The Cholesterol Reducing Phytosterol in Canola Oil

I've been spending a lot of time in the grocery and have been smart with my choices. In the recent years, we've been using Canola oil for all our cooking needs. We've also had olive, bran, vegetable, but still went back to this because it's just simply good.

Now I didn't know it's health benefits, but reading research online made me realize how it has been one of the things that has reduced the risk of having coronary heart disease in the family. It's one that has been haunting my family for years. Now news about it being a heart healthy oil has been good news for me because of the component called phytosterols. Studies have noted that a mere two grams of these per day would actually diminish the risk of heart disease, one that has killed a lot of people worldwide. This also happens to be true to this day in the Philippines too because of Filipinos keep getting all the junk food and bad cholesterol laden fast food dishes. I am so proud my Mom made it a point to get Golden Fiesta Canola Oil from Nutriasia which is a rich source of phytosterol on its own.It's an all natural plant extract which can reduce your cholesterol level by up to 15 percent, a number your own Mom would be proud of. Food like these with phytosterol are sanctioned by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USDA), isn't it nice to see that on research?

For those suffering gout, it's got low level uric acids, while diabetics would be delighted it's got low glucosinolates and other bad stuff like saturated fatty acids and all those bad fats we frown upon on the nutrition label details. I just got a few bottles for home use yesterday. Now those stir fries, soups, sauces, fried chicken and pork steaks would be dealt with easily, consumed because they're extra healthy now that I know there is phytosterol in canola Oil.

You should be happy. I am!

Some Good Things About Canola Oil

What kind of oil are you using in your kitchen? Is it still palm? Vegetable? Coconut oil? Not that I'm saying it's not good but for me, it's been a good experience cooking with Canola oil. It's got a lot of fatty acids that is essential in your diet, some of which are can't be made by your own body.

Canola actually contains Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). It is an omega-3 fatty acid which protects you against heart disease by lowering bad cholesterol. It also contains Linoleic acids which is an omega-6 fatty acid, your body can't produce that naturally but this one has it. Aside from that, it helps you in nutritional gaps because it contains phytosterol. There are a lot of things that Canola Oil has to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Canola Oil doesn't also hamper in the taste of your food, whether Chicken, Beef or Pork, it retains it's neutral taste and it doesn't smell too even in high temperatures. It can do well in frying, sauteing or even baking. A tea spoon of it everyday would reduce the risk of heart attacks, so if you're a health freak, this would do so good on your diet. Remember, cutting down on saturated fats helps cut your cholesterol levels so if you're out and doing grocery, pick up something good on the shelf like Golden Fiesta.  

I am, you should too.

Bel-Air Village Will Do "Retrospective" Show on their 60th Year!

Everybody knows whay Bel-Air Village entails, aside from the rich and famous, the who's who in Manila, they've housed some of the most creative people in the fields of art, design, literature, interior design and a whole lot more. Aside from that, some of their noted residents include the Dean of Philippine Fashion "Mang Ben" Ben Farrales and the Founder and CEO of online retail giant Zalora Mr. Paolo Campos. They will be including a full pledged fashion show during Bel-Air's 60th (Diamond) Anniversary called "RETROSPECTIVE" at the Solar Street Park in Bel-Air 3. This coincides with the PASINAYA 2017 celebration which will run from May 26, 27 and 28, 2017.

The Pasinaya is a yearly celebration in their community which was started by Barangay Chairman Nene Lichauco. They want to have their Diamond Anniversary to be big and everyone from their village wanted to signify the strength of this precious gem, the shine that comes from the people who live here so they all got together for the most awaited fiesta in Makati. The homeowners, tenants, helpers and drivers all step into the community for camaraderie, to remember the village like no other. When it was conceptualized, they got the Captain Antonio O'Brien (husband of Paraluman) to suggest a name for the Barangay and the only catch was to have the word AIR on it since they had mostly pilots of Philippine Airlines in the village, hence the name Bel-Air. Now they have been holding huge shows and this fashion show won't dissappoint you as I have seen Ben Farrales' show in the past especially during Philippine Fashion Week. You'll definitely see Filipiniana, fabulous weaving from Mindanao communities and also a great lineup from Fashion Retail Giant Zalora.com.

Mr. Camus of the Bel-Air Board of Governors says "When the Pasinaya was a Flores De Mayo celebration in the 60's, it wasn't like this and they know you'll love to see how times have changed and how to successfuly maintain the relationships in this dynamic neighborhood, whether old or new residents, you'll always feel like you belong. This is a family centered community and they will continue to value this all throughout the years."

I wanna go to Bel-Air and visit my relatives here. Or maybe I could visit the Barangay Captain Nene Licauco's house since she offered LOL. Can't wait to see the show! They also say that the village will be open on these dates, just sign up with the guards on all gates. Come and see them perform too!

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

A Lovely Afternoon at Market Basket in Alabang

Dropped by Market Basket this afternoon. It's a restaurant located just outside Festival Mall's River Park area in Alabang Muntinlupa. I was in the mood for sophisticated European dishes or modern Filipino food which the place prides itself with. It's like a modern day "Dampa" dining place with an interior that would remind you of a country home or what is called shabby chic. 

The place can sit about 100-120 people including the seating outside with a view of a fancy fountain. They also have a private room upstairs which you could use for small gatherings or meetings, just let them know ahead of time to reserve.

The concept of a modern day "Dampa" must be amusing, but do know they get the freshest produce around Manila and turn them into delectable dishes in just a few minutes. All you need to do is choose - and tell them what you would like to do with it. The price is accorded to the weight of the produce but their minimum is 200 grams, and you only pay once unlike regular "Dampa" that's got separate bills for the market and for the cooking.

I was with a couple of other people having lunch so it was a nice way to see what they could whip out for us. It was hot so I ordered Iced Tea which they hand in these lovely mason jars. 

Pomelo Salad

Fruits and Nuts Salad

Crispy Parmesan Tacos

Sinigang na Salmon

Eggplant and Mango Salad (my personal favorite)

Fish Ceviche

Chili Crab

Mussels Mariniere

Lapu Lapu Escabeche (Sweet and Sour)

Seafood Hotpot

Sizzling Lechon Kawali Sisig (maygahd!)

Shrimp and Steak

Seafood Thermidore (a great hit!)

We also had Sinigang Na Ulo and Belly of Salmon, Pomelo Salad, Fish Ceviche, Crispy Parmesan Tacos, Sizzling Lechon Kawali Sisig (I know! Lol) for appetizers. Then for our main course we had Seafood Hotpot, Prawn Thermidore, Chili Crab, Steak and Shrimp, Mussels Mariniere and Sweet and Sour Lapu Lapu.

For Dessert, we had Skillet Smores, Nilupak Roulade, Triple Chocolate Cheesecake, Sizzling Fruit and Ice Cream, but I was really interested with the various Flavored Pastillas they had in the counter. It looked so yummy!

Thanks Chef Jinelle Juson and Chef Arnel Arjona for preparing great food!

You may check out Market Basket at the River Park section of Festival Mall. They're open from 10am to 11pm or as long as there are customers. Market Basket is also part of the Chef's Quarter Group that owns Chef's Quarter, Old Vine, Uncle Cheffy, Chef's Barrel and Kusé. No wonder it's good! Visit https://www.facebook.com/marketbasketalabang/ for more information about their restaurant. 

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

Bacolod's Masskara Festival Day 2

After an epic day 1 at Bacolod I was wishing to top it off with another great celebration in the city of smiles for Masskara 2014. We partied the night before (for Masskara Love Dance) til morning, and got up afternoon... then decided to rush to the front of Bacolod City Hall so I could catch a glimpse of the famous inter barangay parade that everyone was talking about. The moment I arrived there, the streets were already filled with people, there were a few cops here and there, but I had the notion that the parade was already done as the cabbie told me going there. I started just shooting randomly on the side streets because there were small Masskara trinkets which I found so cute. 

Then from a distance, I could see a couple of balloons walking towards the city hall area, the crowd grew in a few minutes and when it cleared I saw these gigantic puppets they were holding which is part of another contest it seems. It was cute because they chose cartoon characters, it seemed that they all came to life!

Both Manga and some American cartoon series were all there! People were taking pictures and selfies while the contestants were asking for donations too. Then I saw one or two Masskarra dancers mixed with them, I didn't know the Barangay parade was just there! I smiled from ear to ear ^_^

The Masskara dancers from different Barangays really spent a few weeks practicing for this so it wasn't a surprise that they were very spirited with their street dances. The colors, the intricate details on their costumes and the props were all well thought of, you just felt how much work they put into that. 

Lacson street was equally packed when we went there last night. There were two concerts going on in the same area but we wanted to experience #SmartMasskara like crazy so the best place to be is Spectrum's Masskara Invasion, located at Bob's Cafe along Lacson street - powered by the biggest network SMART of course!

It was grand, it was intimate, I totally LOVE the music! If my hunch was correct it was a mix of EDM, dance and pop music. Everybody had their share of fun, united under the midnight sun. Add to that the fun people we were with last night, plus the beautiful people of Bacolod, it was bound to be another #SmartMasskara experience we will never forget!

I super duper LOVE also that I could update real time on Instagram because of the FREE Internet that SMART has. Whether you are on postpaid or prepaid, you can text FREE to 9999 and take your smartphone social media experience to even greater heights! I would love to go back to my second home, let's see if we could get part 3 tonight! :) 

Love from Bacolod,

Kumagcow 🐮

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Bacolod's Masskara Festival Day 1

Bacolod is my second home since almost all my relatives are here. I expected a more toned down version of a music festival since it's provincial - but oh no I was so wrong!

The night though started a lil slow and a couple or more people showed up around 12. Then it was packed! The place is a football field, since it rained non stop two days before I was expecting it already dried up as it was sunny the whole day, again I was wrong LOL.

The place was wet, muddy and people kept sinking in some places including us! Beer and liquor was a plenty so after a few rounds of that, burgers and barbecue, it made us happy, we did let loose, and paid more attention to Manila and Bacolod's best DJ's as they dished out tunes all for the love of MASSKARA!

Booths were also there and I especially love the one for Deezer. As you may know, I love every bit of their 35 Million songs and I post a lot of the ones on my playlist. Smart by the way have packages that can get you stream all you want for as low as Php 250 bucks. Plus if you show em the app installed in your phone, they'll give you your own Masskara :)

Deezer also has been working with SONOS and BOSE for HIgh Fidelity streaming services so you can beam them up to your living room on demand. This is how good you can experience #SmartMasskara when you use the prepaid or postpaid sim only from the biggest and better network SMART! :) I had LTE coverage all night and it was easy posting updates during the first day.

I'll be in on the second event as #SmartMasskara and we'll cover MASSKARA INVASION in Lacson Street later! See you there! :)

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