Ready To Serve The South: ROBINSONS APPLIANCES Opens New Store at Festival Mall Alabang

One of the most trusted brands in the realm of home and kitchen appliances just opened up their newest branch at Festival Mall in Alabang last September 15th, it's Robinsons Appliances. Ribbons were cut by Robinsons Appliances AVP for Operations Mr. Anthony Caliwag, their FVP Michael Dumlao who heads Festival Mall's Retail Business Unit, Marizell Narvaez the VP for Leasing at Festival Mall , Satoshi Kono the Executive Director of Panasonic, Jie Cheng the CEO of TCL Sun Inc., Dindy Deng the CEO of Data Analytics Ventures Inc., Albert Wong the Depute GM of Concepcion Midea, Mr. James Anthony Lim of Finden Technologies and Jovito Santos the Group GM of Robinsons Appliances Corporation. Their goal is to bring the best appliances and services even closer to homes in the South of Manila. 

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It's actually not that common to see in this neck of the woods and the presence would help a lot of their patrons get the appliances they need fast where they need it, and when they need it. This is part of their aggressive expansion plans across the country according to Ms. Donna San Luis, their Marketing Services Manager. You can expect the best brands of home entertainment systems, top selling washing machines, TV, air conditioners in the store where patrons would be able to check before they take it home. These are also available online so if you're a little busy, it'll be a great help if you could order it that way instead of the usual brick and mortar way we're used to. The event was also witnessed by Ms. Robina Gokongwei-Pe the President and CEO of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. who was very hands on in making sure people are getting what they need from the shop. Several executives from different brands also paid a visit and made sure they're part of the celebrations. It was nice seeing them all in one place.

The convenience you're going to get from the new Robinsons Applinaces store here in Festival Mall Alabang is priceless especially for those who are living in the same area. You don't need to go to Makati or other cities if you need to purchase these high ticket items for your home. You may head on to RobinsonsAppliances.com.ph or their social channels if you want to know more about their offerings. Aside from that, they promise to have more discounts, promos especially during the holidays so make sure you're following them on FB, IG and TikTok.

Breville Launches New Espresso Maker to Make Fine Brews at Home!

Tried Latte art for the first time, let's just say it needs work LOL! 🤣

My love for coffee just like a lot of Filipinos, it's just undeniable. To say the least, you're bound to see me in coffee shops while working because I love the ambiance and that certain smell when they grind coffee from the beans they recently roasted. It's addicting, but very good for the soul.

These days, you don't need to spend the whole day at coffee shops, because let's face it, drinks in that place often cost an arm and a leg. The folks at Breville Philippines had us experience how it is to have our own coffee machine at home, not the kind that just has a coffee pot and filter, but the those machines you often dream of having. They showed us the Breville Express Impress, and the Breville Barista Pro.

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Ms. Haj Cortez-Flores the F&B Business Unit Manager of Breville Philippines welcomed us all and said "I want to welcome everyone, thank also my own team for today's event. We have lots of activities for you and lunch, you will certainly enjoy this! Please enjoy the company over a cup of coffee, thank you so much for being here today!"

Chef Joseph Datu, the Breville Corporate Chef

Chef Joseph Datu the Breville Corporate Chef adds "We replicate the good machines in commercial establishments and put them at home. Our Breville Express Impress has lots of features that also tamps on its own, it's the perfect thing for beginners. The Barista Pro on the other hand has all the information set on screen, it's like the Barista Express on steroids, as it takes 3 seconds to brew because it's built fast and reliable. It's not too big, perfect for that coffee nook you've been planning to construct at home."

The Breville Express Impress is an espresso machine that has the Impress Puck System to make sure you get that cup and dose you need for the day. The tamping gets 10Kg of pressure and 7 degree barista twist without the need of measuring it yourself. From the coffee content, to the temperature and steam, it just needs your hands to whip up a cup. It only costs Php 69,999 and is available in stores Breville is available. You can also trade your older Breville machine and get this new one from the line. 

Thank you for the tons of activities you had us try Breville! Plus the entertaining song and dance numbers that came right after!

If you're up to it, visit the Breville website and social channels to know more about it!

Healthy Frying on Breville Event This April 24th

Cooking healthy has always been a huge chore if you're always counting calories, weighing portions, reading the labels and had to perform a huge mumbo jumbo before you get something decent to eat. These days, people are all so busy to find time to go out buy charcoal, prepare meals and pray their food comes out right. The millennial lifestyle needs to be fast-fast-fast, and the folks at Breville knows how the modern kitchen should be run, to have some of their own products fit the lifestyle of the new generation of cooks. It could be your Mom, your sister, your cousin, your kasambahay, or maybe YOU.

How do you become a master of your kitchen? How do you become productive, prepare healthy meals when you're in a hurry?  Breville, a premium kitchen brand has been doing this for years. Their products consist of things that would make food preparation easy and healthy. They just celebrated their 10th anniversary in the Philippines last year and what better way to start the party but by doing the best thing since sliced bread, them doing a full blown Breville Summer Cookout with culinary masters Chef Waya and Chef Gem this Saturday at 3PM.

They'll be teaching you how to work with their very best appliance yet, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer. For those who don't know, Chef Waya Araos-Wijanco is the Executive Chef and Owner of Gourmet Gypsy Art Cafe in Quezon City. She's also a mental health advocate and a co-founder of the Open Hand School for Applied Arts which teaches differently abled persons to join the regular workforce. Chef Gem Tee on the other hand is the owner of Salta Ristorante. They both will share their best dishes and also teach people at home how to cook and integrate the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer with what they prepare everyday. They're going to also have several guests who are going to share their life experiences in the kitchen and how to do it while food stays fresh, hot and fast!

Make sure you follow them at https://www.facebook.com/brevillephilippines so you get notified of the livestream when it starts. Again that's April 24 at 3PM, you can find the details on their social channels too.

See you there!

Beko Takes Hygiene Seriously

Even in the nicest homes, we often see how appliances are becoming smarter. But really, are they forgetting things? These days, with the pandemic affecting the greater population of the country, things take quite a good turn in making sure those microbes don't get to our food, our clothes and just about every single item in our house to keep us safe always. This is where Beko comes in. As Europe’s leading home appliance brand, they have developed Hygiene Shield technology on a thong of household products made in response to emerging consumer needs, especially at times where unnatural virus spreads around and cleanliness is a priority.  

 

Currently, their portfolio has seven pieces that have built in disinfection functions to make sure you're safe.  Hygiene Shield capable appliances has the power to kill more than 99% of bacteria and viruses (including coronavirus) which you don't see much in other appliance makers. Mind you, Beko has done research across 31 countries all revealing primary concerns of consumers is hygiene. 

The special line takes inspiration from nature and uses steam and heat to enable consumers to achieve above standard hygiene results at home. Their technologies are being independently tested by Airmid Health Group, a well respected biomedical research organization. The HygieneShield washing machines and refrigerators has shown 99% bacteria and virus reduction on these appliances and expect other tests for the other appliances to be finalized by November, more so expecting the same results. This would be good news for those living in the new normal, that doesn't go away with just having clean white counters.

The UV cleaning cabinet can take care of your Keys, phones, wallets, packaged goods from supermarkets, plastic bags, baby bottles and toys. All done in a 20-40-minute cycle, it can be cleaned with no damage to objects. It is also easy to use. The refrigerator with disinfection drawer takes care of the food items. It can eliminate more than 99% of bacteria and viruses in around 40 minutes. It has a separate disinfection drawer above the crisper which eliminates viruses, bacteria and germs using UV light technology. 

 

They also have a Tumble dryer with UV light technology which eliminates bacteria and viruses and provides disinfection for your laundry in a safe and convenient way. It can do up to six dry pieces of clothing and can sanitize up to 5 kg of washed laundry. They also have Hygiene Shield in their washing machine and washer dryer units. It uses a smart algorithm, an additional heater channel and fan system that fills the drum with hot air to keep the laundry at 60°C to thoroughly sanitize your clothes even without water. It saves you money in the long run and saves the planet from chemicals and using too much water.

Beko also has Built-in ovens with saturated steam and heat. Aside from cooking, it can disinfect items like metal bowls and glass products.

The HygieneShield dishwasher use steam and additional hot rinsing functions to make sure every dish is spick and span. The Hygiene Intense function provides an additional rinsing step to further increase the levels of cleaning on it. This has been independently tested by Rhine Waal University, that accounts for something right?

To learn more about these products, hurry over to www.beko.ph or their FB page Facebook.com/bekoph. 

Authentic Oriental Flavors with Kikkoman Soy Sauce

 

We went back to 25 Mushrooms Kitchen with Chef Margaret Santos to make authentic oriental flavors with Kikkoman Soy Sauce. We can see the difference now as the Kikkoman Soy Sauce is reddish brown. 

The chemically created soy sauce is darker, it also sticks to the chopsticks and is very salty. Kikkoman is light, sweet and appetizing. It's not processed and you can feel it smoothly unlike the heavy ones in the market. Taste wise, Kikkoman tastes the best! 

Soybean, wheat, water and salt. They make this the natural way in Japan and you can't really get that quality distinct taste anywhere else like Kikkoman does. It's pasteurized and gone through quality tests because it is from Japan. 

Here's a video I made before the event started.

We have three recipes today so we started by doing a Sushi platter. With Uni, Ebi, Tuna and Salmon, we were bound to make a beautiful dishes this afternoon!

We used Sashimi Grade tuna and salmon plus lovely Kani and shrimp if you're into that.

Making the rice is important because it will make or break your dish. Remember to use Japanese rice and in the ratio of 1: 1and 1/4 cup. You can make this in your rice cooker so it doesn't take a genius to do that. We cut the tuna, put the spices and Japanese mayo for the Spicy Tuna.

Tuna or any other seafood should always be cold. Add hot sauce or Togarashi powder for more added kick! Use your hands to firmly pack the rice, more than your usual sushi, do the same on Uni. Put in a cut Nori Wrapper on the sides so it would be like a basin for your spicy tuna. 

Do the same on the other rolls, just make sure it's bite sized, and finish it in one or two bites. That'll be enough to feed you the whole day. If it doesn't stick, just put water and you'll be fine.

I'm so good at this hahahaha! 

Then we made Pork Tonkatsu too!

We pound the meat first, then put it in Flour, Egg and Breadcrumbs.

Then fry it in oil for about 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.

Now you have Pork Tonkatsu! Now let's make the sauce! 

Making Dashi first by dissolving the powder on the boiling water. This is your stock. A little oil, onions, mushrooms, leeks (green and white part), then set it aside. Pour the teriyaki sauce in the dashi, eyeball it, put a little sugar, then put the pork in. Put in your egg then wait for it to cook. When the egg gets cooked, slide it on your rice and enjoy!  

It was still crunchy on the sides and the flavor really seeped in. Must try this at home. 

Then we also prepared Sukiyaki. It's that sweet soup commonly found in Japanese Restaurants. You've got veggies, rice noodle, beef and egg. You just combine ingredients, make the soup to taste and voila! You've got your lovely Sukiyaki in minutes! 

I love it! It's sweet and not too salty. It was heaven in a bowl. I want to cook this at home too. :) 

Now have you already cooked something for your family lately? Maybe it's time you get Kikkoman Soy Sauce and Kikkoman Teriyaki Sauce today and make that kitchen masterpiece a reality today! 

P.S. They even made us desserts by using two heaping scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream and drops of Kikkoman Soy Sauce. Apparently, it works!

By the way, I'll be giving away a few cooking classes so you guys get the chance to cook too. Stay tuned on my Instagram account @kumagcow and tell me about your favorite dish! 

KUMAGCOW

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Haier Love

We've seen this brand mostly in shops and loved them genuinely for bringing in quality yet affordable domestic and kitchen appliances. A few days ago, we were treated to a small gathering where Haier introduced us to some of the new things coming out of their shelves and I was excited because I've been able to experience this on a personal level since I have about 2 of their products already in my home. During the event, they announced the availability of the new Side by Side, Two-door Top and Bottom Mount Inverter, and also the French Door Refrigerators. Both of which are all equipped with a silent compressor, rapid-cooling refrigerant that takes advantage of the more innovative energy-saving inverter technology. If you think about it, you'll spend even more than half less than if you buy a regular one in the market. I've seen how inverter air conditioning units have worked quite efficiently and people have even compared their electricity bills the month after, so just imagine how much they'll save in the long run.

Aside from that, they also released new Android, Smart, and ULTRA 4K HD LED TVs that also display videos in full HD. These new ones are also compatible with tablet and smartphone media sharing which they showed us during the event. I would have loved to have the Android TV because you can sign in and download Google apps directly and use them as is. Now imagine how many videos you can watch since you can connect this on your network. Or perhaps think about the tons of games you can play with it while watching Youtube videos or streaming iFlix shows too. If that doesn't make you happy, they've got the B7000U ULTRA HD 4K TV which will be released this first quarter, you'll have a mind blowing experience if you opt for that.

We had the chance to meet the young and good looking CEO of Haier, Mr. Nobuhito Hayashi and he mentions their plans of massive expansions in other regions like the US, Europe and Asia. He's seeing 2016 as a year for releasing new product and an even stronger company dynamic since they have invested strongly in their employees.

If that ain't enough, they went ahead and also released Top Load Washing Machines which you can personalize and program according to your "way" of washing your clothes. There's also the new Split-type and Window-type Inverter Air Conditioners which you can use in small office/home office structures so you can save a ton on your electricity bill. Add to that the extended warranty which is longer than normal industry standards for all their window-type air cons including two years of parts and labor, and five years for the compressor. That's super assuring. 

Make sure you take a look at Haier products in major appliance stores including SM Appliance Center, ABENSON, Anson, and Robinsons stores nationwide. They're making the bold moves now with the goals to ultimately become number 1 in the market and they've already made that a reality in different countries to hopefully assert themselves in the ASEAN region too.

Congratulations and thank you Haier for having us!

For more information about their products:

Haier Philippines

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Visit their official website

http://www.haier.com/ph

Erwan Heussaff and PHILIPS

We're in one of Erwan Heussaff's popular hangout's in Makati called The Red Light located at Felipe Street in the city's red light district. Erwan is a very well known businessman and blogger and authors the food, health and fitness blog callef The Fat Kid Inside. 

We're paying homage today to one of Philips most advanced kitchen appliances and solutions, the Philips Air Fryer and Erwan showed us how to prepare healthy and delicious food at almost 80% less use of oil, which also means you get the same quality meal without compromising flavor.

Philips describes Erwan as Young Urban Pinoy and he's the perfect guy to represent Philips who can fit the lifestyle of today's young professionals. If you don't have a gas range, this would fit perfectly in your home because it's simple, and works so beautifully. It also cooks 1/3 less the time and Philips has Food Processors, Slow Juicers, Induction Cooker, Pressure Cooler and other things that could make your lives better at home.

He then prepared us dinner, a really good one at that.

Burratta and Greens - Creamy Burratta Cheese in a pocket on top of a crunchy crouton and some crisp white greens on top. This was an awesome appetizer.

Cold Corn Chowder with Shrimp cooked ala plantsa. The contrast between hot and cold plus the real corn, delish! Those greens on the side are actually from Bukidnon which Erwan says is something that he does, source local ingredients and get connected with farmers.

Chorizo, Romesco Sauce, Grilled Fishcakes, Toasted Quinoa - This is filling, but still light. I like it a lot. The Fishcake is made from Lapulapu, Shrimp and Tuna. He also used the Philips Air Fryer to cook it!

Now this was supposed to be Hanger Steak but I think he used Rib Eye instead. I love it a little rare so when he did this I was a little ecstatic! The puree is made of roasted pumpkin, potatoes and roasted peppers. The salsa verde made it taste fresh even if it's just a hint of it. Really good!

This is Banana and Guyabano Flambe with Coconut cream and caramel sauce. It's my first time seeing Guyabano be used in cooking so I was a bit weirded out, but it was really good. I'll definitely try this soon!

There are more things that you can do with Philips Home Appliances and this is just the beginning. Their flagship hero product is the Philips Air Fryer and it is leading in sales in the Philippines. They have made sure their research and development of these appliances don't go to waste by making sure the Filipino kitchen be filled with devices that would make life easy. 

Erwan is planning to put up more restaurants soon, he's got 7 in total. He works out almost everyday, eats healthy but doesn't deprive himself of the good stuff. He even told us he's okay with lard, that's flavor so you can tell.

Thank you so much to Philips, thank you also Erwan for gamingly answering our questions that evening. We had fun!

For more information about their products:

Philips Home Living PH

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Visit their official website

http://www.philips.com.ph/