FFCCCII Honors Christmas Icon JOSE MARI CHAN

The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) recently held a luncheon for its members to signify their gratefulness to Filipino Christmas icon Jose Mari Chan. Their President Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro was there to officiate the event and addressed the media on why they are honoring the Filipino Singer, Songwriter and Businessman. For those who don't know, Mr. Jose Mari Chan has been supporting FFC VII's various charities and continue to do so til now.

He plays a huge part in socio-civic charitable endeavors that the organization does, including its 170 Filipino Chinese Chambers around the country. Recently, they also held advocacy, economic relief during the calamities in communities in the Bicol region, Metro Manila which was hit by typhoons. They did this with the Tsino Magkaibigan Foundation through their networks. They also held Medical Missions and supported different rural public schools among others. They also gave assistance to several Filipino Chinese Volunteer Fire Brigades that help and give assistance to different communities, no rich or poor.

Mr. Jose Mari Chan says "My songs have been part of Christmas, but it's the coming together, to come alive with care and love. We too are pinoys, let's continue to champion the spirit of bayanihan."

Dr. Pedro adds "It's all about Christ, whoever accepts him will have eternal life. Salamat throughout the year for your support, you are the ones giving services for the people. We have problems in the country but you also have to give people good news. Every Christmas celebration is about love, grace and forgiveness, then we can have Hapeeness."

Both Jose Mari Chan, Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro and the Filipino Chinese organizations pronounced their commitment in helping fellow Filipinos especially those who are in the underprivileged communities.

MANO PO LEGACY Moved to New Timeslot

Talking to the cast was really an opportunity to see how these actors and actresses prepare for their role and know how they do it. True enough, people have been raving about the performances of Maricel Laxa, Sunshine Cruz, Barbie Forteza and the whole cast.

As Maricel Laxa says. "It's not hard to actually do it because you've got a supportive cast, excellent people behind the scenes that would make you think it's easy to execute the character."

David Licauco says "At first it was intimidating but when I started to talk to them, it was easy. The script is actually good so it was easy to do because you would know how their character moves or do in the story."

Here's our blog conference a few days ago, enjoy!

Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune cast also includes Rob Gomez, Nikki Co, Dustin Yu, Darwin Yu, Casie Banks, David Chua, Victor Basa, Ms. Boots Anson-Roa and a lot more.

And before we do go, they've changed their time slot as MANO PO LEGACY: The Family Fortune will be shown at 8:50pm starting February 7, so make sure you move your watching hours to that time because it's perfect after dinner no?

Happy Lunar New Year by the way!

Protecting Our Families and Stopping the Spread of the Virus

It's potentially the worst way to spend the holidays... to be sick and isolated. Though there's been a very good run wherein cases were down during the Christmas season, the Omicron variant happens in the Philippines and it's even more contagious.

Today (January 11), the Department of health has logged 28,007 cases and that figure is definitely alarming. The Omicron variant has symptoms like Sore Muscles, Fever, Dry Cough/Sore Throat and Extreme Tiredness. I've known so many people in my own timeline who've gotten COVID-19 and much of them have started isolating at home. While the Chinese families have a good grasp of how traditional Chinese medicines can help, Filipinos are now starting to see the benefits of it. With a doctor's prescription, you may opt to get Lianhua Qingwen. Together with this, the government advises to prevent, detect isolate, treat, re-integrate and vaccinate so we'd get less transmission of it... this is in hopes that Filipinos follow protocols too so our health professionals can start to manage cases in the country.

You may get Lianhua Qingwen on Mercury Drug, Southstar Drug, Watsons, Rose Pharmacy and TGP stores nationwide. It's SRP is Php 288 per box of 28 capsules. If you want to know more about it, visit philarchipelago.com or call them via 83617491 to 98 and be connected to local 844. Make sure you get a doctor's prescription before getting one as it is needed.

Lianhua Qingwen Gets Provisionally Off from List of Dangerous Drugs

If you are looking for the status of Lianhua Qingwen, the Dangerous Drugs Board set out Board Regulations for it and published it this year. They have deliberated about it for a few months, and with record cases surging per day this week, it would be something good to have as an herbal solution for symptoms like fever, sore throat, cough, stuffy or runny nose, aversion to cold, muscle soreness, headache and wheezing. Fine print is here:

What this means is that S2 prescription from doctors to get Lianhua Qingwen are not required.  This is traditional chinese medicine brought to the country by Phil. Archipelago Intl. Trading Corp. They are still awaiting for it to be re-classified to an "over the counter" product by FDA. Here's their FDA registration.

Currently this is being sold in the market for Php 288.00 per box of 24 capsules. With the DDB decision, the regulation of it takes effect 15 days after publication, which in their case is March 12th of 2021. Lianhua Qingwen is now available in Mercury Drug branches and other leading pharmacies nationwide.

If you would like to know more about Lianhua Qungwen and its benefits, you may visit their official website www.philarchipelago.com or call them via (02) 8361-7491 to 98 loc. 844. Ask your doctor if this could help you. It may be a good thing to do that first before taking anything orally. 

Stay healthy peeps!

Chinese New Year Treats from Shopee

 

 

The Year of the Metal OX or Cow is my year and with that, comes a lot of time to actually chill because we're pretty much confined in our homes because of the pandemic. We're taking treats seriously and online shopping is part of that. So I'm here to give you some pointers on what to get before you watch movies and chill.

Here's a few things you should take advantage of while buying stuff on Shopee.

To watch a movie, you need a Smart TV. This is the time to get one especially if Shopee has vouchers and free delivery. You can get this ACE 32 Inch Smart TV here. I'm using one right now at my room and it's done wonders for me and my gaming console.

Relax a bit with this INTEX Chair and Ottoman. If you want something to make your sitting experience a little better when you're on the floor, this could be it. Get one here.

Cook everything on an airfryer, it's easy, you can clean it fast, and it's a whole lotta healthy. Get this Kyowa Air Fryer here for only Php 3,500. Thank me later.

It's the opportune time to thank people and with this Tikoy, it can be done. It's cheap too so no worries about getting it by bulk. Spread good luck and fortune for your friends and family.

This popcorn maker is legendary. I've used one since I was a kid and the butter flavor is phenomenal because you do melt real butter for it. Get the Popcorn Maker here.

If you wanna cook, here's a Chinese Wok. Fast  fry, saute stuff, and get this Wok here.

Oh by the way, Shopee Pay also now has an Ang Pao feature. You can send money via the app and make someone else very happy with your gift. This would be good for Chinese New Year celebrations, and the time is now!

Now no need to stress over things, go download the Shopee app and get these chill essentials today!

Still Human - A Film That Needs To Be Seen

Just got off the private screening of Still Human. A film made and produced by organizations in Hong Kong. It was indeed a masterpiece, starring Anthony Wong and Crisel Consunji. Shot entirely in the progressive financial district, it talks about the life of an OFW in Hong Kong and local elderly man who initially had hesitations having a Filipina maid but got to like her after a few days. It was so nice and fresh, it wasn’t an entirely depressing sob story but you will surely cry especially on scenes about family, sacrifice, and how the female lead star Crisel ended up with her character - to achieve hope, to dream with the help of her employer.

Crisel Consunji says “Went to Hong Kong and told myself I had to make a difference, I was taken aback when I saw women that are empowered that they didn’t need my help. There are many Filipinas in HK 210,000 work in the Domestic Help industry. Some to note are dragon boat rowers, accomplished photographers, mountain hikers, in spite of many odds these are breaking barriers. When I walk in central, I see people like me, but I think now is a wonderful time to listen what they have to say. This film is called Still Human. Working with a legend was blissful, he was generous, you can’t expect anything else. He is very outspoken, he wasn’t even paid for it. He said “Because it is high time we cast Filipinas as they are part of our society.” I gave them a call and auditioned, he treated the story with respect and I felt I cannot not be part of this. I did two scenes and exchanged ideas during the process and got it.”

True enough, they have been nominated in several categories, won Best Actor for Anthony Wong and Best New Performer + a Best Actress nomination for Crisel. She’s also the first Filipina to do so and they’re changing things in HK society. Anthony revered this as an acting piece and didn’t even ask for payment to do the project. This is under No Ceiling Film Productions and have yet to be commercially released in the Philippines. I was expecting less about the story, but they definitely touched me, and over delivered. This needs to be seen and trust me, even if you’re a grown man, you will feel it.

Get in touch with the artist if you are interested to do it.

WOK2GO Opens Double Dragon Plaza Branch in Pasay City

Fresh ingredients, hot out of the wok and fast service, this is how WOK2GO promises to deliver their best wok mixes to you at their newest branch in Double Dragon Plaza's Tower 4 in Pasay City. I have seen their first branch at the Uptown Mall top floor food center which mostly catered to a take out audience. This time however, they've set up a 50 seater industrial cozy restaurant at the back of the building, we took strides to get there a few days ago.

They had almost the same menu with the addition of new dimsum items like Shrimp and Pork Siomai, plus Lumpiang Shanghai.  Average meal of Siomai Rice would only cost around 95 bucks and their signature wok mixes cost 120 and up depending on how you want it done. They do customize so if you are a little adventurous, just let them know how you want it done, choose the ingredients and voila! Your own perfect bowl! They say the flavor is in the putting so they have Signature Sauces from the Philippines, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand and Indonesia, so you get a little bit of an Asian flair in each dish.

Here's what we had that afternoon:

WOK2GO Co-Founder Kim Garcia says “It took us 2 years to develop the menu. It’s our best dishes and we contributed on what we serve in the restaurant. We have new dimsum choices in the Wok 2 Go Double Dragon Plaza branch. This is their second one after the successful first one at Uptown Mall. We are also using this business to employ PWD’s which are now part of our crew. All our utensils and packaging are Earth friendly. We cook food fast as well. Right now we have take out available via our own proprietary app Grab Food, Zomato, Food Panda.” 

I had my bowl customized with double beef, veggies, kimchi, green curry sauce and bits of chili. It was so good... make sure you eat it while it's hot!

If you're up to it, some of their prep time only runs around less than 3minutes because they know most workers only spend an hour for lunch or dinner, they also keep the nutrients on veggies because of the wok method of cooking.

Again, WOK2GO is located at Double Dragon Plaza's Tower 4 (Ground Floor Perimeter). If you get to the main entrance of the mall, just go inside, go out the left most side of the mall and turn right. Go take your taste buds to an exciting journey of Asia through their wok mixes, it's comfort food!

Golden Bamboo Restaurant Opens at Ayala Malls Circuit

Golden Bamboo Restaurant opens in Ayala Malls Circuit

It has been a while since I've been in Ayala Malls Circuit in Makati City. I'm a boy from the north, so it would take a bit of an effort to actually travel all the way there. Seldom, yeah, but if it calls for something good, I say, I'm there!

At the mall's upper ground floor (right side of the escalator at the main entrance), Golden Bamboo Restaurant just opened shop and the promise of authentic chinese cuisine was just too much, too tempting not to visit it ahead of the public. It was important to them to do it during the month when Valentines day and Chinese New Year happens so they could go all out in celebrating the occasion, complete with Dragon Dance and promos fit for the holidays. With them in the mixed use property, people can now have authentic, handcrafted and freshly cooked dimsum + chinese dishes intricately prepared by Chines Master Chef Zhang. By any word, that just means good news.

I was impressed with the spread.

The Roast Platter - this is a selection of Roast Peking Chicken, Soy Chicken, Peking Duck and Crispy Chicken. It was served with a side of probably pickled ginger and hoisin sauce, reminds me of how Hainanese Chicken Rice is prepared.

Golden Bamboo Crispy Pork Leg - as the name suggests, this just had to be on our table. The crispy pork trotters was just awesome on top of a side of white rice. The skin was crispy but surprisingly not dry, no need for dips even if they had some for it. Definitely a must try.

Emperor's Rib with Buns - think of thick slices of pork (no holding back on the fat) enveloped in a soft white bun (mantao) with a dollop of hoisin sauce (as preference). It's a guilty version of a sandwich, so soft, amazing for a snack or starter.

Roast Suckling Pig - as if the trotters wasn't enough, this comes along and everyone welcomed it. Young and soft pork meat with crispy skin, you can't go wrong with that. This would be best for big occasions like birthdays, events, or maybe just your Sunday lunch. I got it and put a little hoisin on it, still loved how crunchy and a little salty it is.

Beef Curry with Coconut Milk - if you're fond of spices, then try this one. I love the potatoes and the curry sauce, the beef was easily filling us as it is heavy protein. I would recommend this for those who want heavy lunch or if you're a little famished.

Crab Salt and Pepper - simple but so delicious, for seafood lovers out there, this would make you happy. The garlicky, lightly salted exterior and thick crab parts would make you want more. It may be sufficient for 4, but it would be a great meal for two people. I'd rather do the latter, more for me is always a good idea.

Assorted Misua Guisado with Meat - noodles for long life, so it always has to be there. Mix it thoroughly so you get a perfect bite each time.

Fried Lapu Lapu with Mango Sauce - I guess all good things must come to an end, but ending the main course with a bang. White fish with sweet tangy mangoes and sweet chili sauce, it had all the nicest things in it. It was healthy and not too oily for something that has been fried to a crisp. This is my personal favorite.

Ube with Sago - for our dessert, it was surprising to see something hot offered. The ube and sago combo was good, but I bet this would be also best if taken cold, either way, you have to make sure to try dining here with your friends and family. You deserve the best.

Golden Bamboo Restaurant also has branches at Meycauayan Bulacan, Santiago City Isabela, Tugegarao City Cagayan and this new one in Makati. Now don't fret because they plan to open more in the next few years, particularly in other urbanized cities so everyone could get to taste good authentic chinese cuisine where they are. You should reserve a table or two via 09178028070 so they can host you at Ayala Malls Circuit. 

They are not that expensive, but these dishes would be just so perfect to treat you and your family. They have social media channels so just find @goldenbambooph on IG and GoldenBambooPH on FB. 

It's all there! 8/10 kumags.

KUMAGCOW
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Feng Shui Goodness from Yang’s Charms and Crystals Marikina

Yang’s Charms and Crystals just opened up shop last July 28 in Marikina.

Sat down with Ms. Joy Lim, owner of famous Charms and Crystals. She started as an accessory dealer since 1995. It was just a hobby for her, she liked it and her best friend had love problems, she wanted to help and in Binondo they only sold Jade, and common charms but none were really apt for what they needed. They saw the need for it - so that’s when they started with lucky items often seen in the house but made it special by using different precious crystals as base. From frogs, crystals, Buddha figures, she is Filipino Chinese so it was like second nature for her.

In Hong Kong she saw how this was done and the lucky objects were just more fancy, attractive and when she took home most of her ware it was sold like hotcakes. Add to that her sudden exposure in popular TV shows on ABSCBN, she became a byline in society when you hear Charms and Crystals by Joy Lim. You probably have seen her name many times in ABSCBN shows.

Not to burst your bubble but the hungry ghost month is not over yet. If you do offerings for wandering ghosts and they actually can give you something in return, this is what the Ghost Month Offering is for. It’s got candles for light (done outside the house), paper money to burn and incense. It’s like doing good deeds that are unexpected, do it every year with your family’s third generation, and you will be lucky. They have a packet available in the shop (which you can also purchase) with the complete items for one person, or for your whole family.

In this franchise, personal consultations can be done every Wednesday and it is FREE but you have to build your own charm bracelet during this time.

If you see Christian symbols on the charm don’t be worried, according to her it builds your faith. She says “We guide out clients and that’s the difference. We do not just sell charms and crystals. We don’t say we have to worship, but it is symbols, it follows the same ideas as nature so the lucky symbols around your house have meaning, it is based also on God’s creations. Crystals can be brought with you, it doesn’t have to be a bracelet like charms in your pocket. These days I have my son and daughters already stable, my family too, this is just my way of giving back.”

Owner Ms. Ria Dimalanta was excited to share her story and says “Meeting Ms Joy Lim was a dream. I am in the construction business and I met her in January. Initially I really only wanted a Feng Shui consultation for my own place and told me things would happen from 3 to 6 months. This talk happened in January of this year and it kind of bore fruit to build this new franchise from Ms. Joy Lim. I was a little afraid we would reach the ghost month and you know those dates won’t be good for business. In May we already set up shop, it was just like magic. I opened before ghost month, we already had a lot of walk ins and it was surprising. We are also targeting Antipolo soon. For me doing charms and crystals is like sharing what happened to me; and now I want to share the same experience with other people. I felt the change and it’s not a fools story, I now have a lot of projects in my construction business and also now own this franchise in Marikina. I met her through a friend and after the consultation, in my line of work I got triple (even more) the luck I got when I started. I believe it was fate who brought us together and by faith our businesses will flourish. It all stems from there, we are working on our second Yang Charms and Crystals branch which will be opening very soon.”

The store’s name is hailed from Yin and Yang with the latter pointing to the bright side of things. Luck definitely exists, but Feng Shui has been practised for years and is a science if you think about it. If it plays a role in your life and makes you believe with intent on how it would bring more harmony in your home and life, then why not right? We have our own free will, let’s use that to make our lives better.

YANG’s Charms and Crystals is located at 116 Lilac Street SSS Village Concepcion II in Marikina City. You may call them via 9597271 or their mobile numbers 09171054146/09491238039. You can also email them via ycandc.yangcharmsandcrystal@gmail.com or walk in if you want to know more.

KUMAGCOW
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