PepsiCo Launches HARD MOUNTAIN DEW in the Philippines

Things are getting a lot different in Manila as PepsiCo announces the launch of their new boozy beverage called HARD MOUNTAIN DEW. This was launched back in 2022 in the US and has been a hit and is available in different flavors. This is also caffeine free, no added sugars and only has 100 calories per serving. It also stands at 5% ABV to give you that buzz, and is quite fun to be enjoyed by friends after work or play. 

Nitin Bhandari the Senior Director and GM for PepsiCo PH, Malaysia and SG says "This is a step forward , pushing boundaries to the needs of our consumers. This is a huge opportunity and is expected to grow in the next few years. These are crafted for adults and will be available in canned 4 pack bundles in supermarkets, stores and bars nationwide. For now we are offering the Original and Beach Blast flavors!"

To know more about HARD MOUNTAIN DEW, visit @hardmountaindewph on all social channels.

Ms. CARMI MARTIN for Yamang Bukid Insulin Plant Tea

Yamang Bukid was founded 7 years ago as a home based business. They have produced the Yamang Bukid Turmeric Tea and have successfully distributed it around the country and elsewhere in the world. With the new found success, they're now launching a new product called Yamang Bukid Insulin Plant Tea and putting in a new endorser, health advocate and comedy icon Ms. Carmi Martin. 

Ms. Carmi Martin says "When I had COVID last year, I was really sad because I lost a KathNiel project because of that, that was very big. I exercised, I prayed hard, and inspired people while dealing with it. I took the Yamang Bukid Turmeric Tea and now, they've gotten a new product the Yamang Bukid Insulin Plant Tea. I take it after lunch to make sure my sugar is managed. I am so happy to be their brand ambassador because I truly believe in their product. It's part of my lifestyle, especially now during the pandemic. Even before they approached me, I already have been drinking it so there's really no hesitation. I've been drinking the tea before I do my prayers. Everyday is a challenge for me, when I feel fat, stay at home and relax, and skin gets affected, I change it, I work out and in my age, I feel so blessed I still take care of myself. When I got to the facility in Makati, I carried my Yamang Bukid Turmeric tea and took it. I was asymptomatic, and taking it everyday helped my health wise. Together with my vitamins, it helped me a lot when I took it hot. Currently for work, I have HOY LOVE YOU! on iWANT TFC, Love You Stranger on GMA, Sampung Querida (under Jun Lana), and yes I'm doing GVBoys under Puregold Channel. My relative recommended it to me, and now I do recommend it to my co-artists these days. Yamang Bukid really helped a lot, I didn't go to hospitals when I got sick, because I have this in my lifestyle. The Insulin tea, I could see its anti inflammatory effects after a while. I don't have to wait to have a sugar problem, and taking it once a day is enough for me. How I wish I had my own farm, I am inspired by how Yamang Bukid started and seeing them become successful in agriculture, and become a blessing to Filipinos, it's a business with a heart and I really am impressed by it. I really highly recommend it. Even before I got COVID, I was always taking precaution, even now at home I had to make sure my Mother, my kin, everyone at home should take measures that would prevent that from happening again. To help me deal with it, I drink the tea so I get my health in check. Always stay safe and I hope you spread the news about the Yamang Bukid Insulin Plant Tea. Stay positive in attitude and stay negative with COVID!"

Yamang Bukid has been doing research on the wonders of the Insulin plant. Dave Agcaoili the Assistant Vice President for R&D says "This product can be taken by non hypo glycemic customers and we've had people attesting to its health benefits. This Insulin Plant tea regulates blood sugar levels, used as a dietary supplement in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, and is also rich in protein, phytochemicals, iron and has a lot of anti oxidants. Costus igneus or the insulin plant has been consumed for years especially in India, South America, and what we want as a company is to spread how useful this is by consuming it. It is not recommended to use this in lieu of current prescriptions. It should be taken along side what is advised by doctors. Diabetic patients observed efficacy on their 15th day, improved glycemic control when consumed in addition to past treatments for diabetes and current medication. Yamang Bukid makes sure that it is produced in Yamang Bukid Farm in Palawan. They are PhilGAP Certified. They follow documented procedures to make sure BPI verified the insulin plants they grow. No flavor enhancers, artificial preservatives either. It is ground, dried, and when taken tastes a little sour, recommended to be taken after meals so as not to induce acidity. This is for adults only, not recommended for children, pregnant of lactating mothers. It also has a one year shelf life and is available in pouch and tea bag packaging. This is also certified by the FDA, no other insulin plant tea has been registered under them. It has undergone various tests so quality is assured. It is recommended to also take it purely as is, not mixed with other beverages." 

To share her experience, Ms. Naneth Versoza a hotel executive from Palawan says "I have been diabetic for 18 years and had been in denial for a few years. I've had a stroke, got paralyzed, my speech had impediments, I used insulin injections together with medication, with change in lifestyle and drinking the insulin tea, my sugar levels are now stable at 110-100. I assure you the tea is effective, I know diabetes has a lot of complications, and I hope this helps lessen that. I'm sure this will help a lot of people, I've seen the growth of Yamang Bukid."

"We made this with Filipinos in mind, so it could help them with diabetes and other conditions. We have survived the panemic and we will get through it, we're producing this and helping a lot of people including farmers and diabetes patients. This is our pride, we made something that helps a lot of people, lots of businesses generated and help our countrymen become huge in the world stage. The company is small, and when we started the pandemic hit and we had to close stores. We ventured online and saw how our initiatives have become huge, we survived, but yes we lost a lot of stores because of restrictions. We are slowly growing, and people are seeing the good things that Turmeric and Insulin Tea can bring. We know we have a good one in our hands, propagate farming, and we've kept them as much as possible be affordable. It costs 30 pesos per tea bag, better than tea shops you see in commercial places. That alone is good in our books." Mordino Visitacion, CEO of Yamang Bukid Healthy Products Inc.

If you have questions about their products, just search their Facebook page at Yamang Bukid Healthy Products Inc., I can't wait to try it out myself because I've been taking the leaf from the plant for a couple of months now. The tea form might prove to be better for me. Congratulations Yamang Bukid and Ms. Carmi!

Milk Tea Fix at Sugar Panda Abreeza Mall

It's so hot outside that you just wanna stay indoors and let the hours pass in Davao City. That's exactly why we are here in Sugar Panda, at Abreeza Mall's third floor for our own sanity, and our Milk Tea fix.

There are tons of brands out there but this one seems special because they are serving Taiwan's #1 drink, so we indulged in having some of their best sellers. First off, I like their containers because they seem to be reusable, perhaps you can just wash this off and prepare something hot later on, but since we are a little at the end of summer, and it's very humid in the Philippines, we might as well try this joint out.

Lychee Boba Milk Tea is fruity and more on the sweet side. If you love cold lychees, this would be a nice substitute.

I ordered this Brown Sugar Boba Milk with Cream Mousse. It's not that sweet (although you can ask for sugar levels), and you'll taste more of their products on the milky side rather than tea. They barely have lines in the mid afternoon so you should prolly go there around that time.

This is their Taro Boba Milk Tea. I actually like Taro but again they made this on the milky creamy side and you'll feel a little hint of earthy taro flavor with this one. Don't be afraid to try new stuff, this one is easy.

This is their Wintermelon Boba Milk Tea, which had a more caramely flavor profile. If you don't know what to order, play safe and order this one.

So if you're looking for your Milktea fix and you're trapped in Davao, try Sugar Panda out. It's not overly sweet and VERY affordable. 

You can't go wrong with good Milktea, if you want it on the milky side rather than the tea, they got you covered.

Josiah’s Starts SARTIN at Summit Ridge Tagaytay

Cuba in Pasig, a posh night

Attended the Cuban themed event a couple of weeks ago. I felt Havana was a stones throw away from Pasig City as Josiah's Hospitality Management celebrates the forthcoming F&B operations management in Summit Ridge Tagaytay City. They call the place SARTIN of which is prolly a connotation from period english "certain", to minic in agreement or more. We got to try different drinks, authentic Filipino street favorites which they also put in their Josiah's twist.

Josiah's Catering has established themselves as one of the industry's best and has been the go to food service company in the Philippines for several years now. Not surprised as they've gotten the nods of food critics, celebrities, ordinary people because of their exceptional dedication to prepare food that's good, presentable, even world class. It's prolly the reason why they've taken strides to up the anté with Josiah's Hospitality Management, a subsidiary that is concentrated on hotel management and f&b operations, because they can.

With fellow bloggers at the Josiah’s catering event

As their CEO Fresh Versoza puts it, “Tagaytay has and always been a good location - it's certainly a great way for us to initiate our first F & B operations. With its picturesque views and cool climate, it's the perfect backdrop for what we see as a significant culinary destination. We want people to experience an exciting and delicious haven." the Josiah’s Catering, Inc. Executive said.

Everyday should feel like a holiday, these drinks got us in the mood

Shrimp for the lovers, breaded and fried for antipasti

Burned my tongue with these dynamites, just the way I like it

Chicken Skin, Chicharon Bulaklak and everything that’s good on the street

Boneless Roast Pig, unbelievably good!

Food and beverage wise, they deliver. The service that evening was equally good. Now if you’re expecting for anything less, that would mar what Josiah’s have been working for all these years. They are one of the industry leaders because they’ve done the legwork. If you are a property owner and want to be a part of their success, you may contact them through their website contact channels, they’ll be doing a good job for you too.

Host Jun Dumlao, Ms. Jill Miranda-Tan (Brand Director-Josiah’s Hospitality Management), Drixel Ortega (Operations Manager-Summit Ridge), Fresh Versoza (COO-Josiah’s), Monica de Ocampo-Casperino (Director for Sales - Summit Ridge) and Lisette Arena (Senior Marketing Manager-Summit Ridge).

We said they’re good with good reason, it’s what the Josiah’s brand is all about.

KUMAGCOW

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James Reid for #DewIdol - Mountain Dew

He is blessed, he's got an illustrious career ahead of him and the love of his life by his side. People notice how he's worked hard for it, paid his dues and now his sacrifices are bearing fruit. International brand Mountain Dew just identified him as the new #DewIdol and consequently releasing a new beverage size with the same name. 

Mountain Dew also has released a new commercial seeing this good looking guy pay a man 10 pesos for the drink, forcing a few swashbuckling moves until he got his attention, he needed to do that because the hearthrob didn't know that this drink only costs Php 8.00. 

Unbelievable? Believe it! 

 Before the event even started, I was roaming around the event area and James was already going through the booths with his friends enjoying what seems to be an experience, of what a new Dew Idol should be. Ball in hand, he was already shooting hoops. Surprisingly he's good at it!

LOCALLY Spotted at the ASEAN

I've seen this in the BGC Locally Fruit Truck launch but I didn't know it would appear during the recent Manila hosting of the 50th ASEAN Summit. They gave this away for free so all delegates from all member nations, even China, Korea, Japan and the US would get a taste of local indigenous fruit juices made by world class company NutriAsia. They are the same people who make the well love ketchup and condiment brand UFC and a lot more. They also manufacture the new Merci Buco available in Buco Lychee and Buco Padan, some local flavors we already love, now being tasted by other nationalities so they too would get a taste of the country. Isn't that neat? Hahaha! 

They surely had lots of fun, even if it was doubly hard for NutriAsia to execute this, they knew it was for a good cause and a chance to get to know our country. Imagine the stringent security screenigs they had to go through just to put up their booths and kiosks there.

If you didn't know, these are already available in Puregold, Robinsons, Rustans, Waltermart and other leading supermarkets nationwide. It's also affordable too, better than other juices out there in the market because you know YOU LOVE anything local. LOCALLY is the closest thing you want to have from the provinces. 

So what are you waiting for? Go check them out today if you're going out on a trip, or if you simply want to have great thirst quenching juice while on the go. It's easy, lovely and fully local, you can't go wrong with that!

KUMAGCOW

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Mountain Dew Asks YOU to Choose, Gets YOU New Pickup Truck!

I had a ton of work, a photoshoot and a full working day during this launch so I missed it. Although that doesn't mean I wouldn't enjoy what Mountain Dew has up their sleeves at home. See, they have come out with Dewmocracy. A term they coined to introduce two of their newest flavors. I am currently a stockholder of Mountain Dew (a joke, but I've probably held down countless liters of the original Mountain Dew these past few years). I've probably drank half of it during my blue collar days as it keeps me awake in the office, people get scared when they see me easily drink a whole 1.5 bottle in one sitting. I guess it's because I like the lime flavor, it takes me back to when we were kids and I enjoyed this in glass bottles. To cut the long story short, I'm a big fan. Now that they've decided to make us have a CHOICE with these new Mountain Dew flavors, I couldn't wait to get my hands on Mountain Dew Live Wire and Mountain Dew Blue Shock. Now how about the taste?

Judging by the looks of it, colors are VERY attractive. The Mountain Dew LiveWire is pretty much your lovely Dew with a blast of Orange. When cold, you get to feel that extreme burst and sharpness on your tongue, then leaves you with a more intense orange flavor. It was like a jolt, but definitely something to love other than the original one. 

The other one is the Mountain Dew BlueShock. Like the name says, it's Raspberry Citrus flavor comes like a shock. I bet this would be good for those who want something unique, because it is different. Taste wise, it's like a mix of fruit juice or more of a mocktail without the guilt of alcohol and just uses 2 fruit flavors to achieve that.

For those who would choose Mountain Dew Blue Shock or Mountain Dew Live Wire, they're making it even EXTRA fun by letting you choose your favorite among these two flavors. This is a DEWmocracy after all and everyone who practices his voice and use either hashtags #DewBlueShock or #DewLiveWire would stand a chance to win A NEW PICKUP TRUCK when you vote the winning flavor. Now how's that for your NEXT wild adventure?!

Now go post your entries on Instagram or Twitter to make your voice count. Follow them on the same channels @MountainDewPH and their official Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/mountaindewPH to know more about the promo. I personally would choose #DewLiveWire because I like it's flavor more. Letting people know about it on Instagram and Twitter could win me a NEW pickup truck, I say bring  it! I want one! Woohoo!

For more information about their newest flavors:

Mountain Dew PH

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://wwww.dewmocracy.ph

Lipton Gets Real Iced Tea in a Bottle!

I've had this brand in our pantry for ages as much of the people at home are heavy tea drinkers. We also get a little festive at home, even more when there are guests of friends and family so we do get Liptom Iced Tea served in so many ways. It makes conversation fun, sweetens up things and keeps us hydrated. It gives that positive vibe no matter what time of the day!

The good news is, Lipton is evolving. They want their products to fit a new generation of tea drinkers as they up the antè with taste and the benefits you get from having real tea. The drink also has low calorie content so you don't have to worry doing other things all throughout the day because it's light and easy. The Green Tea variant was a favorite at home, with that light lemon flavor, you get the lovely refreshing feeling in each gulp because you know it goes good in any situation. The Red Tea on the other hand has that lovely deeper tea flavor but with a hint of orange, making it sweet but a little tangy. The classic Lemon Iced Tea on the other hand still satisfies me. Sitting on the top floor balcony, letting the sun shine while you watch the sun set on the horizon. Ending the day with a sweet note, dreamy, but imagine all the possibilities!

Lipton pushes you for positive change. Take it easy, take it one day at a time. Make yourself enjoy the moment and see how you, your friends, and family could make every day a #LiptonPositiviTEA day! I'll go ahead and share these bottles to the most precious people at home, so go buy one in your favorite convenience stores, groceries, supermarket and be a good man or woman by bringing positivity to friends and family everyday!

KUMAGCOW

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The Perfect Coke

I was mind blown seeing tons of Coke bottles in a giant cooler in the middle of Glorietta's Activity Center. Coca Cola Philippines invited us for a day of fun and excitement as they ask us to reminisce how it was to have our first time. With the hashtag #SarapNgFirstTime already out being advertised on TV, we've always wondered what was it all about? Is this a new variant of Coke? You see, I even speculated about that already, that they'll be bringing something new and announcing it in a grand way.

You see the thing behind me? I didn't think about it that much, but that was actually a hint already of what they were about to announce that afternoon. When Gino Quillamor from RX93.1 arrived to host the show, he kept on coming back to check the status of the thermometer and telling us about how to have the #PerfectCoke. I mean, really though, is there such a thing?

I like my coke ice cold, but do you know what's the exact temperature to have a perfect one? We waited a while to see what Coca Cola Philippines had to say. It's like an official pronouncement of what certain point would it be to say that it is the actual #PerfectCoke, but before that, they got stars in the mix and launched it simultaneously here in Manila, Cebu and Davao in the south. It felt like a huge party where the main thing to celebrate with is this awesome beverage.

They had Manolo Pedrosa and Miles Ocampo to sing and dance for us. That was something worthy to be told later LOL.. Or you can check out this video about their individual performances!

I even saw some admins of the IGersManila group, they were there like me as they were invited by Coke!

Then these guys finally came up the stage and told us that the Coke bottles they've been keeping cold in the back is almost perfect, enough with the suspense already! 

The first time you had a Coke should always and is recommended to be at 3' Celsius! Yes, it's not a nee flavor, it's the perfect coke if it's on that particular temperature. Isn't that great news? Well it won't be if we didn't try it out ourselves that afternoon, so we did!

When they started to ask for a toast, I already drank half the bottle hahaha! So I did the smartest thing after that, I got another bottle! Genius!

Now it's easy to do it too in your own homes. Just make sure you have enough ice to fill the coolers and put in bottles of Coke there! Or if you're a little tired, and if it's too hot outside this summer, you can actually wait for them to come to you! Ob yes you heard that right! They have brand new spanking Coke Happy Cycles that will go around the country to give away a million bottle of #PerfectCoke! Just make sure you follow their official social media channels so you can request your barangay, township or city to be the next one! Free coke is just weeee! 

For more information about their stores:

Coca-Cola Philippines

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.coca-cola.com.ph

Perfect For Rainy Days: MISOTEN Robinsons Magnolia!

Ramen is ramen is ramen is ramen. I have never seen an opportune time to actually have a bowl and more than this perfect weather, whether it be raining like cats and dogs outside this is the perfect thing to have when the time calls for it. Heck I can even have this everyday. Ladies and gentlemen, this is MISOTEN in Robinsons Magnolia, found in Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City.

Warm up your senses first with this complimentary Barley tea that they're going to serve you at the start of your meal. You'll get to relax, have this and appreciate what's going to be served next. I wanted my Ramen fix but this one's a great start! Ready that ever for more!

For an appetizer, why not try their Tori Karaage. Soft inside, hot and super crispy outside. It's not salty, its got just the right amount of spice and it's perfect with the piping hot rice. I wanted more!

I always loved Miso based soups and this one hits the spot. It gives you a warm fuzzy feeling inside.. it gives you warmth and I like it more now because it's raining. I always order this with my Japanese meal because Miso has that earthy taste I look for in a broth. Good thing MISOTEN only does Miso based soups.

I LOVE their Ebi Tempura! I love their vegetable tempura too! It's served only right when you order it. You'll get it hot and so good as you dip them in Tempura sauce that's light and gingery. Definitely something to get and order when in MISOTEN. It's so good!

Fresh as fresh can be this bowl of Kani salad is just right for me. If you are watching your diet, this refreshing bowl of crab strips, mango, lettuce, cucumber and Japanese mayo is just divine! You get to see that this was carefully prepared by the chef. It was cold as it was supposed to be and not room temperature. A plus in my books.

To make it even better, this meal can also come with pot stickers/Gyoza. It's those wrapped poached then fried dumplings which I absolutely love! No need for sauces but you can always do that too. 

This one's the Seafood Tendon which comprises of an Ebi Tempura, Fish, Kani and everything else dipped in batter and Panko breading on top of hot steaming white rice. This is officially my Mom's favorite and I love it too because of its portions. It's tops because it doesn't need anything fancy. It's simple and totally worth it!

They obviously use real deal Japanese rice because as you can see these are very small grains. It was so good I had to have several servings of Gohan. Imagine how it felt when I saw this rice viand that had seasoning and spring onions with it. It was awesome! Then it was time for my favorite! This is the main dish! They call this the MISOTEN SPICY!

Miso based soup, Misoten noodles with slivers of soft "melts in your mouth" kind of pork belly meat, sesame seeds, spring onions, chili (but of course I added MORE!). Enough said! This is the deal breaker and I'm so looking forward having this again in the next few days! I'm telling you, if you love spicy broths THIS IS IT! No other ramen can beat this! If you are near Quezon City, Manila or San Juan... check out MISOTEN in Robinsons Magnolia. It's cozy, and has got some of the best Ramen bowls this side of town!

 

This is called "Excellent Set" and only costs P 450.00. There are other set meals available so don't hesitate to check out their menu. I suggest you go and visit the restaurant today. It's perfect for the rain, perfect for everyday too!

For more information about MISOTEN

Please check out their Facebook Page

Miso-Ten

Follow them on Twitter too

@Misotenph