555 Fried ng Barangay cooking showdown

PRESS RELEASE

555 Fried Sardines recently held a cooking showdown that encourages to “Make Your Barangay Proud” in chosen Barangays from Pampanga, Pangasinan and Quezon. Participants featured their entries using 555 Fried Sardines as main ingredient in vying for the top spots per Leg.

Filipinos are known to cook from the heart which shows why we love sharing meals with family as well as friends and 555 Fried sardines was able to highlight this culture through the Fried ng Barangay Cooking Showdown organized by Century Pacific Food Inc. and 88ville Productions.

Using 555 Fried sardines variants such as Tausi, Hot and Spicy, Bistek, and Escabeche, participants were encouraged to come up with dishes that are not just nutritional but delicious as well.

To further engage the whole Barangay, samples of the product were tasted as they enjoyed the event

through various games and raffles. From the hundreds of entries submitted, Top 10 entries were chosen to participate in the actual demo which was furthered down to the Top 5 per Town who received the honors.

Inspiration is the key

Ms. Elsa Dela Cruz, Grand Winner from Brgy. Buenlag, Calasiao Pangasinan took influence from Filipinos’s love for noodles, thus her winning entry Egg noodles with 555Fried Sardines.

While Mr. Larry Quinto, Grand winner from Brgy. Sindalan, San Fernando City enthuses that he draws his inspiration in creating his winning entry- 555 Fried Sardines Lumpiang Sariwa from his family. Serving healthy food to his loved ones is his top most priority.

Maricel Quezada took the top place for the Quezon leg with Veggie Spicy Cordon Bleau Sardines drawn from her family’s love for vegetables.

555 Fried ng Barangay Cooking Showdown plans to visit other towns in the months to come.

Feel free to come up with your own sardine recipes and make your own creative fusion using

555 Fried sardines and who knows your recipe might be the next highlight.

Incidentally, 555 Sardines recently signed up Maine Mendoza aka Yaya Dub as their newest endorser singing to the tune of Sana dalawa ang Puso ko.

Facts about Sardines

Sardines may have been relegated as poor man’s staple as poverty rate rises in the Metro, but did you

know that sardines can actually sustain every man’s vitamins and mineral requirements?

Sardines supports your cardiovascular health as it is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which have been researched to lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Moreover, sardines also contains Vitamin B12 which can prevent hardening of arteries.

Sardines contains high level of Vitamin D that is optimal in bone building. Vitamin D helps in absorption of Calcium hence it plays an essential part in your bone health. Sardines also contains phosphorus, a mineral that is important in strengthening your bone matrix.

Sardines are also rich in Protein which is the basis of muscles and connective tissues. Protein provides us with Amino Acids that acts as antibodies that keep our immune system strong.

555 Fried sardines are available in supermarkets and Sari-Sari stores near you.

AjiPanda™: Your kitchen's bestfriend

AjiPanda™ is a cute panda icon that conveys someone shy, caring, happy and loyal. It personifies how a humble pack or bottle of AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning fills the role of “Your Best Friend in the Kitchen” by offering an ever-reliable way of bringing out the natural goodness of food. 

Ajinomoto’s new campaign, which also features teen queen Kathryn Bernardo, presents the benefits of its dependable brand of seasoning to a new generation of cooks and food lovers.

AJI-NO-MOTO® comes from sugar cane, corn or cassava and is manufactured through the natural process of fermentation. This product is safe, convenient and effective in making food taste delicious.  

This is because it is simply free glutamate, the most common among amino acids (the building blocks of protein). It provides the taste of umami to food in the same way that sugar adds sweet taste or salt adds salty taste to food.

But what is umami? Umami, is the fifth basic taste alongside sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. It is the savory, rich and full taste we often experience in meat, seafood, cheese, tomatoes and mushrooms.  

Consider the delightful composition of chicken, green papaya and malunggay in tinola or the medley of cheese, ham, pepperoni, tomatoes, green and red bell peppers on top of a pizza. The combinations and layers of these glutamate-rich ingredients make dishes very delicious and enjoyable. 

Remember that AjiPanda™, your best friend in the kitchen, will help work wonders in your cooking so that you can share many happy meals with your family. Visit http://www.ajinomoto.com.ph/AjiPanda for healthy and delicious recipes.

Promil Pre-School, ABS-CBN launch I-Shine Online Talent Camp

Promil Pre-School I-Shine Kapamilya host Dimples Romana is back together with mentor for Visual Arts Xian Lim and new mentor for Performing Arts Karylle to search for kids who have the potential to shine with their talents through Promil Pre-School I-Shine’s latest online talent camp that start on October 5, 2015.

For its fourth season, Promil Pre-School and ABS-CBN are bringing the talent search closer to more parents and their children by launching the first online talent camp (www.ishine.abs-cbn.com) to encourage and help mothers to nurture and develop their children’s gifts through comprehensive workshops.

  

This year, the talent camp expands as workshops will now include lessons in both Performing Arts (singing, dancing, acting, music), and Visual Arts (painting, drawing, crafting). 

“A mom’s role is always important. My mom is my shining light and I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for her, that’s why launching Promil Pre-School I-Shine as an online talent camp is a great idea because this will be more accessible to more moms and they can be more involved in nurturing the talents of their kids,” Visual Arts mentor Xian Lim shared.

To join the online talent camp, moms need to register and choose where to enroll their kids, whether performing arts or visual arts in the website (www.ishine.abs-cbn.com).

Once enrolled in the online course, moms and kids will have the chance to watch and learn from video lessons each week taught by celebrity mentors Karylle, John Prats, and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo for Performing Arts and Xian Lim, Agot Isidro, and Christina Dy for Visual Arts.

Promil Pre-School I-Shine talent camp will have weekly video challenges for students in line with the workshop, which will serve as their audition videos. 

Students who will emerge as the Promil Pre-School I-Shine online talent camp champions (one winner per category) will be chosen by the mentors and will win a cash prize, a roster of TV guest appearances, and a contract with ABS-CBN’s Chicken Pork Adobo, among others.

The Promil Pre-School I-Shine Talent Camp aims to help exceptionally talented preschoolers develop their full potential. It is the product of Promil Pre-School’s advocacy in developing Filipino children’s talents with the help of their parents, proper care, and proper nutrition.

New online video highlights the power of family in inspiring success

A heartwarming video that tells the intertwined story of family and success is making waves online

The video, aptly titled Grandma’s Little Angel, tells the story of Kassie and her grandmother Linda who used to run her own local chocolate shop in Lipa, Batangas. After Lola Linda’s business closes down, Kassie continues the dream for her beloved grandmother who has instilled in her the love for chocolate-making and the passion to pursue her dreams. 

The heartwarming video’s emotionally powerful storytelling is courtesy of award-winning Filipino director and cinematographer Dan Villegas. Villegas’ impressive portfolio includes Cinemalaya entry Mayohan, and blockbuster hits like The Breakup Playlist, English Only, Please, Bride for Rent and She’s the One. 

“The first time I heard the concept for Grandma’s Little Angel, I was excited to shoot it. Everyone has a Lola, or someone they love, so this is highly relatable,” he said. “I want the viewers to feel lucky that there are people who love them, and that they should tell their loved ones how appreciated and cherished they are.”

Award-winning Director Dan Villegas

The video emphasizes a key aspect of success for many entrepreneurial and hardworking Filipinos who persevere despite the challenges—that it is best shared with people who inspired that success. 

When it comes to running a business, most Filipinos are fueled, not by their personal desire for fame, power and wealth, but by their passion to give a better life for their loved ones, particularly their families. Ask a Filipino entrepreneur, and you’ll likely hear a story about their desire to let their parents or children experience a more comfortable life. Or a story about how they want to fulfill a dream for their loved ones who inspired them.

Here’s the touching video that will tug at your heartstrings. 

Be scar less and flawless with Vine’s CO2 laser

Scarring is part of the body’s healing process but scars need not stay on your skin forever. The same goes with skin hyperpigmentation. But through innovative solutions discovered by dermatologists, many patients are now faced with several alternatives on how to improve their skin condition.

One of the latest methods out there is the fractional carbon dioxide laser treatment. According to Dr. Emehly Sevilla of Vine Holistic Medical Aesthetics, both young and old may undergo the treatment.  In fact, her youngest patient was seven years old. Indications of the CO2 laser treatment include deep scars, big pores, stretch marks, fine lines, and skin conditions like syringomas, milias, warts, keloids, melasma, freckles, and hyperpigmentation in the face, underarm, under butt, knees, elbows, fingers and toes. It can also treat dark lines and ‘chicken skin’ on underarms.

Aside from erasing marks and blemishes, it is also a good anti-aging tool and can be done along with other treatments. Vine’s extensive and simple programs work in synergy for optimum effect. Dr. Sevilla said she erases wrinkles with fractional carbon dioxide laser and proceeds with the Botox procedure.

“If the patients do not have skin problems but want to tighten their pores, wants to have skin rejuvenation and remove fine lines, fractional carbon dioxide laser can do that. It’s a good maintenance as well. Even some 25-year olds already have mini-lines on their forehead because of the lifestyle today, so this treatment is the answer,” said Dr. Sevilla.

In the past, doctors only based their evaluation on the visual and history of the patient (background of what really happened) to know how deep the problem is. With the new fractional carbon dioxide laser machine, its skin analyzer can accurately assess the skin problem and recommend the ideal operation. It can tell if the skin is moist or dry and will set itself to the safest setting that the patient needs. However, Dr. Sevilla said that the new machine can also be set manually if the doctor wishes to.  

"If you overset the treatment for a certain problem because you’re only visually only looking at it, it may cause inflammatory hyperpigmentation that will leave dark marks,” noted Sevilla.

The advantage of fractional carbon dioxide laser treatment is that it is measurable, precise and safe. “The problem with peels is that you cannot control its absorption. There are patients where you put this percentage and they would absorb and peel so much, but if you apply the same percentage to other patients who have thicker skin, they won’t peel that much,” explained Dr. Sevilla.

Furthermore, she said that with needling procedures, doctors can only base on the visuals and history taking so it may not be precise.

For safety, the doctor, nurse and patient wear goggles during the whole procedure which usually lasts for 15 to 20 minutes. If the area to be treated is near the eyes, they use micropore tape so that the eyes remain closed.

“Laser is okay with treating eye bag area but for safety reasons, we don’t recommend treating on the upper eyelid (on top of eyeballs) even if the depth can be controlled,” remarked Dr. Sevilla.

Before the procedure, anesthesia cream is applied on the skin. It takes 30 minutes to numb the face and one hour for extremities. A slight discomfort may be felt on the first session. But none of that will happen in the succeeding sessions, said Dr. Sevilla. She explained that the tip of the machine emits air and distracts the patient from any possible pain.

The procedure will leave the patient with pinkish skin. To go back to their daily activities, patients need to undergo cryoporation before leaving the center to close the pores, relax the skin and infuse more serum. Post laser cream is given to enhance cell repair. 

After getting the laser treatment, avoid eating chicken, seafood and eggs. Do not wash the face or put on makeup for at least 12 hours after the treatment but sunblock lotion can be used as long as the skin has already absorbed the serum. Patients can come back for another session as early as two weeks but normal protocol is a month.

However, not everyone can just go and get the procedure. Contraindications include chronic skin diseases like psoriasis, allergies, fungal infection, eczema, rashes, measles and chicken pox. “Treat the skin problem first before doing the laser. But if the area to be treated is far a

way from area with disease, laser can be done,” related Dr. Sevilla.

Vine Aesthetics is located at Unit 2H Mezzanine Level, Grand Hamptons Tower II, 1st Ave. cor. 31st St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. For inquiries, call tel. nos. 09178590642, 217-2687, 843-3023, email vineaesthetics@gmail.com or visit www.vineaesthetics.com.

Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch premieres this October

Matilda and her family are back in Los Angeles for a summer of crazy adventures and super delicious food! Hosted by 12-year-old daughter of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch is an access-all-areas peek into the lives of the family. Driven by her passion and a really healthy appetite, Matilda shares delicious home-cooked recipes for great American classics such as LA hotdogs, burgers, and sensational s’mores!

Catch Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch on AFC, available on Cignal - channel 26, Dream Satellite – channel 27,  and on SkyCable – channels 22(SD), 248(HD)

 About AFC
The Asian Food Channel (AFC) is the premier and leading food and lifestyle broadcaster based in the heart of Asia. As the first food TV channel to broadcast pan-regionally in Asia, AFC provides a healthy mix of both Eastern and Western content in a variety of formats all day! For more information on AFC, visit http://www.asianfoodchannel.com/ or www.facebook.com/AsianFoodChannel.

Bringing the Holy Land next yo your heart

Stay seemingly connected with your religious past, and take a piece of history – wherever you go, with fashion pieces inspired and derived from the Holy Land. Individuals, whether young or old, can surely embrace these pieces as they usher in an era of stylish relevance, while still embracing the past.

Recognized globally and distributed by EnergyGold Corp. in the Philippines, Authentica are products that are unique and truly one of a kind as they bring a closer feel to the Holy Land. Mostly seen as more than a spiritual accessory, “These products also integrate classic and sophisticated hand-made designs to their jewelries and displays – successfully mixing fashion with devotion,” says Jadeeyah Abang, EnergyGold Corp.’s Vice President.

Spiritually inspired, these products incorporate materials and basic elements from the Holy Land, such as Oil from Mount Galilee, Soil from chosen regions of the Holy Land, and Water from the Jordan River – all of which are authentic to assure the product’s purity and high quality.

Filipinos can surely get a glimpse of the Holy Land through these products. Authentica products are locally distributed by Journey Spiritual Crafts – and can be availed online, through its online partners. Those from other countries can also lookforward to being able to take home these products as it aims to expand to South Asian counties like Japan and Korea, and Australia.

To know more about Journey’s spiritual crafts and souvenirs, you may log on to www.journeyspiritualcraft.com or visit the official Journey Spiritual Craft Facebook page www.facebook.com/JourneySpiritualCraft

Mode Elle opens academy for dreamers

Most often than not, children already know what they want to be when they grow up when adults ask them about their dreams. As they say, aspire big and start young.

Aaron Dela Cruz Collection

Armed with talent, determination and proper guidance, young dreamers may well be on their way to success. Fortunately for those who want to be part of the entertainment industry, there is a school that can help them hone their skills and discover other talents as well.

The House of Mode Elle, a fashion house that caters to talented young artists, recently launched the Mode Elle Academy which is open to kids as young as two years old. Courses offered include modeling, acting, singing, dancing, personality development, makeup and photography. The students will be categorized in three sections, two to 10 years old for kids, 11 to 15 years old for teens, and 16 to 29 years old for adults.

Kids model of House of  Mode Elle

Upon enrollment, students automatically receive lessons in modeling and personality development. The aspiring artists will undergo 25 sessions but may also avail of the unlimited sessions if they wish to. Tall ones get to have an advantage as the academy offers scholarship to girls who are 5’7” (and up) tall, and boys who are 5’10” (and up) in height.

A Mode Elle model student wearing a
Michael Sta. Maria creation

Many experts will share their knowledge to the students and inculcate values and skills in them. The team of instructors will be headed by House of Mode Elle founder Allen Castillo, who has been training models for years and is also a theater actor from the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA). Castillo will handle modeling, acting and personality development courses.

Other instructors are Bong Lee for makeup, Ojie Ramos, Jolie Navia and Champy Cachola for advanced photography, Joanne Co of Kids at Work and Marc Alcala for acting, Jenny Saavedra of UP Music and Yamaha Music School for singing, and Christine Feliciano and Airalyn Dimapilis for dancing.

But for Mode Elle, beauty is not just skin-deep. The "fashion house with a heart" is what the House of Mode Elle has been called since its inception in 2012 because it was built for a charitable cause. As a cancer survivor himself, Castillo knows how hard it is to cope with such condition. His condition awakened compassion within him and led him to do volunteer work.

Mode Elle student models with the founder
Allen Castillo

Castillo visited halfway homes and met other people suffering from cancer. They were just kids, trying to live each day, hoping a miracle will happen. The fight against cancer is a non-stop battle that not all patients can endure but with the support of family, friends and even strangers who are willing to lend a helping hand, the struggle may become a little bit more bearable.

Castillo knew he had to do something and hence, the House of Mode Elle was born. Castillo believes that promoting beauty inside and out is the right way to go. True to its mission to promote beauty while helping cancer-stricken children, the media presentation of the Mode Elle Academy kicked off with a fashion show for a cause, featuring 170 Mode Elle talents who were clad in clothes design by professional fashion designers.

Designed by a 14 year old girl, Chenee Abunda

Adam Balasa’s wedding creation

Ticket sales were donated to the beneficiaries of Tahan Tahanan in Quezon City and Child Haus in Manila, two non-governmental organizations that provide temporary shelter to kids with cancer and other non-communicable diseases and their families.

“We give scholarships to kids with cancer who want to be artists and models. One of the cancer survivors that we trained is Chantal Rivera. She has performed in some of our past events. We also give medications and other hospital necessities for these kids suffering from cancer,” disclosed Castillo. 

Ovialand, premier living you deserve

There is a tendency in modern society to prefer city living over a more rural way of life. The narrative for this is simple: Cities are where all the happenings are, whether these are developments that shake the country or lifestyle opportunities that keep people in their toes.

Metropolitan life, however, has its fair share of flaws. The chronic traffic, flooded roads, and pollution are proof that the city is now supporting more than its capacity. As these challenges show no sign of letting up, more and more people are asking, “Is there an alternative to city living?”

“It’s all about options,” answers Fatima Olivares-Vital, Business Unit Head of Ovialand Inc. “The government is actively looking for ways to make these citywide problems more bearable and one of the options they are looking at is to decentralize the congestion in Manila by  directing growth to other areas.”
The South is a strong contender for this, with Sto. Tomas, Batangas as one of the most promising provinces. Olivares-Vital explains, “The province can definitely keep up with the progress of big cities while still retaining its rural charm.”

Ready for the modern Filipino 
Often, the primary drivers behind the enthusiasm of people to live in big cities are the opportunities available and their proximity to them. According to Olivares-Vital, living in the South also offers these and so much more.

“Sto. Tomas has the infrastructure and the resources to support the demands of the modern Filipino. There are hospitals, schools, and entertainment hubs that are at par with those in the metro.”
Career opportunities are also transforming the once rural town into a competitive job market. The fast moving growth in technoparks which are home to over 300 multinational corporations—including Fortune 500 companies—and the increasing number of large companies relocating to the South set the groundwork for a stable employment environment.

Additionally, Sto. Tomas is steadily gearing up as a promising landscape for entrepreneurs. As progress in the area continues, so is the demand for more providers who can support the widening needs of its population.

Live outside-the-box
Dubbed as the gateway to the Southern Metro, Sto. Tomas offers the best of both worlds. While the city is competitively keeping up with the conveniences of the Metro, it retains a rustic, peaceful charm signature to the Southern brand of living.

Olivares-Vital says, “In Sto. Tomas, the lifestyle starts with the quality of living. Imagine not having to feel nervous every time it rains because of the reliable drainage systems or knowing that you can go home on time to your family because you won’t have to worry about the traffic. This is how you can really enjoy life.”
The activities available within the vicinity also ensure that everyone can find something that will cater to their interest. Beaches, hiking spots, and lifestyle centers are always teeming with activity and are sure to entertain the most outgoing of souls.

Terrazza de Sto. Tomas, a property developed by Ovialand Inc., is a premier development that is set in the heart of these attractions. The 5.8 hectare property aims to provide an exclusive reprieve as well as easy access to the province’s center of activities. The master-planned development is close to industrial parks and companies, schools, churches, and medical institutions.

Olivares-Vital gives one last advice for those looking for a different brand of lifestyle, “You have to look for options. Changing your lifestyle means you have to try and solve the problem using new ways. How we live and how we hope to live should not be different things. Think—and live—outside the box.”

Egg-citing recipes at Food mag cooking demo

Hundreds of Pinoy foodies united at Food magazine's third cooking demo class that featured healthy food recipes from top culinary experts Matthew Bates, Roby Goco, DJ Santos, Nancy Edralin, and Anthony Macaraeg.

Chef Nancy Dizon - Edralin preparing her
Mango Walnut Graham Parfait 

Foodies were fascinated and enjoyed the delicious healthy food that the experts showcased including the fit and breakfast burger, Mediteranean chicken and couscous, poached salmon aioli, breakfast sausage tart, seafood sotanghon with black ink, pad thai salad, and the mushroom and kale paella.

Here are some recipes:
BREAKFAST BURGER 
By Anthony Macaraeg

Ingredients
Whole wheat pita bread

Breakfast Burger

90 gram beef patty
2 pcs eggs
Double smoked bacon
Bell peppers
Fitburger sauce composed of fresh mayonnaise(egg yolks,
extra virgin olive oil)
Heinz ketchup
Directions:
1. Grill pita bread on panini press and pan-grill            beef patty
2. Cook egg omelette with red and green bell              pepper
3. Cook double smoked bacon
4. Setup bread sauce eggs and bacon

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN AND COUSCOUS 
By Chef Deejay Santos

Ingredients:
2 cups of San Remo Couscous
2 cups of water
2-3 pcs chicken breast fillet cut into small cubes
1/2 tsp ground oregano
2 tbsp La Espanola Olive Oil with Lemon

Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup cubed zucchini
1/2 cup garbanzos
1/2 cup sliced black olives 1/2 CUD diced tomatoes
Dressing;
1/2 cup olive oil
2 pcs. lemon or lime juiced
1/4 cup cane vinegar
1 tbsp brown sugar salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
Hard boiled eggs, cut into wedges
chopped cilantro
Directions:
1. Preheat a Tefal Pure Red Wok with water to boil. Place couscous in a bowl or container. Add boiling water then cover. Set aside. Season chicken with ground oregano, salt and pepper.
2. On the same Tefal Pure Red Pan, add olive oil and saute chicken followed by the zucchini, cook until chicken is well done. Turn off heat then add garbanzos, black olives and diced tomatoes.
3. Combine ingredients for the dressing. Drizzle some on the couscous mixture. Transfer on a plate, garnish with hard boiled egg wedges, chopped cilantro before serving.

POACHED SALMON AIOLI
By Chef Matthew Bates

Ingredients:
1   slice whole grain
10g Salmon
1pc Poached egg

Garnish: Lemon wedge and Parsley
Directions:
1. Toast whole gain slice
2. Poach salmon in poaching liquid
3. Slice the bread and plate. Put the salmon and top with poached egg.
4. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, fresh parsley and lemon wedge on the side.

FOOD magazine editor-in-chief Nana Ozaeta shared that the next FOOD tastings leg will feature how to make desserts in November. Food Tastings is a year-long celebration for FOOD magazine's 20th anniversary.

A double celebration for Baskin Robbins

Baskin-Robbins (BR), the world’s most beloved ice cream brand, marks two significant milestones as it celebrates its first year in the Philippines and simultaneously 70 years since its birth in California in 1945. These major events inspired the launch of the BR 31 Smiles Project – a CSR campaign providing free cleft lip reconstructive surgery to 31 children in partnership with the renowned charitable foundation, Operation Smile.

“This is a very special celebration of 2 important anniversaries. We’d like to express our deepest thanks to our loyal customers for supporting the brand throughout its first year in the Philippines,” says Michael Dargani, president IceDream Inc., the company that exclusively operates Baskin Robbins in the Philippines. “In line with our commitment to serving fun and smiles for seven decades, Baskin-Robbins is truly proud to welcome the 31 beneficiaries of our BR 31 Smiles Project” added Dargani.

BR 31 Smiles Project is a campaign intended to bring back the smiles of children with cleft lip and cleft palate through free reconstructive surgery, funded by Baskin-Robbins Philippines. The number 31 is symbolic of the brand’s heritage as it is known for carrying 31 flavors of ice cream at any given time – one for every day of the month. The amount needed for the 31 surgeries was raised through various promotions at the store level as well as at special selling events.

One of the beneficiaries of the cleft lip surgery is Wivina ‘Vina’ Marie Maninang, age 5. Due to her cleft lip condition, Vina was unaccepted by other children in her community and was often bullied. Under the BR 31 Smiles Project, Vina was selected by Operation Smile to undergo free reconstructive surgery at Sta. Ana Hospital. Many have witnessed Vina’s touching story in the You tube video created by Baskin Robbins at the start of their campaign in June this year.

“Kitang-kita ko po ang malaking pagbabago sa aking anak na si Vina pagkatapos ng maoperahan sya,” shares Maritess Maninang, Vina’s mom. “Kung dati po na madalas syang umiyak sa akin kapag natutukso ng mga kalaro nya, ngayon po ay mas lumakas ang loob nya na harapin ang mga ito,” she adds.

Vina dreams of becoming a professional dancer someday. And now that she has been given a brand new smile, there is no stopping her from making this dream a reality.

“On behalf of Operation Smile, I would like to thank Baskin-Robbins for this wonderful project. Your ‘BR 31 Smiles Project’ has not only brought back the smiles of 31 children
but also helped their families and restored the enthusiasm and happiness of these wonderful kids,” shares Anne Gonzales, vice chairman of Operation Smile Philippines.

And the happiness doesn’t stop there. Baskin-Robbins has just introduced a delicious new lineup of indulgent Cookie Sundaes, premium Baskin-Robbins ice cream paired with warm, chewy cookies and topped with sundae toppings. Starting October, guests can create indulgent sundaes customized to their liking by choosing from a selection of warm and chewy White Chunk Macadamia, Dark Chocolate Chunk and Double Fudge Cookies to serve with up to two of their favorite Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavors. The Warm Cookie Ice Cream Sundae can be topped with hot fudge, praline caramel sauce, candy pieces, cookie pieces, whipped cream and cherries.

Over the past 70 years, Baskin-Robbins has brought its famous 31 ice cream flavors to the world. While the brand started as a neighborhood ice cream shop in California in 1945, it now has more than 7,500 locations in nearly 50 countries worldwide.

Baskin-Robbins was founded by two ice cream enthusiasts and brothers-in-law who shared a dream to create an innovative ice cream shop that would be a neighborhood gathering place for families. Over 300 million people visit Baskin-Robbins each year to sample from more than 1,200 flavor creations available in its ice cream library. Baskin-Robbins offers guests around the world a wide range of hard scoop ice cream flavors, along with custom ice cream cakes, delicious frozen beverages, ice cream sundaes and take-home frozen treats.

For more information about Baskin-Robbins, log on to www.baskinrobbins.ph or check out their Facebook (facebook.com/baskinrobbinsph), Twitter and Instagram (baskinrobbinsph) accounts. Or visit Baskin-Robbins shops at the Central Square, Bonifacio Global City; Greenbelt 5 and Glorietta 5 in Makati; Fairview Terraces and Trinoma Mall in Quezon City.

LIMITLESS, brand new and action-packed drama only at RTL CBS

LIMITLESS, the highly-anticipated TV series in the US this fall, premiere on RTL CBS Entertainment HD last September 23, 2015, Wednesday at 9pm (8pm JKT/BKK) within 12 hours of its U.S. broadcast. Based on the feature film with the same title, LIMITLESS is an action-dramaabout Brian Finch who discovers the brain-boosting power of the mysterious drug NZT.  The series stars Jake McDorman (“American Sniper” and “Greek”), Jennifer Carpenter (“Dexter”), Hill Harper (“CSI:NY” and “Covet Affairs”), and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio (“Scarface” and “The Colour of Money”). Academy Award nominee, Bradley Cooper is executive producing the series and will guest star in the pilot reprising his role as Senator Edward Mora, the character he played in the movie.

“We’re committed to bringing very strong programming to audiences in the region and are delighted to air LIMITLESS day and date of its U.S. broadcast,” says Jonas Engwall, CEO, RTL CBS Asia Entertainment Network.  “This highly-anticipated show will complement the outstanding line-up of programs on our channel.”

It is a fast-paced drama that will explore what happens when there are no limits to man’s potential as Finch is coerced by the FBI to use his newfound extraordinary cognitive abilities to solve complex cases for them. Working closely with Finch in the major case squad in New York City is Special Agent Rebecca Harris (Jennifer Carpenter), a formidable investigator with a dark past and Special Agent Boyle (Hill Harper), a former military officer and Rebecca’s confidant. 

Unbeknownst to the FBI, Finch also has a clandestine relationship with Senator Edward Mora (Bradley Cooper), a presidential hopeful and regular user of NZT, who has plans of his own for his new protégé. Fueled now with a steady supply of NZT that enables him to use 100% of his brain capacity, Finch is now more effective than all of the FBI agents combined, making him a criminal’s worst nightmare and the greatest asset the Bureau has ever possessed. 

It's executive produced byCraig Sweeny, Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, Heather Kadin, Marc Webb, Bradley Cooper, Todd Phillips, Ryan Kavanaugh, Tucker Tooley and Tom Forman. Produced by CBS Television Studios in association with K/O Paper Products and Relativity Television, the series is internationally distributed by CBS Studios International. 

Twitter: @RTLCBSEntertain
Facebook: RTLCBSEntertainment

4.0 Events Management and RT studious fused to maneuver a much bigger and better ZStars

Philippines. 

This year they will launch the very first "ZSTAR BALL" - A night of Glitz and Glamour! This health and wellness extravaganza will be held on October 09, 2015, Friday, 7:00 to 12:00 Midnight at the Makati Sports Club.

An exciting Group Exercise Concert with grand performances from the country's world renowned talents and celebrities. Plus fashion show, dinner dance and fellowship night of dance fitness instructors and enthusiasts from all over the country.

This event will be attended by over 1,500 fitness aficionados and audience of thousands from different fitness centers', celebrities, media, government and private companies and individuals who want to party themselves into shape and celebrate!

Ticket price is at Php l,000 inclusive of dinner buffet. Ticket is available at the following:

1. 4.0 Events Management-09179795399 | 09253627848 | 27499838

2. RT Studios and Regines Boutique - Unit 7 and 8, Valencia Condo, Valencia Hills Quezon

City. Phone Number: 7266669

Books that will make your heart skip a beat! Precious Pages Corporation (PPC), publisher of the popular Tagalog romance pocketbooks Precious Hearts Romances launches its new selection of romance novels at the country’s biggest gathering of writers and publishers book event, the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF).

Headed by publishing titans Segundo “Jun” D. Matias Jr. and Richard Reynante, PPC shows no signs of slowing down. Less than a year after celebrating their 25 years, the well-loved publishing company churns out another set of page turning romance novels ranging from gothic romance, erotica to science fiction.

THE VIRGIN’S PACT Series 
A collaboration by Bridgette Marie, Leonna, Lush Ericson and Luna King. The series is about four women—all virgins—desperately wanting to lose their virginity, and having embarrassing results. It would show how love could bloom despite superficiality, mistakes, and failures.  It would show how love could bloom from an epic fail.

TVP Book 1: Epic Desire (Maria Athena) by Bridgette Marie
TVP Book 2: Epic Satisfaction (Maria Ilumina) by Leonna
TVP Book 3: Epic Memories (Maria Jesusa) by Lush Ericson
TVP Book 4: Epic Cravings (Maria Carmina) by Luna King


WANDERLUST Series 
Wanderlust is a series about four beautiful, sexy ladies who know what they want in life and how to fight for it. They met at Sagada Lemon Pie House one summer and had an instant connection with each other. They promised to meet again same time next year and see what life had brought to each one of them—whether it was love or heartbreak, a hope or the courage to move on…

Wanderlust Book 1: Touch by Dawn Igloria
Wanderlust Book 2: Kiss by Victoria Amor
Wanderlust Book 3: Tears by Belle Feliz
Wanderlust Book 4: Promise by Dream Grace

Hot Fangs Book 1: Dark Angel by Venus Franz
The gothic/paranormal romance series that also hints a bit humor—consists of nine stories—is all about the powerful and fanged creatures called Atereangelus {it-re-an-je-lus}, an ancient race of half-angel, half-vampire creatures that lived (discreetly and secretly) in modern day among ordinary people.

Brak, The Bastard of Agron by Rose Tan
This is a science fiction/love story/comedy. It has elements of alien romcoms, and Somewher In Time (the movie) where true love knows no time. The novel also tackles how it is to be HUMAN. As the heroine, a human, teaches the hero, an alien, how to be a human being. She is also discovering her own humanity, her weaknesses, her strength, her mistakes, her heart and soul. The alien on the other hand discovers human emotions that defy all explanations. The process is hilarious but at certain points, sad.
It is a journey… through self-discovery… through space and through time.

The Cursed Series Book 1: A Wolf’s Tale by Nikki Karenina
Beauty and The Beast/Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs inspired concept. The Project X – a Korean-Chinese boy band (na panay may lahing Pilipino) would be cursed into real wolves by midnight till dawn. Dahil naging mapanghusga raw silang lahat, masyadong mataas ang tingin sarili, mayabang, at kung ano-ano pa kaya dapat silang maturuan ng leksiyon. They will leave the industry, their lives as artists, and nobody would recognize them while they are cursed. Just like nobody had met them. Even their own families.

Diary ng Chubby 2 by Vanessa

Nagbabalik ang librong nagpa-LOL sa `yo.
Isang bagong bida ang ipakikilala.
She's fierce
She's tough
She's bitter
Most of all…
She's CHUBBY.
Nagbabalik si Inday...
with the special participation of her cousin, Manoy.
Ihanda na ang panyo sa muling pagluha kakatawa.


Loving Sunday by Belle Feliz
Let me, Mattie, tell how Sunday Blue and Jamie Alexander ended up together. It’s a wonderful tale of moving on and falling in love again. A wonderful journey of growing up… of learning more about life after death.

DIARY NG MAGANDA by Victoria Amor
Sa Dear Beautiful, ako si Venusa. Kilala ng online readers bilang witty and sarcastic lady-adviser na walang pakundangan kung magtapon ng masakit na katotohanan sa mga diary entry-sender. Iisa lang naman kasi ang problema ng mga magagandang readers ko—Pag-ibig.
Kung si Venus ay goddess of love and beauty, si Venusa ay prinsesa ng ganda at love expert—iyon ang akala nila. Wala silang ideya na sa likod ni Venusa ay isang babaeng may lihim.
Si Maria.

Isang perpektong babae—maganda, matalino, matatag, walang kahinaan—sa paningin ng lahat. Subalit sa loob ng apat na sulok ng silid ko ay naroon ang katotohanan—na mag-isa ako at matagal nang nasasaktan. Ang sakit na iyon ay baon ko mula sa nakaraan. Nakaraan na saksi sa lihim ko.
Lihim na nasa mga pahina rin ng Diary ko.
Ang diary ko na hawak ngayon ng isang tao—si B, ang nag-iisang lalaking may alam sa lihim ko.
Ito ay kuwento ng kagandahan at wala nito…at kuwento ng isang PAG-IBIG.
Maganda ka ba? In love?

Alin man sa dalawa ang ‘oo’ ang sagot mo ay bahagi ka ng kuwentong ito…

A Pasta Festa for the People

Craving for a bit of Italian? The first thing that comes to mind is a big heaping bowl of pasta, covered with your favorite sauce and sprinkled with lots of Parmesan cheese. It is a dish that everyone loves to eat often, that pasta has become a kitchen pantry staple. Doña Elena Al Dente Pasta brings a taste of Italy to the Filipino home with its line of Italian artisanal pasta noodles, made of 100% durum wheat semolina.

FETTUCCINE is derived from the Italian word fetta, meaning ribbon.
This basic noodle provides a better surface for catching sauce.
It is often served in Alfredo sauce, a mix of parmesan cheese and butter.
Available in 500g pack.

Doña Elena Al Dente Pasta is produced according to the tradition of true Italian pasta. There is actually an Italian law that prescribes that pasta must be made using 100% durum wheat semolina, which is the hardest of all the wheat varieties and has the highest protein content. It is the use of durum wheat that makes pasta “al dente” or “firm to the bite.” Doña Elena Al Dente Pasta is also made using traditional bronze dies, which gives the noodles ridges, which helps the sauce cling to the noodles more, for a richer flavor. Plus, Doña Elena uses all natural GMO-free ingredients in its pasta, which makes it really good for you!

FUSILLI (singular fusillo) are long, thick, corkscrew-shaped pasta.
It is this shape that lets fusilli hold a lot of flavor and sauces.
Available in 250g & 500g packs.

Over the years, pasta has become such a favorite dish for Filipinos. In fact, almost every gathering or special occasion isn’t complete without a big platter of spaghetti Bolognese or baked macaroni. Or maybe even an original recipe using shrimp, Spanish sardines or even spicy tuyo. Doña Elena Al Dente Pasta brings the Filipino’s passion for this versatile noodle to the forefront with the celebration of World Pasta Month, this October. The celebration started in Rome in 1995 with the First World Pasta Congress, and countries all over the world have come up with their own festivities since. After all, pasta is a global food consumed in all five continents and is a perfect fit for a dynamic and healthy lifestyle. The campaign and series of events will highlight every foodie’s love for pasta and how it has become such an integral part of Pinoy culture. 

LASAGNA (singular lasagne) is a wide, flat pasta shape with curly edges that help hold the sauce. It is probably the oldest form of pasta in the Mediterranean. Its most common dish involves layering the pasta with alternating béchamel and meat sauces and baking the whole assembly in an oven. Available in 500g pack.

The campaign kicks off with the Doña Elena Al Dente Online Pasta Recipe Contest, which is open to all home cooks and pasta enthusiasts. The mechanics are simple – upload a photo of your pasta dish with your original or favorite recipe made using Doña Elena Al Dente Pasta to Instagram and tag @DonaElenaCuisineraClub with the hashtag #AlDentePastaMonth. Don’t have Instagram? You can also upload your entries to www.AlDentePastaMonth.com. Each entry will be reviewed for a chance to be part of the finals where the top five will have to cook their dish in front of a live audience at the upcoming Doña Elena Al Dente Pasta Festa. Deadline for submission of entries is on September 30, 2015. For more contest details, you can log on to www.aldentepastamonth.com. No need to wait! It’s time to say…Al Dente!

PENNE (singular penna) RIGATE (ridged). 

The pasta gets its name from penna, meaning feather or quill. 

It is often used in various pasta dishes, boiled until al dente and tossed 

with sauces or baked in ovens. Available in 250g & 500g packs.

The main highlight of the Pasta-rrific festivities is the Doña Elena Al Dente Pasta Festa – World Pasta Month Celebration to be held on October 9 at the Main Mall Atrium, SM Mall of Asia. It is not to be missed by foodies, home cooks and aspiring chefs alike – and it’s best to come with a healthy appetite. The event will feature an Italian Food Fair, reminiscent of walking thru the food streets of Italy. Looking for a new recipe to try? Chef Ben Bernardo of Café Royal & Pasha, along with Chef Roberto Bellini (of the famed Bellini’s Restaurant in Cubao) will be sharing their favorite recipes in a fun cooking demonstration. Another highlight will be the grand finals for the Doña Elena Al Dente Online Pasta Recipe Contest, to see who will emerge with the best pasta recipe of the season, for a chance to win cash and kitchen appliances. If you’re feeling a little hungry, the Pasta Eating Contest could be right up your alley, where you can chow down on delicious Doña Elena Al Dente Pasta dishes and win a prize. It will definitely be a fun day of eating, cooking and celebrating, so mark the date on your calendars. The event will be hosted by Aksyon sa Umaga Anchor Grace Lee.

The most popular form of pasta, SPAGHETTI is (singular spaghetto) derived from the Italian word spago, meaning thin string or twine. Its best-known servings are Spaghetti alla Bolognese and Aglio Olio. Available in 500g pack.

The Doña Elena Pasta Fiesta - World Pasta Month Celebration is in cooperation with media partners Food Magazine, Working Mom Magazine, WhenInManila.com, theAsianparent.com, Business Mirror, Malaya Business Insight, Business World, HerWord and Mommy Bloggers Philippines; and partners Masflex, Whirlpool, Tecnogas, Corelle, Ginhawa Spa and Dining, Caffe Bene and Gloria Jeans Coffee.

Come join us this October 9 as we celebrate the World Pasta Month and say... It's Al Dente!

Join our online contest and pre-register for the event, visit www.aldentepastamonth.com.

Doña Elena Al Dente Pasta is the only authentic Italian Artisan Quality pasta brand in the Philippines. It is crafted with bronze dies which leave a rough surface on the pasta, helping sauces cling better to the pasta, thus making it more delicious. Doña Elena Al Dente Pasta is available in 5 variants – Fettuccine, Penne Rigate, Fusilli, Spaghetti and Lasagna. 

For more info, visit www.facebook.com/donaelenacuisineraclub.