Susana's by Pelayo's: Comforting Pasta That Might Change Your Life

Susana's mouthwatering signature Lasagna

Quezon City certainly has some really remarkable food havens and one of them is the Banawe area. There's a multitude number of cuisines, and each street still has some dishes to discover, but this one might change your life (oh yes we love puns!).

For those who are familiar with Pelayo's Cafe + Bistro (and their restaurants across Luzon), they've been in the food industry for a couple of years now. Solidly known for their mouthwatering Crispy Pata and Patatim, they have been able to satisfy countless Filipino homes with their quality cooked dishes and hosted tons of events and gatherings too. With the success of the brand in recent years, they continued to innovate, research and develop recipes for the ones at home, and to be able to make their lives easy in preparing ready to eat meals especially for those who they love.

Native Salad with Poached Egg

My personal favorite, the Patatim

Their well loved Crispy Pata

Beef Sinigang for those rainy days

Bangus Sisig

Hearty and corn lovin Suam

That's the secret ingredient to the food they serve and this month, they're launching Susana's Lasagna, a namesake of the owner's (Rad Pelayo) grandmother. We had a half serving of it on a plate to whet our appetite, and to tell you honestly, their version is a really good one. If you're often being served the tangy Italian versions of it in high end restaurants in Manila, Susana's Lasagna is a lot different because they managed to modify the dish to fit the Filipino palate. It's not too sour, not too sweet, but just right. It's also very cheesy, where one should note that even if they made it affordable, they didn't shortchange in the quality of ingredients. This is something they take pride on.

How This May Change Your Life

Susana's by Pelayos is actually starting to grow their business. This means, that YOU have the opportunity to be part of that by becoming a reseller or a franchise owner. It's the holiday season and Susana's Lasagna knows there's a lot of people who dread cooking for a lot of people during this time.

Conveniently sold frozen, you would just need to have this delivered, thawed (if you need it for other days) and put in the microwave or oven. Their goal is to be able to help other entrepreneurs to start their own business by selling them, or even have it be supplied to restaurants and cafe's as well. This means that as a seller, you don't need to do hard labor cooking. Customers have been loving the pasta like we did and the products can last a few months (best to consume in 2 months) but it could last in the freezer for more than that.

Franchise owners have the option of having time tested products both from the Pelayo's bistro menu and the Susanas by Pelayos line of pastas to sell or enjoy. If you're interested, please get in touch with them via their BANAWE BRANCH at 0917 119 3366 or visit them at 74 P. Florentino st. Sto. Domingo Banawe, Quezon City or their LUBAO BRANCH by calling 0917 144 4628 or their address Purok 3, Lourde Lauc Pao, Lubao, Pampanga.

They have these dishes combined in boxes with drinks and other viands so you can conveniently serve guests during events. The pasta from Susana's are also available in Solo, Sharing and Party Size. I bet there's going to be a lot of people who would order this during Christmas or New Year. Ordering is also easy as referrals will be done with nearby sellers/franchisees once they get in touch with their page Susana's Lasagna on FB.

INVOLVED and DOING MORE: Beautéderm CEO RHEA TAN Gets Inducted to Rotary Club of Balibago President Post

It was a very festive mood to see folks from the Rotary Club of different regions all in one place to celebrate the induction of officers and Beautéderm CEO Rhea Tan as the President of the Rotary Club of Balibago (a district in Angeles City). She's no stranger to community work since she built her empire and businesses benefiting scholars, mothers, SME's in different parts of the country, but this opportunity to help in the Rotary Club of Balibago in Pampanga was just too precious to pass. 

Ms. Rei says "We appreciate everyone who's here for District 3790 Rotary Club of Balibago headed by Governor Dr. Philip Torres, AG Bing Gonzales, DS Jong Galang, past District Governors and officers. To my family, my kids Adam Kenneth and Audrey, friends, Beautederm Ambassadors, local and national media, I'd like to thank you for coming together for a very significant night, a gathering of hearts and minds, united in service. It's not by words, but the Rotary Club of Balibago is committed to exert all efforts to uplift the community it serves. I'd like to share 3 of my projects "Rise and Glow Up" to bring self confidence for an initial 20 youth via BeauteHause Clinic. "Yes To Love" where a portion of earnings will go to End Polio campaign of Rotary Club International and "Contribeut: A Scholarship Grant for Tertiary Level deserving students so they could finish their degrees and help their families." 

She was so touched when she was introduced by her Mother, Ms. Pacita Ramos Anicoche who told us about her story before the achieved success in the industry. She wants to help those with mental health needs, earn funds for the end Polio campaign through several company owned branches, and continue the successful scholarship programs not just for her employees, students from her previous school, and now students from the Balibago district. To date, she has already had several students finish with Latin honors which she is so proud of. She wants to use her voice to benefit others, sit at the table and let others too. She thanks the Rotary Club of Balibago for the trust. She hopes to also influence others to do the same. 

Together with Ms. Rei, Ms. Mylene Timbol, Ms. Chona Lee and Ms. Doreen Canyong from the Beautederm group will be part of the officers to make sure they would be able to accomplish a LOT during her term. 

As a surprise, Ms. Rhea got the one and only Piolo Pascual to escort her to the stage, which had almost everyone's jaw drop. He also sang a few songs but folks were just too excited and took photos with him on stage, not surprised. Aside from that, her super supportive Beautederm Ambassadors Alma Concepcion (who's been with her for 15 years), actor and former Vice Governor Ejay Falcon, beauty queens and actresses Maricel Morales, Rochelle Barrameda, Thia Thomalia, actors Jimwell Stevens, Kimson Tan, Jojo Abellana, PBB Celebrity Collab Edition's Josh Ford, singer comediennes Kaikai Bautista, KitKat, Darla Sauler, Pepita Curtis, and award winning actress Gillian Vicencio were there to show their support for Ms. Rei Tan. Also a few weeks ago, she also had Belle Dolls brand ambassadors Miguel Tanfelix and Ysabel Ortega to help her with a local school, giving bags, hygiene kits and more (which she plans to continue during her term).

 Here's her speech on video:

She's already the Girl Boss everyone wants to be and could have just enjoyed the life she has right now, but Ms. Rhea wants to get involved in what could BETTER her community and help those who need it. She wants to DO MORE and now help people on a bigger scale. The Rotary Club has been established almost 120 years ago, aimed to have professionals with diverse backgrounds could form meaningful friendships. With this goal and the popular 4 way test, they are doing more good with the organization. Ms. Rhea wants to continue the good things that they've started, add the best ones that she's accomplished with her company to take Rotary Club of Balibago and its members to new heights.  

And she's just starting! Congratulations Ms. Rei! 

Razon's by Glenn: In the Business of Serving "DELIGHT!"

Filipino comfort food is always served at Razon's by Glenn. It's a company built with family - and love. Consequently, they're celebrating their 21st anniversary and are gunning to have 60 branches by years end. The chain is largely known for their Palabok, Halo Halo, Bibingmamon, Beef Tapa, Beef Kare Kare, and new innovations on the usual Filipino flare. Their menu stemmed from real Kapampangan heritage and flavors, so you don't get disappointed in what they serve.

The Beef Kare Kare is a bit sweet and can be eaten even without bagoong. The peanut sauce has home made peanut butter in it, which they made themselves. The Bibingmamon is available in 4 flavors namely Original (which I prefer), Cheesy Melt, Custard and Nutty Custard. The Beef Tapa is on the sweet, smoky, and spicy side, but quite tender. Their Fresh Lumpia is good and savory, it felt like what grandma used to make. They have a hefty serving of Pork Chop with gravy (my personal favorite served that afternoon). They also teased us with their conceptual Crispy Palabok, which I'm sure young ones and everyone would enjoy!

For those looking for something extra comforting, they've got Caldo Overload which you can ask for refills if you want more. You get the fuzzy feeling that comes with it on a rainy day.

Razon's by Glenn is third generation owned. Their grandma gave them freedom to be creative in recipes, hence the variations they made with the dishes.

Bibingmamon is quite nice, as the name says, it's a cross between the Christmasy Bibingka and the fluffy Mamon. This was quite delicate and perfect to pair with coffee.

Razon's by Glenn has always been regarded as the best spot for Halo Halo. This Special Halo Halo was quite satisfying despite it only having a few ingredients. I personally think it's the Macapuno that makes it different from the rest in the market.

We also got to talk to the owner and President Mark Anthony "Glenn" Razon. Right now, they have 36 branches operating nationwide, but aggressively plan to have 100 of these stores before 2030.

Glenn reiterated "We are not just selling products, we are providing delight!". This is the reason why people who visit their stores feel happy every time they get to taste the dishes coming out of their kitchen. It's also a family spot, so whether you're a Lola who wants their merienda fix or the cutest bunso that wants something sweet, Razon's by Glenn makes every moment special no matter what age group you belong. 

Visit their stores nationwide, or if you prefer to be part of the movement, they are looking for franchisees. Just get in touch with them via their social channels or official website razonsbyglenn.com.

PIOLO PASCUAL Celebrates 5 Great Years with Beautéderm on their 15th Anniversary

It's been a while since I've gone to one of my favorite cities in Central Luzon, Angeles City in Pampanga. It's fun out there, very progressive, and consequently, home to the mecca of all things beautiful, the BEAUTéDERM Headquarters.

With one day of planning, a rush to get there, we came prepared to talk to the Philippines Ultimate Heartthrob, Piolo Pascual. This isn't the first time that I've seen him, but I couldn't usually ask him questions in events. This time though, the mood was easy, fun, light, intimate, but ultra good. He was welcomed by equally iconic BEAUTéDERM CEO, Founder and Chairwoman Ms. Rhea Tan. She says "You know, we have a lot of endorsers, but usually, it takes a lot of marketing personnel to manage what we plan for. At this stage, we have some products that we haven't promoted yet, but are actually doing good... because people trust the brand and BEAUTéDERM products. Having Piolo Pascual for 5 years gives me a happy feeling, and know we are doing something right. His loyalty, really touches my heart. He's the type of endorser that we didn't have any issues since day 1 in deliverables. He also makes his friends, his co-workers, even his son Inigo experience our products, and that, says a lot. He supports the brand and really uses the products. This goes the same with Sam, Piolo and their management Cornerstone."

 

Piolo Pascual, celebrates 5 years with BEAUTéDERM

She adds "I am proud of the quality of our products. Even if I'm low profile, we have grown tremendously in recent years. I want BEAUTéDERM to be known, not me. Sometimes people see me and tell me "BEAUTéDERM right?" and not my name. I'd rather have our brand be recalled like that. Piolo really helped get our message across, and I'm so confident about our products. This I think is our difference compared to others, because we really try it first before we release it to the market. Our FDA certifications says it all. Our presence in all leading malls too, because not all brands are there. Now before they even do a layout, our brand is being thought of and included. By the grace of God, we now have over 55 branches and celebrating our 15th Anniversary."

 

The gorgeous CEO Ms. Rei Tan and Ultimate Heartthrob Piolo Pascual

 

 

Here's a few scenes from the meet and greet sessions he went to: 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by John Bueno (@kumagcow)

 

 

Piolo obliged us with an interview and says "It makes me so proud to be part of BEAUTéDERM and am now celebrating 5 years with them. It's a company that changes lives, and so happy that she (Ms. Rei Tan) chose me. In BEAUTéDERM, I feel the sense of family. It always grows, it keeps on growing. It feels so good that I also get to grow with them, and our relationship goes beyond work."

He adds "What I like about BEAUTéDERM is that they have so many products to choose from. These include essentials that once people know is from BEAUTéDERM, they already trust it. Like for starters, I like the Etre Clair Mouthwash and Mouth Spray, something that is always in my bag. It makes me feel confident whenever I go out. It's very useful. I take care of myself by also sleeping a lot because I invest so much in my health so I could work hard. I always want to be in tip top shape. When I have roles that need to be more physical, I am always ready. Aging is something that I embrace. As a guy, it's hard to accept the inevitable. I don't celebrate lines, I celebrate life, my journey and experience. When I look at myself in the mirror I see my own history. I am happy about how I have evolved, hopefully, gracefully." 

 

Here's what happened to our small talk on video, please enjoy! 

 

 Congratulations to the hard working men and women behind the brand, I've met a few of them during the event and saw their genuine care. I guess they are the secret to the success they are enjoying. 15 years isn't a joke, and Piolo Pascual is also celebrating with them. They also showed us a few things they have in the pipeline, and by the looks of it, they are bound to grow even more in the coming years because BEAUTéDERM not only changed their company, they are changing lives. That's certainly a brand that's worth supporting. Again, congratulations!

Take a Look at the New TIMEZONE Marquee Mall

If you haven't discovered it yet, there's a new Timezone branch at the Marquee Mall in San Fernando, Pampanga. Kapampangan friends and families will get a taste of the same entertainment that people have been enjoying in different places across the country.

They spruced it up, arranged the machines to an even wider floor area so you can have more of your favorite games, tickets to win, and prizes to take home in one place. What's even better is that there are new games included in the re-opening which can be played from sun up to sun down, for folks of different ages.

The President and GM of Timezone Philippines Raffy Prats Jr. was also there to cut the ribbon, and he says "You're now looking at a new and improved Timezone Marquee Mall which you can now go to and have tons of pleasurable and memorable time with your family. This will surely be a place where people from Central Luzon would converge and enjoy on regular days or weekends. This is now catered to different age groups, for students, professionals, or just about any joe that want to have a fun time!"

Now you can enjoy VR machines, Magic UFO, Halo Firestorm Raven, social bowling, and so much more. The branch also will have a promo where if you load up 600 pesos you get to have 900 Timezone credits which means more time to play inside the arcade.

Go head on to Marquee Mall in Pampanga today to enjoy the promo, and the tons of games you need to play. It's a breather, and if you win lots of tickets, you can trade them for prizes, treats right at the side of the cashier. You'll love it here!

Where To Get National Museum beep™ Cards

For those looking to collect cards from beep™, you've got to see these new ones they just released the National Museum beep™ cards.

The designs include 4 National Museum structures in the Philippines that include "The National Museum of Fine Arts", "The National Museum of Anthropology", "The National Museum of Natural History" and the "National Museum of the Philippines-Cebu". On its face are artists work like Lualhati by Guillermo Tolentino, the historical Manunggul Jar, the largest saltwater crocodile LOLONG, and the Cebu Flower Pecker (a critically endangered species). This is a partnership between the National Museum of the Philippines and AF Payments Inc. which manages beep™.

You may acquire these in LRT/MRT Stations, online shops and various authorized establishments for Php 400. It comes loaded with Php 50 and can be used in different modes of transportation, Lawson convenience Stores, Uncle John's and modern jeepneys. To know more, please go to the National Museum social channels and official website. You may also get in touch with beep™ and partner up with your brand via beep.com.ph/beep-business/ if you're interested. AF Payments, Inc. is a consortium of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and the Ayala Corporation.

Fontana and Goldwin Holdings Corporation Ink Partnership

 

It's been ages since we've covered something in the north, and this was well worth the trip because something big is about to happen at Fontana Leisure Parks. They just signed an MOU with Goldwin Holdings Corporation to develop and revamp the 302 hectare property.

The event was attended by Fontana's executives and Goldwin Holdings Corporation's head honchos MGen. Jesus Sarsagat the President of Goldwin Holdings Corporation, Michael Chul Kim the CEO of Goldwin Holdings Corporation, Mr. Shuiqing Wu the General Manager of Fontana and Ms. Vera Cheung, the owners representative from Fontana. Held at the Piano Bar, it was fun and festive to see guests from Manila, Korea and China raising their glasses just for this occasion. Folks from Fontana Leisure Parks welcomed us warmly despite the heavy rains that morning.

Here's some highlights of the event including their speech that day:

This became a reality because of their shared vision, and a promise of security from external issues that they may encounter in the coming years. They will be changing the whole look, renovate and re-design the Fontana Building complex so they could accommodate their clientele who are mostly VIP's. Aside from the aesthetics, they will also provide employment for hundreds of individuals who will be part of the property and its operations.

It's going to be a place of luxury, something that guests won't forget after their first visit. Goldwin Holdings CEO Michael Kim expressed his excitement about this partnership with Fontanta and thanked MGen. Jesus Sarsagat for their leadership, together with the men and women who made this amazing partnership possible.

This is just the start but it was well received by the business leaders, their employees and stakeholders. It holds a lot of promise, and I can't wait to see the new things that they plan to do with the property. Everyone raised their glasses and wished this partnership to flourish. You will see a different, more luxurious Fontana Leisure Park very soon!

This event was staged by Midnight Thinkers Productions, if you have events, launches, they can do it for you. You may get in touch with them via 0927- 898 54 50.

Beautéderm Opens Corporate Headquarters and Beauté Beanery in Pampanga

It must have been her great dream to to one day, cement her brand and put her business in one roof hence the new Beautéderm Corporate Headquarters in Angeles City, Pampanga. Ms. Rei Ramos Anicoche Tan and the Beautéderm team finally opened the new building (which houses several of her brands) and the newly launched Beauté Beanery (a coffee shop) in this location. It's also Beautéderm Corporation's 14th year in the business and this was the opportune time for us to see what they've done with the place. It was absolutely gorgeous from outside!

This is welcome news for the multitude of their loyal customers who have always patronized their skin, body, fragance and health booster products known for its efficacy and quality. This isn't just a business for CEO and founder Rhea Tan because it provides resellers, their distributors and franchisees something that could change their lives. The new building has been 2 years in the making and it was meant to be the main base of operations in the country.

The place was absolutely posh. They had marble and nice tiles, gold fixtures from floor to ceiling. They also had several designer trunks here and there which made it look even better. They also had the BeautéHaus which provides skin services and we were greeted by several of their people, it felt quite welcoming. Since it's also the first time we're seeing this building, they invited several artists to make the event sparkle!

Artists include singer Alynna Velasquez, character actress Ynez Veneracion, internationally awarded actress Ms. Sylvia Sanchez, the gorgeous Jane Oineza, the iconic Ms. Lorna Tolentino, international sensation Darren Espanto, premier broadcaster Korina Sanchez Roxas and the beautiful Bea Alonzo.  There were also several social media influencers in attendance and a lot of media entities from Pampanga, broadsheets, tabloids and bloggers.

Beautederm Execs, Celebrities, Ms. Rei's Mom during the launch

Darren even gave a small song number after being egged by the press

Ms. Rei and Bea Alonzo

The new Beauté Beanery on the other hand concocted several hot and cold coffee variations, also prepared hot food, cakes and pastries. It'll surely be a nice spot for remote work, dates or just usual coffee breaks if you're in the area.

Ms. Sylvia Sanchez also obliged us with an interview about how she feels about being an endorser of Beautéderm and her whole journey. We also asked he a bit about Ria Atayde's recent milestones as the newest calendar girl.

Ms. Rei was very optimistic that this will just be the first of 10 buildings she wants to put up all over the country. I've seen them grow over the years and I'm so happy that a Filipino corporation has achieved so much in such a short amount of time. She had very humble beginnings, her life story is quite inspiring and it teaches you that anything is possible if you put your mind, your heart and hard work into it.

Congratulations to the men and women who have made it possible for Beautéderm to grow where it is today!

Philippine Cycling Festival's Second Salvo at Clark, Pampanga

I've been on a bike since I was 4, so in a sense it's second nature to me. It's a relatively good hobby, as you get good exercise, but never got competitive. 

 

Folks who would want to take it to another level though could start at the Philippine Cycling Festival which will happen on March 11 to 12 at Clark in Pampanga. This is a 2 day cycling event aimed to strengthen and immerse YOU into cycling culture. This is hosted by Neo Zigma Corporation in cooperation with Interval Gear Events Management and Metro Ad-vantage Media Marketing. This is their second time to do it and there are about 3000+ cycling enthusiasts that are expected to be there come plus their family and friends, ultimately to enjoy several races, retail shops, merch and bike shows too.

There will also be talks by some of the most influential bikers and bike product manufacturers in the country. For a little entertainment, there will also be live performances during this 2 day event, so make sure you get comfy on your seats while you are there.

Aside from that, there will be events at Clark Speedway on March 11th, a Mountain Bike XC race on March 12th via the Clark Paradise trail at Midori Hotel outdoor grounds and a night ride at The Villages (11th), plus Clark and the Gravel Race on March 12 too. The event will be supported by AXN, Fitbar, Pru Life UK, NLEX, TCG, Filinvest and a lot of others who believe in the cause. 

 

Last year's event was able to raise funds for PEACE CAMP at Brgy. Sapang-Uwak. They were given over 60 bikes and was done through Metro Pacific Investment Foundation, their CSR partner. If you want to know more about the cause and charities they help, please visit their official website www.philippinecyclingfestival.com today. So if you're serious about this, it's time to prepare for that grand event!

Livable, Safe and Secure BRIA Homes in Pampanga and Bataan

We love the outdoors and living in it takes a certain amount of effort to make the quality of life liveable, safe and secure. In provinces like Pampanga and Bataan, this comes surely close as they have a BRIA Home community nearby. Choosing your first home should be simple, it has to be cozy, comfy, and a community easy to live in. BRIA Homes answers all of these as they really think of urban planning prior to putting up houses in a certain location. As Division Head of BRIA Homes Eduardo T. Aguilar says "We are all about bringing the Filipino's home of choice and these ready for occupancy units in Pampanga and Bataan, we are doing that!" Their thrust has always been to provide quality homes for Filipinos country wide!

Aside from that, BRIA Homes has got ready-for-occupancy (RFO) units in Pampanga and Bataan. With perimeter fences, guards and CCTV on 24/7, you're assured you have a secure place to live in. Since it's still pandemic days, they've got 360 Virtual Tours at bria.com.ph so you wouldn't have to go out. You can also ask questions at their Facebook page BriaHomesIncOfficial and reserve a place for yourself at onlinereservation.bria.com.ph. BRIA Homes in Pampanga and Bataan has got multipurpose halls, basketball courts, playgrounds, green spaces, walk paths so you can take care of yourself even in your own community. They also have really good internet connection and ways to pay for amortizations via BRIA's partner banks. They also have electronic payment channels so it doesn't have to be difficult in paying for your homes once you've lived in it.

If you want to see more of it, visit their official website at bria.com.ph or follow Bria Homes Inc. on Faceboo, Twitter, IG, YouTube, Pinterest, Spotify, Viber, Telegram, Kakao Talk, LINE and WhatsApp. You can also call them directly at 09398879637.