Take Wine Guesswork Out at the Happy Living 30th Anniversary Wine Festival!

 

Have you ever gone into a wine shop and felt a little lost seeing all the kinds of wine on the rack? Me too. It is so complex, each bottle different and even sourced from a certain country, and certain regions. It's like it has its own personality, you get to know it by flavor, aroma, texture and taste. It also comes in various colors, can be mixed into a concoction. If you're up to it, there's a Wine Festival on June 15th at The Tent in Enderun at McKinley Hill, Taguig. With the theme “A Continuing Journey Across the World's Most Famous Wine Regions and Wineries", their goal is for you to learn how to identify the right one is for you.

This is part of Happy Living's celebration of their 30th Anniversary. They are importers and distributors of over 150 kinds of wines and spirits sourced from all over the world. 

Oh it's RED!

When dining, it's always there for a  lot of people. It's got strong, bolder flavors. It's also got tannin that makes it red, and gives it that certain mount feel. The wine festival will feature Arzuaga Reserva 2009 from Ribera del Duero of Spain which has won several awards, and will surely be appreciated at the event!

If you prefer WHITE

Ones I do like, are mostly white, light and bright. This is present in most flavors it gets, some fruity, sweet, a bit acidic especially Sauvignon blanc.

A crisp, elegant, and fresh white wine favorite is  sauvignon blanc, known for its bright acidity with vibrant flavors of fruits such as green apple, lime, and herbs. Sauvignon blanc drinkers are refreshing and expressive, unafraid to express themselves and their preferences. One that will be featured in the Happy Living Wine Festival is Lionel Osmin Villa Côte d'Argent Sauvignon Blanc 2022. It's a region known for being fresh, fruity and aromatic. A bit stronger is the chardonnay, and if you enjoy other flavor profiles, there are a lot of other things you can have on that date.  

Certainly Fun Sangria

There's nothing more fruity than a glass of sangria. Try the featured Lolea No1 on ground made from quality Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon. With fruits infused, acids and spice, you'll be talking a lot during the event and love the options. Else, get Lolea No2 or Lolea No3 Brut, your Spanish friends would thank you.

If you're raring to go, get tickets via happylivingph.com today. Again, the event will happen on the 15th of June at The TENT at Enderun Colleges. There will be masterclasses available, but only limited seats (go get them while it's hot!). There are also over 150 wines and spirits to try at the venue, and it runs 4PM to 9PM. Get the tickets HERE. This is only for those 18 and older. See you there!

NOVOTEL Manila Araneta City Starts The Merriest Celebration for All

This Christmas is going to be a little different at Novotel Manila Araneta City as they start festivities and make this "The Merriest Celebration For All". At the lobby of the hotel, they set up one of the nicest trees last week and invited the media and special guests to sing Christmas carols and tell us what they have been doing in the past few years especially during the pandemic.

Hotel GM Maria Manlulu Garcia says "We at Novotel Manila Araneta City are truly excited to have you and your loved ones. This is the opportune time to be together and make lasting memories especially with family and friends. We will make sure Novotel throws the Merriest Celebration for All and become your home away from home."

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At Food Exchange Manila, they will be having several specials including Holiday Sunday Brunch, Christmas Eve Dinner, Noche Buena, Christmas Day Brunch and Dinner, a New Years Eve Dinner Buffet and New Year's Day Brunch and Dinner Buffet. At the Monet Grand Ballroom, both Christmas Eve and the New Year's Eve Dinner Countdown (Glitz and Glamour theme) will have live entertainment, something the whole family would enjoy!

The 6th Manila will also offer the Merriest Party package to bring a less fuzz and more enjoyment for your celebrations on these dates. Their crowd favorite Indulge Gelato will also be dishing out new holiday creations like the Zuppa Inglese, Blue Snow and Torrone. For the Italian flair, they've got home made Panettone in Dark Chocolate Raisin and Ube varieties that you can take home, and enjoy with a cup of coffee at home. Don't forget the Macarons, and Bacarons, it'll be a lovely way to end your holiday runs. They do that quite excellently. Novotel Manila Araneta City also offers holiday hampers via Take Me Out by Novotel so you don't have to worry about gifting family or friends as the selections are a sight to behold.

Staying at Novotel Manila Araneta City also have special rates, even better if you are AccorPlus members. Give them a ring or email if you want to be part of that too. If you have kids in tow, they have holiday activities for them while you enjoy the gym or InBalance Spa for a little pampering.  

During the event, they had the executive from J. Amado Araneta Foundation Inc. go in front to talk about their organization. He was also presented with a donation, from all the employees of Novotel Manila Araneta City. He says "More than the monetary value that they shared, it's the gesture and sacrifice they gave for giving their own vacation and leave credits for the benefit of the communities, programs we supervise." which was very touching to do. They also talked about the hardships they went through during the pandemic where the hotel and tourism industry was not spared. Their employees made sacrifices during those times to keep the business running, til they opened regular operations again. It was certainly inspiring to see that it was appreciated much to this day.

For folks that want to celebrate the holidays the Merriest Way for All, get in touch with Novotel Manila Araneta City through their social channels, their official website novotelmanilaaranetacity.com or call + 632 8 990 7888 to book a spot. They have the Merriest Celebration for All, and they do it while seriously inspiring us with these deeds.

Celebrate Pride Month with Globe

There's no other opportune time to celebrate freedom and self expression than this PRIDE month. Just like the colors of the pride flag, each one takes proper representation, so you can be yourself, and express in many ways without judgement of fear from any oppressor. Just like as Globe always says, "Atin ang Mundo!" (the world is ours!)

Make the celebrations worthwhile by getting involved in the community, join volunteer groups and participate in projects initiated by various LGBTQIA+ orgs and causes you believe in. Don't fret if you're single, the GlobeOne app has restaurant vouchers (if you try spinning the wheel) so you can date yourself at Kraver's Canteen, Flowerstore and more!

If all else fails and you don't wanna go out, have a party at home and stream Pride hits from Mother Monster Lady Gaga, Madonna (if you are not married by this time lol), or Cher if you're retired, I'm joking of course! Any track that makes you empowered, proud and eager to spread charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent would do.

If you want to spend the day with bae, go binge watch your favorite BL, GL or LGBTQIA+ series on Netflix, Viu, Amazon Prime or iQIYI. You can subscribe through Globe and watch KDrama series, Hollywood movies all day! Check this for starters https://shop.globe.com.ph/entertainment-subscriptions

Don't forget your LGBTQIA+ content creators on YouTube especially the local ones as they thrive on your support. Be it an ally or part of the community, there's so much love to spread around and it all starts with you!

Celebrating International Women's Month with TaskUs

Just got off the International Women's Month event of TaskUs. I could have entitled this artilcle "of TaskUs", but I felt I was part of the celebrations hence the change. I felt I was talking among peers rather than guests.

Their thrust this month is "Breaking the Bias", Ms. Victoria Alchachupas the Division VP of Integrated Marketing at TaskUs says "We need to admit that there is bias, I'm proud to be part of an organization that is part of the solution. We focus on talent and skills, the more diverse, the better. 49 percent of leaders at TaskUs are women, and our commitment to provide the best employee experience makes us ridiculously different. It's a conscious balance in internal promotion and hiring to do that, we look at the capabilities and background regardless of gender."

Vina Paglicawan the Director for Wellness at TaskUs says "Working Filipinas are burnt out with intensified challenges brought by the pandemic. We saw the same happen with mothers, balancing work and home responsibilities. TaskUs has been relentless in providing tools and support to create healhty workplace for its employees so as to improve any feelings of stress, anxiety or burnout. Currently, the company has Employee Assistance Programs, 100+ Mental Health Professionals, Outreach Activities, did flexible parenting workshops, and put up a Solo Parents Group. Our employees always have a high satisfaction rating, 94% and they appreciate, acknowledge that they are being taken cared of."

Regina Aguila says "Women think they have fewer career advancement opportunities than men, organizations need to proactively support their employees growth. TaskUs has been pro women, pro family and inclusive for all. We have scholarship programs, expanded maternity leaves, 24 leaves policy including a birthday leave, HMO, on site day care and lactation rooms. TaskUS advocates recognizing top talents, have internal job promotion opportunities, tuition fee and professional development programs, employee resource groups, bias detection and allyship leadership training, everyone is allowed to speak up."  

Hearing that from the people at TaskUs felt sincere, it felt good hearing that they've not been discriminated by their gender, role or ethnicity. They also have seen opportunities of advocating for others, women, coach them, make them aware about not taking biases. Their goal is equality, and it is evident that they are doing good. Hope this gets replicated elsewhere. It is their culture to be inclusive, encourage everyone to participate and I think that's a good thing.

SARAH GERONIMO Sparks ACER Day Celebrations!

The one and only Sarah Geronimo will be headlining this year's Acer Day Celebrations. I've witnessed these in the past but this time, it's going to be a little different as Sarah is officially the country ambassador representing the Philippines together with the biggest artists in Southeast Asia which includes Prince from Indonesia, Aina Abdul from Malaysia, GBoySWAG from Taiwan, Earth Patravee from Thailand and VP Bá Vương from Vietnam. 

They'll be singing ACER's newest anthem called "Live Your World" which will be released on August 3, but their actual live performance will be done on Acer's channels on August 7, 2021. In the past, each country would only celebrate individually, but they're making it possible to perform together online and no pandemic will be stopping them!

The Managing Director of Acer Philippines Manuel Wong knows that Acer needed someone that's considered a pillar in the industry and they can't wait for people to see Sarah perform for Acer Day. She will definitely bring it!

 

For those who wish to have an Acer laptop for school, work or play, they'll also be offering huge discounts on the said date so make sure to stay tuned for the announcements during the event. You can also check out their official stores online and their other channels because there's definitely an Acer for you!

Our Quezon City Blogventure!

Quezon City's 75th Diamond Jubilee just had to be seen online and we're up to something good this weekend so we roamed the streets of this glorious city. We went to three different places yesterday with my fellow Team Suspects (Rodel, Earth and Ruth) plus a couple more bloggers (Angelyn and Marco Demo, Gracee, Iyane, Kat) so people could see the nice things the city has to offer. Here's a rundown of things we went to yesterday. ETON Centris, Bantayog ng mga Bayani and Banawe's Chinatown. Although I wasn't able to hop on to Chinatown, I was able to cover the Mardi Gras thingy in Tomas Morato which is equally spectacular!

See what I mean? Now this is just the tip of the iceberg, we're also going to watch a rock concert with Parokya Ni Edgar and Rocksteddy this 7PM at the Quezon City Memorial Circle. Best of all, it's FREE so just bring your friends and family. Come one, come all!

For more information about their events:

Quezon City

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http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/

It's My City: Quezon City on it's Diamond Jubilee

I've lived in this city my whole life. A dream actually sparked its inception when Manuel L. Quezon thought of putting all the government agencies, several residential and housing projects in one place. This is Quezon City - and we're celebrating it's 75th year with a grand Diamond Jubilee celebration. The local government kicked it off a few days ago in Quezon City Memorial Circle. 

The New Manila house of the great former president now has an exact replica at the QCMC grounds and sits right across the Quezon City Hall. It's accessible via the underpass right in front of it. It's called the Quezon Heritage House and it'll serve as a museum to house memorabilia and tours from hereon.

Aside from these new structures, there will be several events in various places inside the city that you should watch out for. Tomorrow October 6 til October 9 is the start of Quezon City International Pink Festival which will happen in Gateway Mall Cinema 1. Today until the 11th, Novena masses will be done in the QC Hall lobby every 12 noon dedicated to QC's patron Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of La Naval Manila. The state of the city address with Mayor Herbert Bautista will be on October 12 at the Carlos Albert Hall in Quezon City Hall. On the 19th is the Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal Night where the city's most outstanding citizens will be awarded at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Diamond Jubilee Mardi Gras where you can see 500 costumed festival dancers from all over the Philippines in a parade right in Tomas Morato (I'll be there btw!). Plus the QC Grand Parade of Lights from 7PM to 11PM on the same day. The same parade of lights will take a different route on October 11 and will culminate un a QCROCKS@75 celebration in Quezon Memorial Circle where they'll put up a stage where Parokya ni Edgar, Rocksteddy, stand up comedians and various artists to end the night. We'll be posting live updates for that btw! So follow kumagcow on twitter, instagram, facebook and youtube!

We also did a photoshoot during the event last week and we can't wait to tell you more about my city! Are you guys excited?! I know I am! :)

For more information about their events:

Quezon City

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Visit their official website

http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/

An Inspiring Birthday Celebration with Chef Boy Logro

We went all the way to GMA Cavite at CLICKS (Chef Logro Institute of Culinary and Kitchen Services) to visit the main man himself Chef Boy Logro. It was his birthday, and in order to celebrate it, GMA Artist Center arranged a full blown dessert contest designed to use one of Chef Boy Logro's sponsors Angel Kremdensada.

We've seen the school too and for starters, I felt like the institute would be something that all HRM or food technology professionals could well benefit from because they teach practical cooking, to ultimately be an all around chef like Chef Boy. It's also tasked to teach NCII by the government office of TESDA. In a nutshell, I even wanted to enroll in this school. Chef Boy Logro has this one in GMA Cavite but he's also a larger one in Davao in which he's planning to put up a university to cater to that, farming and hospitality training. The property is around 50 hectares and it's already operating... plus he's got big plans for it soon.

Celebrate Authentic Oktoberfest at Sofitel Manila!

Oktoberfest has been part of the Philippine scene since we are after all the third largest drinker in the world. Bavaria would have been proud to see beer always chugging off bars, establishments and places in Manila and what better way to make that experience authentic by having REAL Oktoberfest at Sofitel Manila. The German Club Manila established in 1906, the German Embassy and Sofitel Manila will head the merry making and even bring the actual authentic Bavarian band to make it even more festive this 76th Oktoberfest!

So we did the next best thing by suiting up with real deal Bavarian hats and held our one liter German Beer Mugs, then after that... we just had to warm up with an Oktoberfest requirement... a dance!

Now I'm not gonna lie to you and tell you that I wasn't a little shy doing this, but I was.... but if you see the actual Germans that average 6ft tall doing all the moves with gusto, you'll really have to do it yourself, then once you get the hang of it... you'll LOVE it! :)

The German Club and Sofitel Manila did even more to have us get a taste of the festivities. They told us how much food and booze is going to be served on October 17 and 18. Almost 2000+ people attend each day and they have broken each of those records every year. There's nothing that can match Oktoberfest in Sofitel Manila because you just can't find anything as authentic as this anywhere else in the country!

Then we got on to the feast fit for a King!

So if you're not convinced that the ton of sausages, meat, potatoes, sauerkraut, mustard and beer could not get you interested in celebrating at Sofitel Manila this October 17 and 18, you must be crazy. Go give them a call and reserve at 5515555. Go with your friends and make this celebration a memorable one by doing it the right way, like the Germans do!

For more information about their restaurants:

Spiral Manila

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http://www.spiralmanila.com/