Experiencing The Grand Lunar Feast with ISKAPARATE.COM

The Lunar New Year came to me quite differently this year as the folks from ISKAPARATE.COM had us join their Chinese Delicacy Cooking Workshop last week at the All About Baking store in SM North Edsa The Block in Quezon City. The workshop was facilitated by the very nice Chef Cathy Yu of Save Bakery and Cafe Philippines.

First off, it was the first time I've seen All About Baking, and they've got everything you need with that hobby and more. Folks would feel like a kid in a candy store when you're there, as all the ingredients, equipment, even the materials you need to have a successful bake shop is all there! 

 

The event was done through ISKAPARATE.COM's site via DTC Promos Inc. They got several subscribers join in which includes Customers, Mothers, Entrepreneurs, Business Owners who would want to learn to prepare and cook delicacies apt for the occasion. They were a pretty nice group and saw how some experienced ones helping the others which was a pretty sight to see. Aside from Chef Cathy Yu, 

DTC Promos Inc. President and COO Ms. Marissa Dames also talked to us about ISKAPARATE.COM's referral program. Those who are planning to have their products on the site were also accommodated by the ConnectSys who told them about the Vendor referral program and how one could earn from it. If you wish to be part of that, just message them on Iskaparate's Facebook page or their published email address.

To join the TAP or Tell A Pal Affiliate program, one just needs to share or promote any product from their website and have it monitored through the ReferralPlus platform. The site views activities from your account and monitors your commission. Just create an account at the ReferralPulse website after registering at the ISKAPARATE.COM website.

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Going back to our workshop, they had us learn the ropes in making Egg Tarts, Fried Milk (made with Arla Full Cream Milk!), Almond Cookies (with McCormick spices), Gyoza (used Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce for the marinade and dip), Baked Honey Pork Steak Char Siu (used Lee Kum Kee sauces too), and the Huat Huat Noodle (using SYSU products). We made them all using the high tech UNOX ovens at the shop (oh yes it's also there!). All of these are available at the ISKAPARATE.COM website which would be a very convenient way to prepare for meals, special occasions since it's an all in one store. They also give exposure to those who would want to start a business, one that's got the online store, logistics and marketing know how prepared for those who need it.

This isn't the first time that they have held an event of this magnitude, and yes, they told us to expect more of these in the coming months. Being a new member of the site made me feel I belong, and seeing them help SME's, and even offer micro loans made me realize the extent of effort to put in this place. They know how folks could start their own business, in hopes to change lives in the process.

With all these, I now think I'm a good cook.  :)  So if you want to experience this too, go join the fun over at their website.

Celebrate the Year of the Wood Dragon with Queen of Feng Shui Marites Allen!

Time to celebrate the Year of the Wood Dragon this 2024 with a countdown with the Queen of Feng Shui Ms. Maritess Allen!

You can do it this Friday on February 9th at 10PM at MANILA HOUSE Private Members Club in BGC Taguig. It will be done at their AVENUE DECK which is quite a nice place to do it. This costs Php 8,800.00 and will include a few activities like the Blessing and Dragon Dance (dotting of the eye), Wishing Paper which will be for putting your dreams in, a Yee Sang Salad Ceremony (Salad Toss), a very sumptuous Prosperity Meal and a countdown for the Dragon (to see it come to life!).

If you want to be part of it, you can call 09754584048 or 09209509390. You may also email them via connect@frigga.co.uk. Tickets will run out fast so make sure to reserve a table or two for prosperity and joy like no other with the Queen of Feng Shui. 

Come celebrate the Year of the Wood Dragon this 2024!

Marites Allen: Letting it Be, Letting it Go in the Year of Wood Dragon

It's almost 2024, and yes, we're raring to know what would happen to us in the Year of the Wood Dragon. In Chinese Zodiac, Dragons have the innate ability to lead, yes they are born leadeers. If you're raring to get a kid these days, this is the opportune time to do it. Dragons are also diplomatic, but they can be very funny if needed too. They have the ability to do good in business, they also don't hold back giving, the generous ones get the perks.The Queen of Feng Shui Ms. Marites Allen gave us a few things to look forward to in the Year of the Wood Dragon.

The essentials of course are all in the Almanac and Planner that they have available for 2024. It's a collectible, hopefully will have value in the near future. They also announced the Feng Shui Conference on January 14, 2024. There will also be a Chinese New Year Bazaar on February 7-9 plus more activities on February 9 as we countdown to the Year of the Wood Dragon. Here's our video coverage of the event last month, this is the media conference and launch of the books!

Dogs need to be careful especially in relationships, while Monkey Dragon and Roosters need Communication for the year but before that, make sure you do something for yourself. Risk taking and technology based businesses will be better for you. Rats on the other hand need to enhance their wealth, go get charms that would be able to help you with that. Tigers have to be open to receive abundance and miracles for the same year. For the Rabbits, this is a year of transformation so go change up when you desire it. Snakes need to be careful as illness might come. Monkeys have vibrant energy to spend, so does the Roosters. Dogs need to also change up, like jobs, looks and even your bedrooms. Horses might have a great year of wealth last year, but this year you need to enhance it. Other details will be on the books they will release for this year.

 

 Her son Kirk Allen also introduced us to an AR feature on these books. You can scan it with the Marites Allen app and an egg will appear. It's like Pokemon, and will crack on Chinese New Year, so I'm looking forward to what it'll look like on February. There are tons more to look forward to, so make sure you get tickets to the event especially on the Feng Shui conference where things will be explained in detail. Charms and books will also be available in those events, make sure you're there!

 I'd like to take this bit and thank Ms. Marites Allen and their team for having us that afternoon. It's a nice way to see peers in the industry, and friends too. Can't wait to see what's going to happen in the Feng Shui Convention come 2024! 

Yes, it's going to be a year of letting it be, and letting it go, what or who do you have in mind that need to do this?

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!

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.

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VIVO Announces Chinese New Year Photo Contest Winner

Rhea and Kat in action during the CNY Photowalk

 I've enjoyed this photowalk that Vivo arranged a couple weeks ago. It was part of their Chinese New Year celebrations and what better way to do that but by doing a photo contest in the Year of the Eart Dog. There were about 18 of us walking the streets of Binondo and nearby establishments, armed with their newest phone model VIVO V7+ with it's 24MP front cam, it would be easy capturing the sights and sounds of Binondo.

I remember taking advantage of the camera’s HDR mode for all my shots. I also got to shoot with it and got stunning images as long as the phone's display. Selfies were so easy with it's portrait bokeh mode, making creamy blurred background a cinch for any regular joe. The Vivo V7+ also has got the professional mode which is like the manual mode of DSLR cameras. Adjustments for any particular setting you do in DSLR cameras, you can do it here. Vivo’s Chinese New Year Photo Contest also meant Vivo phone users got the chance to make entries out of their Chinese New Year themed photos and upload them in their Instagram accounts. They stood to win a brand-new Vivo V7+ in the process, and you know who won? It's this lady here, Angela Palacio.

 

Angela Palacio

Her entry with chinese lanterns illuminated on the streets, won her the new phone!

Aside from winning the brand new phone, she got her entry posted and be showcased at the Chinese New Year Photo display at Lucky Chinatown together with the bloggers and celebrities who enjoyed the activities as well.

I would like to take this bit to thank VIVO for having us and the rest of the bloggers. I love how some of my followers tagged me because they saw the photos in Lucky Chinatown later on. They posted my shot of the church, that was awesome!

If you have questions about the phone, please visit their official website www.vivo.com/ph or their channels on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/VivoPhil), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vivophil/) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivo_phil). Congratulations Angela! Enjoy the phone!

OBANZAI: The Flavors of Kyoto at Sofitel Manila

It's been a while since I've been back at Sofitel Manila. The first quarter of 2017 seems mighty busy for this 5 star hotel as they make your holiday celebrations even BIGGER. Their signature restaurant SPIRAL is rated best in the Philippines and they're definitely held the BEST Buffet Restaurant title for years now. They're full of ideas and they can definitely make it into reality. This quarter, they've come up with the best themes for the holidays and they say, it's time to celebrate it with your friends and family. 

OBANZAI: The Flavors of Kyoto

Bringing in the flavors of one of my dream destinations in Japan, Sofitel starts this year with OBANZAI the flavors of Kyoto. 

Kyoto has some really good food that's still waiting to be discovered. They will be doing it through a food festival designed by their house Japanese Chef Hiromi Yonekwa who hails from the region. His menu consists of old favorites which has been passed down from generations, some of which were cooked and served by his Mom, in his own home. I was at awe!

The Japanese spread, simple but classy. Clean as those made by Japanese Iron Chefs on TV!

They even made Sushi Rice made to look like oh so cute Hello Kitty!

Every Sashimi lovers dream is this spread of white fish, Toro (Tuna) and Salmon. Now where's that plate of soy sauce?

Oh yes they have several plates of these Okonomiyaki, Japanese pancakes is just lovely!

My personal favorite is the Takoyaki which is a lay man's term for Octopus laden balls.

Different types of Tempura is also available. This one actually goes very fast!

Your family dinner won't be complete without lovely, hot, hearty Sukiyaki. Swish in a couple of slices of Beef and it's a perfect day!

For those who love Sushi, they' have it in different shapes sizes and flavors. Don't be afraid to dig in!

You can now reserve for the Japanese Sake Dinner slated January 17, 2017 7PM at Sofitel's La Veranda. The rate set at Php3,500 nett per person. You can also participate with a special Japanese Cooking Class by Chef Hiromi Yonekawa which will happen on January 18, 2017. You will test your skills over at the Hot Japanese Atelier (station in front of the Cheese Room) at 4pm onwards. It will cost Php 1,500 nett per person. If it's something special, you may reserve the Chef’s Table with Chef Hiromi Yonekawa. This will include a 6-course dinner prepared every a la minute in the Davao and Boracay Kitchens on January 19, 2017 at 7pm. The rate set at Php 4,500 nett. I strongly suggest you do the Spiral Sunday Brunch though because they'll include sake and canapé pairing in this class which will be held on January 22, 2017 at 12PM to 3PM. The brunch is Php 4,215 nett per person.

For more information about their hotel and food:

Sofitel Manila

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http://www.spiralmanila.com

Spiral Does Three This First Quarter

We had our eyes glued on stage when we were treated with a great afternoon of Korean, Chinese and Valentines flair at Sofitel Manila. First up is the Korean Food Festival, a thing that they're celebrating in the hotel for the first time. It's a mix of cultural performances, experience and lovely Korean food offerings that will be done in Spiral the whole month and will remain in the offerings in one of the dining ateliers in the best buffet destination in the Philippines. Aside from that, they flew in Chef Jang Bo-Ik of Grand Ambassador Seoul to conduct a few Korean cooking demonstrations and lessons at Sofitel, just ask so you could participate with these efforts by the Korean Cultural Center and the hotel.

 They will also have legit Korean Hanbok and dresses displayed for photo ops in Spiral so if you feel like dressing up, it'll be fun in specially designed photo booths they prepared during the event. I love the small sweets they also had us try plus the beef dishes and kimchi which is probably part of their cuisine. You should ask the hotel how you would be able to experience that too and they can make arrangements.

Valentines Day at Sofitel

For those looking for the perfect venue to have those perfect dates this Valentines day, Sofitel offers their place plus Sunset plus special packages during this time. They also got all the aphrodisiacs lined up if you're a little frisky on these dates. I love the Balut so much I had to put it here!

 To lobsters, sea cucumbers, abalone, they've got that prepared if you want your dinner to be the best. They can also arrange it in Sofitel's rooftop where you can literally have a grand view of the city and Manila Bay. Just ask and they can arrange the perfect proposal venue for you within hotel grounds. I've seen it myself and it is just picturesque! You should consider popping the question this February. Spiral and Sofitel has a lot of ways to say I love you, they can help you with that too.

Lunar New Year at Spiral

Usher in the Lunar New Year in Spiral as they welcome the Monkey with prosperity plates filled with almost imperial dishes whether ala carte or part of their buffet offerings. I gasped seeing the tons of food they had us try that afternoon.

Chef Michael Tai offers 10 secrets to happiness and features dishes to interpret prosperity, faith and fortune. Aside from that, Albert Andrada will be having his La Prosperite Chinoise Collection right on Spiral's grounds so you'll have a real deal world class fashion show from the man who dressed Ms. Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach in that iconic Blue Gown she wore in the pageant.

It was majestic, and this is actually just one of them. So just imagine what Albert Andrada has up on his sleeves come Sunday lunch of the Chinese New Year Celebrations in Sofitel!

This is impressive, I can't wait to see the rest of the year with Sofitel. For reservations, please call 551-5555 and ask for the 4 course dinner with wine offers. I like that specifically.

For more information about their offerings:

Sofitel Manila

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Visit their official website

http://www.sofitelmanila.com