Ambeth Ocampo and an introduction by international author, Thomas Suárez, who presents a meditation on cartography, the making of the Philippines, and the twenty-first century digitality.

Dr. Madrid also appended three significant essays that considerably widen the author’s avenues of inquiry into the Selden map of Southeast Asia, the unheralded Claudio Montero and his Comisión Hidrográfica de Filipinas, and the world-class achievements of Jesuit father Vicente Memije—together with two Filipino artists, Nicolás de la Cruz Bagay and Lorenzo Atlas.

With its erudite text and unparalleled reproduction of rare maps, views, and plans, this book will delight anyone with an interest in antiquity, history, geography, and maps as instruments of power and rare vessels of beauty.

Interested readers may purchase Philippine Cartography and other VFI books at Vibal Online Shop at https://shop.vibalgroup.com, Lazada https://www.lazada.com.ph/shop/vibal-books, and at Shopee https://shopee.ph/vibalgroup.

Prostate cancer 9th highest in number of cancer-related deaths among Filipino males

PUA, DOH, Cancer Warriors Foundation, PSUO, and J&J lead fight against prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the top 5 cancers in the Philippines and the ninth highest in a number of cancer-related deaths among Filipino males according to GLOBOCAN. Despite the statistics, awareness of the disease is very low.

The Philippine Urological Association (PUA), together with the Department of Health (DOH), Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc., the Philippine Society of Uro-Oncologists (PSUO), and Johnson and Johnson (Philippines), Inc., led the observance of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month with a series of activities that aimed to generate greater awareness for the disease. With the unified theme Prostate Cancer Sama-Samang Labanan, Tamang Impormasyon Kailangan, efforts were focused on educating the public on the importance of early detection and treatment to slow the progression of prostate cancer.

A lay forum entitled Usapang Prostate Cancer was live-streamed via the PUA Prostate Cancer Awareness Facebook page on September 11 to underline truths about the disease. Representatives from the Department of Health Cancer Control Division and Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc. also joined the discussion to share what support the government and privately funded organizations can provide patients and their families. This was followed by free teleconsultations by members of the Philippine Urological Association and the Philippine Urology Residents Association last September 18. More than 300 Filipino males signed up for the free teleconsultation service.

Fighting prostate cancer with information

Awareness on prostate cancer is very low as men do not talk about it in the open and often confuse its early symptoms as signs of aging. These include frequent urination, a weak urine stream, and pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis. The only bigger warning signs are blood in the urine or semen and pain or burning sensation when urinating.

The risk of prostate cancer increases with age, especially after 50. It can also run in the family, developed through a combination of genes and a poor lifestyle. There is no proven prevention strategy for prostate cancer, which is why early diagnosis is important.

“Information is the most important weapon against prostate cancer,” said Dr. Clarito Cairo, program manager of the National Integrated Cancer Control Program, Disease Prevention and Control Bureau of the Department of Health. “The more people know about its early symptoms, the earlier they can get screened. Even in advanced stages, there are treatments available that still allow patients to live a long life.”

“While mostly indolent, prostate cancer needs to be addressed immediately to stop the cancer cells from spreading to other areas of the body,” explained Dr. Ernesto Gerial, president of the Philippine Urological Association. “Disseminating information about who are at risk of the disease and what its symptoms are can save many lives.”

He added: “The lack of noise around prostate cancer has resulted in unequal support for the disease as compared to breast and cervical cancer. While we at the Philippine Urological Association have been hard at work for many years for prostate cancer to finally take the spotlight, we know that we cannot do it alone. That is why we are happy to be partnering with other medical associations, the government, and Johnson & Johnson in creating greater awareness for the disease and extending help to patients.”

“There is hope in prostate cancer,” said Dr. Erwin Benedicto, head of Medical Affairs of Johnson & Johnson’s (Philippines), Inc. “It is a hard fact that most people should know but don’t—not yet.”

“Doctors are our partners in maintaining good health. Supporting them in the fight against prostate cancer is crucial, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic posing several limitations. By working together, information, proper diagnosis, and appropriate treatment for the disease can be made available for all.”  

About Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc.

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe good health is the foundation of vibrant lives, thriving communities, and forward progress. That’s why for more than 130 years, we have aimed to keep people well at every age and every stage of life. Today, as the world’s largest and most broadly-based healthcare company, we are committed to using our reach and size for good. We strive to improve access and affordability, create healthier communities, and put a healthy mind, body, and environment within reach of everyone, everywhere. We are blending our heart, science, and ingenuity to profoundly change the trajectory of health for humanity. Learn more at www.jnj.com. Follow us at @JNJNews.

About Philippine Urological Association

The Philippine Urological Association is the official organization of urologists in the Philippines. As initiated by our founders, we are committed to: (1) promote the art and science of urology to enhance the professional growth of members and provide wholesome fellowship, (2) provide residents of urology with comprehensive education and training to render patients competent, compassionate and quality care, (3) act as professional partners to our colleagues in other medical specialties, and (4) share time, talent, resources in the service of the community by providing undergraduate urology education.

Meralco Shifting To Eco-friendly Distribution Transformers

 

The shift will make distribution transformers run more efficiently, operate more safely, and be more eco-friendly.

With their goal for a greener and more sustainable Meralco, the power company will begin to retrofill existing transformers with natural ester oil.

The sweltering heat of recent months took its toll not only on the millions who live and work in Meralco’s sprawling franchise area but on power distribution equipment as well, resulting in some power interruptions during the summer. The sharp surge in consumption of residential customers due to work-from-home arrangements and community quarantine exacerbated the situation. 

But that would gradually change and may eventually become a thing of the past as Meralco shifts to an environment-friendlier alternative to the mineral oil used as the insulating liquid for its distribution transformers. 

Data studied by Meralco suggests that using natural ester oil as an insulating liquid allows for higher loading capacities of distribution transformers which is crucial during summer months when electricity demand is higher. The plant-based oil has a higher “fire point” of 360 degrees Celsius compared with 180 degrees Celsius for mineral oil, which will make distribution transformers less of a fire hazard. Data also showed ester oil could extend distribution transformers’ useful life.  

Since natural ester oil comes from vegetables, it is also readily biodegradable—a quality that meets Meralco’s goal of going greener and pushing for sustainability.

Starting this year, the country’s largest power distributor with over seven million customers will retrofill with plant-based ester oil the fluid used to insulate existing distribution transformers.

Meralco plans to spend billions of pesos through 2030 to fill with ester oil more than 180,000 distribution transformers.  The move would make these equipment run more efficiently, operate more safely, and be eco-friendly.

“Using natural ester oil as an insulating liquid in our distribution transformers instead of mineral oil will allow us to extend the life of this crucial equipment as well as do away with using mineral oil that is harder to dispose of,” said Ronnie L.  Aperocho, Meralco Senior Vice President and Head of Networks.

After he was appointed Meralco Chief Executive Officer in 2019, Atty. Ray C. Espinosa underscored that stewardship of the environment and sustainability are among the top priorities of the company that distributes electricity to an area that accounts for around half of the Philippines’ gross domestic product.

At this year’s stockholders meeting, Espinosa unveiled Meralco’s plan to source more electricity from renewables, revamp the company’s vehicle fleet to use more electric vehicles, and use extensively plant-based oil for distribution transformers.

“Going forward, one hundred percent of our new distribution transformers will use plant-based natural ester oil, making these assets 99% recyclable and biodegradable,” he told shareholders.

Personal Collection Joins in Coastal Cleanup Drive

 

Personal Collection Direct Selling, Inc. (PC), a Filipino direct-selling company has joined up with the Marine Conservation Philippines (MCP), an ecological NGO in its continuing campaign to clean up the country’s coastlines and surrounding waters of debris and unwanted wastes, particularly discarded plastics. In keeping with its “A Green Life is A Great Life” manifesto, PC, has tapped its Siaton, Negros Oriental dealers to beef up the coastal cleanup drive of MCP in the southwestern part of the Visayas last October 26, 2021.

Marine Conservation Philippines Program Manager, Soren Knudsen, says, “We earnestly believe that Personal Collection is one of the most committed local companies who advocate for environmental responsibility. We at Marine Conservation Philippines, are honored to be one of the partner organizations and work hand in hand with PC in their efforts to eliminate plastic pollution in the country.”

According to Willie "Jun" Evangelista, Jr., Chairman, Board of Directors of Personal Collection Direct Selling, Inc., “As the pioneer in adopting the use of biodegradable packaging, Personal Collection invites more local communities, environmental groups, and organizations to join the #GreenLifeGreatLife movement for a healthier and greener Philippines.”

The Negros Oriental event was participated by PC dealers and office employees who were on hand for the cleanup along the coast of Albiga Beach in the municipality of Siaton. Their efforts together with MCP and other volunteers netted tons of plastic trash and other debris from both shore and nearby waters, with more cleanup activities expected in the following months. The Philippines ranks as the world’s third-largest source of pollution which makes us extra vulnerable given our archipelago of more than 7,600 islands with nearly 36,300 km of coastline and imperiling one of the world's richest in marine resources if the peril of plastic pollution remains unabated.

 

LOOK: Ajinomoto’s latest web series “Cooked with Love” brings viewers on a food nostalgia

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC)’s latest web series entitled “Cooked with Love,” reveals a heartwarming take on cooking as a shared love language among Filipino families.

Cooked with Love features interwoven stories of three generations of women who show their love for each other through sharing recipes and dining together.  Showcasing heart-warming stories of relationships and how cooking with love was made more memorable with AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning. The series feature Tessie, the grandmother; Jenny, the mother; and Therese, the daughter. Viewers can watch the first episode, “Slurp,” and the second episode, “Squeeze,” on Ajinomoto’s Cookmunity®' Facebook page and Youtube channel. Meanwhile, the last episode, “Sniff,” will premiere this Saturday, July 10.

“Cooking food and sharing mealtimes are powerful in shaping wonderful memories with our loved ones. With Ajinomoto being a part of the Filipino cooking and dining experiences for more than six decades now, we want to help them relive and celebrate those feel-good moments through Cooked With Love,” says Roann Co, APC General Manager of Marketing and Public Relations.

Passing it on

“Slurp” tells the story of Mommy Jenny who shares their Nilagang Baka family recipe with her teenage daughter, Therese. The parallel scenes of two mother-daughter generations making the family recipe tie the episode together well. The cute and kilig first installment captures how love can be passed down from one generation to the next.

Paying it forward

“Squeeze” features the relationship between Therese and her grandmother Tessie. Viewers will see how cooking Arroz Caldo becomes Lola Tessie’s way of saying “I love you, apo.” It shows that cooking traditions persist because of people who care for and love their families.

Putting the pieces together

The concluding episode “Sniff” showcases food as a source of comfort in tough times and more importantly, in dealing with the constant changes life has to bring. It recalls how Tessie comforts her daughter Jenny since she was a child until now that she's a mother who is about to face a life-changing situation. Through it all, the women share their love while cooking and eating their classic Adobo recipe.

With community quarantine protocols urging Filipinos to remain at home, stories of familial love are sure to encourage Filipinos to express their feelings through food.  Cooked With Love lives up to APC’s Eat Well, Live Well promise in its pursuit to provide good food, better health, and wonderful dining memories to Filipino families with the help of umami, a nature-based ingredient that brings out the meaty, savory deliciousness, and deepens the flavor of food. For more information, visit www.ajinomoto.com.ph.

***

The Ajinomoto Group is a global company with specialties in the business of food and amino acids, guided by our leading-edge bioscience and fine chemical technologies.

Based on the corporate message “Eat Well, Live Well.”, we have been scientifically pursuing the possibilities of amino acids in supporting the healthy lives of people all around the world. We aim for future growth and continuous contribution to greater wellness by creating value through sustainable and innovative solutions for communities and society.

The Ajinomoto Group has offices in 35 countries and regions and sells products in more than 130 countries and regions. In fiscal 2018, sales were 1.1274 trillion yen (10.1 billion U.S. dollars). To learn more, visit www.ajinomoto.com.

Stevia, a natural alternative for the rising number of diabetics in PH

 

Diabetes is noted as the 4th leading cause of death in the Philippines, with an annual increase of 7.8% among Filipinos based on the 2020 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority. 

If recent trends on diabetes continue, more and more Filipinos will be afflicted with Diabetes in the coming years. With a significant number of consumers now shifting to healthier alternatives to cut on sugar, sweeteners from the Stevia plant are becoming a popular sugar substitute in the market today.

Stevia has been touted as a safe and healthy natural alternative sweetener with proven health benefits including diabetes prevention, decreased calorie intake, lower blood sugar levels, among others. Stevia is a natural alternative that can significantly cut the sugar in one’s diet.

While it has zero calories, stevia is 200 times sweeter than refined sugar and does not affect blood sugar. It is a popular option for people looking to lose weight and who want to reduce their sugar intake. Stevia can be used as food enhancers to sweeten beverages, for baking, and cooking.

 

Stevia is an herb that has been grown in tropical climates for centuries. It is a natural sweetener taken from the leaves of a bushy shrub. Currently, it is produced by lots of countries, with China as the number one exporter. Today, stevia is grown and used as a food ingredient in many countries around the world. The Philippines is also catching up on the use of this natural sweetener in various food preparations.

In the Philippines, Sweet and Fit Stevia is the first stevia herbal dietary supplement produced in the country that was registered by the Food and Drug Administration.  Produced by Glorious Industrial and Development Corporation (GIDC), Sweet and Fit Stevia has no cholesterol, no calories, no carbohydrates, and zero glycemic indexes. Sweet and Fit Stevia is grown and harvested locally in the Philippines.

Stevia was originally utilized for its medicinal purposes such as a treatment for burns and stomach pains, among others. The stevia leaves were also chewed on as a sweet treat.

One of the most important characteristics of stevia is that it is not readily destroyed or deactivated by heat. This makes it suitable for cooking and a viable alternative to sugar in many applications. Stevia is the best organic-based, all-natural sweetener with properties that could be used to substitute sugar.

Sugar is used frequently in many of the foods we eat, but it has gotten a bad reputation because of its association with causing diseases such as obesity and diabetes. That is why sugar alternatives, both organic and artificial, have gained popularity with the public’s growing interest in health and fitness.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is recommended that sugar added to food and beverages should be limited to no more than 10% of the total calories. For the average adult, this is equivalent to around 200 calories or 12 teaspoons of table sugar.

However, the average daily consumption is around 42 teaspoons. For context, regular soft drinks contain approximately 6 to 8 teaspoons of sugar per glass. Once you get a refill, you are close to already consuming the recommended daily amount. Sweet and Fit Stevia has zero calories which means that it helps prevent weight gain.

For fitness buffs, Stevia has been used as a sugar substitute in workout drinks. In one of the many versatile applications of stevia, workout drinks help provide a boost of energy to increase athletic performance. Workout drinks also help increase endurance, letting your workout for longer. A healthy lifestyle consists of not just a balanced diet, but also regular exercise. Using stevia in workout drinks helps promote both.

What’s even better is that you can add Stevia to make healthy desserts that are diabetic and keto-friendly. This is great for people who have a sweet tooth but can’t indulge because of health restrictions.

For more information on Sweet and Fit Stevia and its health benefits visit, www.sweetandfitstevia.com.

MUST TRY: Tea Talk’s Top 10 drinks perfect for family summer bonding

 

For the second time around, it is imperative for Filipinos to spend the sunny season staying in residences due to the pandemic. Instead of the usual beach and swimming escapade, we are confined in the four corners of our home. Most people have come up with ways to have fun and beat the summer heat—setting up an inflatable pool, locking up in an airconditioned room while watching movies, and of course, drinking, ice-cold beverages.

It’s a fact we could all agree on: one of the best ways to quench the thirst in this scorching heat is to drink milk tea. Having two consecutive summer seasons in lockdown, you must have ordered your favorite milk tea drinks from your usual milk tea shops. But hey, it’s time to switch it up! And we got the next best milk tea shop for you to try!

Accentuating its special milk tea concoctions made from authentic ingredients, Tea Talk is one of the up-and-coming local milk tea shops you should check out. Avoid going stir-crazy this quarantine and spark bonding conversations with your family with Tea Talk’s summer coolers.

We listed down the top drinks from Tea Talk for every milk tea lover:

Taro Bubble Milk

For milk tea enthusiasts who love a mix of sweet and nutty flavors, Tea Talk’s Taro Bubble Milk is the one for you. Made with natural tea, creamy fresh milk, and sweet taro flavor, this drink will definitely give you the energy and fiber boost that you need.

Brown Sugar Boba Milk

If you are looking for an irresistible dessert-like beverage, give Tea Talk’s Brown Sugar Boba Milk a try. With fresh milk and brown sugar syrup as its main ingredients, you can expect a sweet caramel taste, a hint of arnibal, and a mouthwatering silky texture.

Sakura Red Velvet

If you have a sweet tooth, Tea Talk’s Sakura Red Velvet will give you a creamy velvety cheesecake goodness. Perfectly crafted Japanese-inspired milk tea, this drink is infused with real cherry extracts and mixed with creamy red velvet cheesecake and blushing pink tapioca pearls.

Matcha Milk

Looking for a refreshing and healthy drink that will satisfy your taste buds? Have Tea Talk’s Matcha Milk. Concocted with fresh milk, natural sweeteners, and matcha flavor, one sip of this drink will get you hooked.

Tea Talk Milk Tea

Undecided or no particular flavor preferred in mind? You could never go wrong with a cup of signature Tea Talk Milk Tea. Made with rich and creamy fresh milk and toppediL with tapioca pearls, this drink will give you a simple yet delicious taste to enjoy.

Oolong Milk Tea

Up for an unfamiliar and unique drink? Tea Talk’s Oolong Milk Tea offers a light and diverse flavor with a nutty aftertaste. It’s a natural and classic iced oolong tea with rich and creamy fresh milk topped with tapioca pearls.

Thai Milk Tea

For a classic, vanilla-like beverage, Tea Talk’s Thai Milk Tea is a go-to drink. Made in natural Thai tea flavor and milk, you will surely enjoy its silky texture and deliciously sweet and creamy taste.

Lemon Green Tea

How about a revitalizing and healthy fruit drink? Tea Talk’s Lemon Green Tea will give you a naturally sweetened and refreshing iced drink made with lemon juice splashed with green tea goodness. You can also have it in black tea flavor.

Passion Fruit Special

If you want a refreshing drink with tropical flavors, Tea Talk’s Passion Fruit Special is the drink for you. This beverage is a sparkling iced passion fruit tea drink oozing with natural health benefits, giving you a sweet and a hint of tangy taste.

Wintermelon Fruit Tea

Craving for a soothing yet invigorating drink? Tea Talk’s Wintermelon Fruit Tea is an ideal choice. An iced drink made with natural lemon juice and splashed with wintermelon tea flavors, this drink will give you the right amount of sweet and fruity flavor.

What are you waiting for? Have a Happy Tea and Happy Talk experience this summer with your family and quench your thirst with Tea Talk. Find the nearest branch in your area: https://www.teatalk.ph/our-stores/. 

Home Foodie Video Series: Kids Kitchen Camp

 

Let your little Home Foodie master chefs enjoy a hands-on Facebook cooking & baking session. Resident Home Foodie chefs will demo two (2) scrumptious and kid-friendly recipes per day on May 25-27.

Visit our facebook.com/HomeFoodiePH page at 2pm on the said dates be a part of this online demo!

Don’t forget to read the guidelines, waiver, and recipes! #Madalicious

Original post link: https://www.facebook.com/homefoodieph/posts/1447675308904467