Beat the Summer Heat with Mr. Hat Gulaman!

Things have been on record high temperatures and the Philippines is experiencing El Nino right front and center. Our dreams of just spending summer in the beach may have to take the back seat, or just proceed with caution... perhaps do something else and make it sweet and refreshing!

Your summer should still be colorful, whether it be in a glass full of your favorite Halo-Halo, or a bright Sago't Gulaman, you can only think of one thing in the grocer, and that's Mr. Hat Gulaman!

I've been using this for years now and even got my sibling in Europe some of it so he could remember home. It's a sweet reminder of time with family, with friends, and is a versatile ingredient in various desserts that we often do as sweet tooth's. It comes in different flavors like lychee, orange, strawberry, and I've done so many recipes with this over the years.

It's Local!

For those who don't know, Mr. Hat Gulaman is actually a local product. This is made by Seanluc Inc. known for making quality food and beverages for the Philippine market. It's also au naturelle, as it's from seaweed extract combined with sugar, flavorings and different colors. They also have unflavored Mr. Hat Gulaman so if you plan to make other desserts that require that, there's always options! This comes in 7 flavored and 6 unflavored versions, so if one doesn't fit your recipe, go with a different one. Imagine the things you can do with a pack of Mr. Hat Gulaman!

You can do Mango Tapioca, or Buko Pandan, or do Coffee Jelly on a hot day. If it's a recipe that has been passed on through generations or a new one (because you're a genius!).

Here's a recipe that's been tested great, one that you could try!

Coconut Gulaman Coolers by Mr. Hat Gulaman

The ingredients are a pack of Mr. Hat Gulaman (get the Buko Pandan Flavor). 2 cups of water, a quarter cup sugar, 250ml of Coconut Water, a quarter cup Condensed Milk, a quarter cup of All Purpose Cream and crushed ice.

Dissolve the gulaman pack and sugar in the 2 cups of water you prepared. Turn the stove on low and simmer, then put it on a tray to cool and set. Cut it up to small squares to make it pretty. On a separate bowl, mix the All Purpose Cream, Condensed Milk and Coconut Water. Put the Mr. Hat Gulaman, then crushed ice on a tall wide glass, put in a few of the milk mixture. Use a pandan leaf on the side and serve to your guests, they'll surely love it!

If you want a softer gulaman, just add a bit more water. If you prefer a firmer one, adjust the gulaman powder you put in on boiling water. Mix it thoroughly so you don't get lumps. You can follow @mrhatgulaman on social channels to have more experts help you with your recipes. They also post a lot of content there to beat the summer heat. I've been a solid user of Mr. Hat Gulaman, and have seen my family, my friends enjoy it!

Now it's your turn!

Prime Video Takes Space in the Philippines

Choices, we've got more of that now that Prime Video is starting a lineup of local content and an even better user experience for the country.

For starters, they've announced the first Amazon Original content called Comedy Island: Philippines which they worked on with Base Entertainment (a production studio involved in creative talent in the region) so they could bring them out to the world. This will be launched next year (2023) and this will be exciting times for the viewing public.

This is part of Prime Videos increase in investment to make sure we won't be running out of entertaining content with hits like Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, Korean dramas like Nothing Serious, Toy Soldiers, and US shows The Good Doctor, Amazon Originals The Boys and The Terminal List plus a whole lot more in their library.

Efforts include local Prime Video marketing to work with our very own Filipino producers and celebrity host and personality Anne Curtis. This is also the same with other Southeast Asian neighbors Thailand and Indonesia so they too get a dose of Prime Video love in their own language.

They're also offering it at Php 149 a month (introductory price) which would be charged after you consume the free 7 days on Prime Video. With it, you can download and watch it anytime, anywhere you wish and watch on compatible handsets, on Smart TV's so you can watch at the comforts of your home or out on the road to Albuquerque or Kamuning whichever comes first. This would be really interesting to see how a new player comes as Filipinos consume more content online.

Rising by Lifting Others: Pareto Consulting

Just met the wonderful women behind digital marketing and growth firm called Pareto Consulting. Countless businesses in the US and elsewhere in the world are in need of talented individuals like them who provide unique ideas, of something different on the table, with gusto to reach one's company goals. The league of extraordinary women is headed by Bianca Laxamana Ulan, a young lass who's life continue to inspire others.

The business started when a client of hers availed market research and digital marketing services. She did remarkable work and got recommended to other startups and corporations that continuously grew her clientele over the years. She wanted a breed of individuals that have the same culture, and knack for little details. So she sought her team now as tasks come in from different multinational companies and startups. Albeit an accidental business, she believes her years of experience in the industry and Mom's guidance prepared her for what made Pareto Consulting is today.

Bianca says "I think I've been hyped today. They (her peers) are my pillars, they are very important for me. Pareto is an accidental business. I built this with Kaye in the beginning and grew it from scratch. It's been built over time and I just got referred to a lot of people. We cater to companies who need market research, ads, we do that the whole week. We also empower people in our organization. Resiliency and mental fortitude should be something that any successful business person should have. Things can break you especially during these times. You also have to influence your team, without them, you won't be able to do things and inspire them. We do market research and digital marketing, you have to make sure you are picking the right team member as you grow your business." 

She adds "You do usual HR stuff, but what I always look for is their enthusiasm to learn, we have the same values in servicing our clients. As much as possible I have to spot that, and also talent that I can compensate fairly, give them work life balance, and a no OT rule in our company. We are an all female team, the reason is because we are for women empowerment. I know there's a lot of stigma with women as employees, but I prioritize and see they are organized, the type that would be inspired too by women entrepreneur. We offer end to end solutions, if you're a startup and just starting, we offer marketing, branding and execution. It's also low cost, both locally and abroad. I was inspired by my Mom, at work, she's really good at it. She has a strong character, she was able to lead people and I'm very proud of her. Kay and I were college org mates, we made things happen and even then we were very active in organizations and I've been part of a startup and experienced a flat organization. We correct each other and learned modern management early on. I want to be an educator, and I've been doing that in CIIT today. I started when I was 22, I was only a freelancer and did really good work with clients and I got referrals here and there. That's how I started. The only hurdles I encounter now is taxation, and I had to study about it especially in BIR briefings. That's second to hiring talent. The silver lining is coming to realize that I could do it. I had to really work hard, some people would often say I'm too young to grow businesses. When we have the results to show, it's a new perspective and approach. My team is young too and only comprise of Gen Z's and Millenials."

Maxene Malvar the Project Manager of Pareto Consulting says "I do quality assurance, copywriting, proof reading and market research. I also coordinate graphic design, nice to meet you today. I was still a student and applied for the position on whim, when I came to the company and started right away, there were a lot of doubts at first. Bianca was the first to believe in my capability, it was humbling to hear that from her."

Kay Ocampo Senior Partner in Creative Marketing "I design, spearhead ad campaigns, make sure everything we do is aligned to our clients marketing goals. Especially here in Pareto, we're not over worked so I do a lot of things on our free time. We call each other friends, it's why she convinced me to build Pareto Consulting. I resigned from my corporate job to do this, I came here to do this with her. All our efforts have been well worth it."

With their affordable rates, collaborative culture in the work place, plus expertise in providing marketing and digital services, they can help new businesses flourish during these tough times. Their mantra to lift others in order to rise with you is ingenious and admirable. If you would like to seek their help, get in touch through their social channels @ParetoPH on FB and IG, their LinkedIN account at https://ph.linkedin.com/company/pareto-consulting-ph or their official website https://paretoconsulting.xyz/. 

 

They're ready to help you start, launch and grow your business with you.

Huawei Philippines Participates in CEPSI 2021: Pushing Greener Solutions in Power Production and Management

Tech giant Huawei Philippines just recently announced their participation in CEPSI 2021 which is the Conference of the Electricity Power Supply Industry which happened yesterday. It aims to bring action in sustainable power production in the region and encourages social inclusiveness for their efforts. In the event, Huawei Philippines VP and CMO of Huawei Digital Power Dr. Fang Luangzhou shared information about how the company is moving for low carbon and smart societ using digital ways.

Over 44 countries have already joined the global mission of being carbon neutral. They believe this is what's going to happen in the coming decades which includes those who produce power, consume and even industries that would want to upgrade their hardware. It's going to be beneficial not just for the entities, but the world if we get involved in their mission of being carbon neutral. They identified it to come from Electricity production, manufacturing and transportation. Getting transportation to use electric power and produced it in low carbon emitting ways would be good for the earth. It will also lessen costs in the long run which will benefit more industries who depend on these old power producing systems. They suggest off grid solutions like those who utilize sun or wind to make them. They also have green ways to manage them, it will make their research (10 years and over 90 Billion spent for it) even better as it will be utilized by the greater public. Huawei looks forward to have a greener future.

We can't wait to see what's going to happen in the next few years!

#SupportLocalAtSM Independence Day Online Concert Features BAMBOO

Oryspa offers pinoy made spa solutions

Retail giant SM has gone really good adapting to GCQ situations and now has taken strides to put it online. Aside from their current offerings at smsupermalls.com, they also have opened up avenues of ordering food, fashion and wellness services via FB, IG, Twitter and recently their SM Viber Community. They feature restaurants, shops that are now open during GCQ, to set a but of normalcy to the economy.

Modern Filipiniana Rafaella Blazer available at Kultura

ABE's Crispy Pata now available for takeout or delivery at SM Megamall

Kultura's nito vine jars, coasters, chargers made by Mangyans of Mindoro now available in malls Nationwide.

Every single receipt (done June 10-14) purchase of 500 pesos will get shoppers a chance to watch BAMBOO in his Independence Day virtual concert via ZOOM. 

It will happen on June 20 at 8pm so you better do some shopping now.

#CebSuperSeatFest with MIMIYUUUH

Just got off the fun event of Cebu Pacific as they unveiled their Super Seat Fest Be a Baryahero campaign among media guests and Manila’s cutest influencers lols. I admit, I’m one of a LOT of people who have been waiting for seat sales in the wee hours of the morning and yes I have personally got a flight to a province which I haven’t been to last night hence my 4am sleep time. Cebu Pacific and several government agencies have been working hard, partnering towards making local tourism a big thing now that international travel is slightly down due to the Covid situation. There are a LOT of places in the country where I’m sure you haven’t been to yet, and that definitely requires a lot of effort to do, make it a part of your bucketlist and enjoy with your friends and family.

Oh and yes, they also got a new Cebu Pacific Brand Ambassador in the persona of the one and only fun ghorl MIMIYUUUH. The famous YouTuber asks you to drink your water bish, and skirrrrrt to your favorite destinations at a fraction of the cost. With your Barya (chump change) you can be a Baryahero. Cebu Pacific has been offering these one peso fares years ago, they have seen they have been copied and they promise to even bring you better deals in their 3 day sale starting today. This is their #CebSuperSeatFest which happens March 3, 4 and 5 rawr!

March 3 is for Domestic

March 4 for International 

March 5  is for whatever is left on sale on both dates. 

Travel period starts from September 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021. I’m bound for Roxas City and Cauayan Isabela, places I’ve never been before. You should do the same, I’m sure you’ll create more memories. It’s affordable because it is Cebu Pacific. 

Every Juan deserves to fly!

Take a Look at Samira Gutoc

Honestly, I feel iffy when talking about politicians, I kinda do shy away from that topic because it is severely polarized, people get in trouble just by mentioning names and stuff, no joke. You’ll be called terms you wouldn’t like hearing, but this particular article isn’t placed here to convince you, merely tell you why I’m voting for her in the next elections. I am saying that with a straight face.

In the past few years, I have been hooked in current events, debate shows and programs where the youth ought to be represented. I used to see her laden with the hijab on her head, confidently speaking on political and social issues, using her voice for the greater good. I was surprised to see a glimpse of her in the restaurant where we had lunch, apparently she’s running for a senate seat in the upcoming elections. Yes, she’s running under the opposition slate even if she’s served a couple of years under this regime. Here’s part of our interview with her on video:

To put it simply, she’s a Mom, a fighter, a volunteer and a legislator from one of the most marginalized sectors in the country. She has witnessed how it is first hand to beholden to crisis and felt how it is on ground to help not just her people in Marawi but the different regions in Mindanao. She has a stellar educational background, best of all, she wants to help. I have also seen people in her staff who has gone above and beyond their regular corporate positions and threw it all away because they believe in her, maybe that accounts for something so we could give not just Mindanao but mothers, people like her to start formulating laws that would directly affect them in a national level.

Maybe it’s time you take a look at Samira Gutoc, I know I will.

KUMAGCOW

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Exprience Aloha Palawan

I've been in the city too long and yes I couldn't have wished for better a trip... this was so timely. I was invited to an event called ALOHA PALAWAN. Yes, this was the island called "The Last Frontier" by travelers who have been there - and I can only agree why they call it as such. There are 7,147 islands in the Philippines and the ones on our itinerary are just the tip of the ice berg. Backpackers have known about the best island in the world for quite a while now but they'd rather keep it a secret. This is paradise we're talking about it and I am so happy Air Asia Philippines is taking us there!

Clark International Airport

This travel arrangement has been done by Amika Travel and Tours. Since they know this place like the back of their hands, it was easy getting from one place to another because of the van arrangements, it was a no brainer to have this as mode of transport because we were in a group. I strongly advise you to do the same rather than commuting as you would save a lot of time (and spend wisely on the beaches instead). We left Manila in the afternoon so we arrived around dinner. 

Before we did leave Clark in Pampanga (where the Clark International Airport is), we ate lunch at Matam ih Restaurant that served legit Kapampangan food, all pretty heavy because it's all good with RICE in the Philippines. I kinda stayed with the safe ones because I was on Keto, they had really good Kare Kare so if there's one to try, make that part of your meal. Aside from that, your guests would really love the in house entertainment provided for by really talented Aeta/Amerasian singers who perform there on a regular basis. They were so good that I saw one of them perform in Tawag ng Tanghalan a few days later (a famous singing competition on national TV) and she won that day.

Matam-ih Restaurant in Clark Airbase.

Murky corn soup or Suam was good even on a hot weather

When they say Kare Kare, you don’t say NO

Oh don’t even get me started, they have good Shrimp Fritters!

When in Pampanga, try the Sisig. Their is more on the livery side.

The oh so yummy Native Roasted Chicken

After all that authentic Filipino cuisine experience, we went to Clark International Airport and checked in. I love how that new airport is very clean and not overcrowded like the ones in Manila. When you're taking a trip you can ride a bus from TRINOMA (a well known mall north of Manila) and would only prolly cost you Php 350 or so, pretty cheap than catch yourself squirming in an airport in Manila.

AirAsia Philippines flies regularly from Clark International Airport to different parts of the country. They also have international flights that come from this airport, it's sometimes even cheaper to actually get flights from here. Now I don't know most of these guys I'm flying with but they're from different media entities, some bloggers, some Instagram celebrities and our friends from AirAsia. They count us regularly so we don't get lost haha! Oh and Clark also has strong wifi from Smart, if you fly this way you'll also get to finish some of your blogging backlogs, upload videos quite easy. Plus it's FREE!

When we arrived in Puerto Princesa, it was pretty laid back. I immediately saw the tricycles and how it was totally different than the ones in Manila. I kinda likened it to junior cars because they have that certain look on front that they do, so they can also stretch the back area of the tricycles for luggage as it is a touristy town. 

When we arrived at HUE Hotel and Resorts (our home in Puerto Princesa Palawan), we were welcomed with a huge production number courtesy of the hotel. They pretty much did a medley of Philippine dances (which I did when I was in Elementary btw LOL), so imagine our surprise. Then inside our room, it was perfect. They have a separate toilet and bath, two single beds, and you could ask for extra keys. They also gave us Palawan's best banana chips which we had to look for later on to take home because it was so good. Thank you to Hue Hotel, Laag PH for the complimentary shirts too.

MATIZ Restaurant and Tapaz Bar

Fun dining with the others :)

Minestrone Soup

Chef’s Salad, Romaine, shards of cheese, bacon, a little crouton and light balsamic dressing

Ropa Vieja and Gambas, staples in Tapaz bars

The Matiz Paella, a seafood and paella lover’s dream!

Tres Leches Flan, not too sweet, just right.

We'll be sleeping here first before doing some islands the next day. So we relaxed and had dinner at the hotel's own restaurant. It's called MATIZ Restaurant and Tapaz Bar (yes after the painter), which was a very relaxed tapas bar in this side of the world. We had wine, Ropa Vieja (which I love and YOU should order), Gambas, good Seafood Paella, Chicken Iberico with Mojo Sauce and Tres Leches Flan for dessert. Now if that doesn't convince you to stay in this hotel while you're in Puerto Princesa, take a breather because we're about to embark to Kamia tomorrow!

Stay tuned folks, we're publishing the Kamia Bay Resort article soon! If you would want to stay in Puerto Princesa City, Hue Hotel may be reached via https://www.facebook.com/huepuertoprincesa or their website thehuehotel.com.

GOYA is Taking You Places!

Had fun with blogger friends at the recent launch of Goya’s travel promo! Read on how to join!

It’s been a while since I’ve had a Goya chocolate. I think the last time was me trying the GOYA Double Hazelnut Spread which for me gave the competitor a run for it’s money. Actually, I can say it’s actually better than Nutella. I might have been watching my sugar intake but during my cheat days I really indulge in chocolate and Goya delivers in that department.

Now if you’ve been binging on chocolates from elsewhere around the world and not trying local flavors, you’re probably going to regret it because as of date, I think Goya has been improving their recipes over the years. I know a lot of people who wouldn’t even think of touching local chocolates, but I would gladly recommend you to close your eyes and compare it, it might really surprise you if you just try it. 

I think the quality of chocolates churning out from their factories completely changed than when I last had it. Whether it’s milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate or a drink, I was really dumbfounded why it actually tasted better even if it was a local brand. I think we’re just a little too colonial to say the least, and I bet if people would take a second look they’ll be glad these products actually came from the Philippines.

Goya had us attend a thanksgiving presscon in Marco Polo Ortigas a couple weeks ago and to start of the festivities, they got us to sample just about every Goya product possible. It was a LOT, but I had my eyes on a few who instantly became my favorites. I love the Goya Dark Chocolate, the lovely Goya Milk Chocolate with Almonds, the Goya White Chocolate, the Goya Pretzel Twists and the Goya Malt Crunch Maltitos... oh and I almost forgot the Goya Take It 4 Fingers which I love frozen or freshly taken out of the fridge. I was being skeptic before I had them, but I was convinced, some of these items if not all were actually better than the competing brands. They’ve actually put in the work to now be called World Class!

When the program resumed that evening, I saw my favorite jocks ever sans Delamar, it was Gino Quillamor and Chico Garcia of famed radio show The Morning Rush. I love Chichi and Gigi, you have no idea how much I just play it cool whenever I meet them when I’m already screaming expletives in my mind because I get starstrucked while they talk to me sometimes. Imagine the people I listen to banter and make funny antics on social media is just right in front of me, aggghh. If that wasn’t enough, they were the best people to introduce the world class endorser of world class chocolate brand Goya... our very own Queen Pia Wurtzbach.

The queen told us she just arrived from the UK and imagine how people there were surprised that she had about 2 suitcases full of Goya Chocolates to actually share with family and friends while she was in London. Our Queen knows how to actually promote, imagine the faces of people who miss Goya back home, she just gave them a piece of it, they all loved it too!

Since Chico and Gino was also very happy about how they got to talk to the 2015 Miss Universe, Chico started the conversations with lines that only beauty queens would dare answer. They didn’t also hold back asking Pia Wurtzbach for tips on how to walk, stand like a beauty queen and she gladly obliged.

I also saw one of the finest actors in the industry EA Guzman. I was so touched he still knew me for interviewing him in the past, plus he’s a good brother to my model friend Michelle. Ahh how time flies, he looks so good in person!

Oh and for those who would love to have a taste of WORLD CLASS, Goya wants to take you places. It’s been going on for a few weeks now and you’ve got a few more to actually join. You can win an all expense paid trip FOR TWO to PARIS, another round trip FOR TWO to SAN FRANCISCO, NEW YORK or LONDON, you just need to follow a few things to join:

Make sure you like the Goya Chocolates Facebook Page first found at https://www.facebook.com/GoyaChocoholics/

Proceed to your Facebook Profile and tap on your Profile Picture then choose to Add Frame. Choose the part where it says Frames From Pages You Like section and select the frame from Goya Chocolates then choose USE. Please remember that you have to use this as a profile photo for a whole week to make your entry valid. Then take a screenshot of your World-Class Profile and send it via PRIVATE MESSAGE to the official Goya Chocolates Page together with your Name, Address and your Mobile Number.

This profile picture qualifies as your raffle entry. The Goya Chocolates Page will be releasing 6 frames in this 6 week period so you have to make sure to change the frame of your profile every week so you get more chances of winning. So that meabs if you get one (1) Frame with minimum one week use, you only get one (1) Raffle Entry.

Frames have been already released for January 18, 25 and February 1. You've got the chance to get the ones to be released on February 8, 15 and 22, 2018. The raffle draw will happen on March 2018. Your information will kept confidential so don't be worried where that will go.

Trust me on the Double Hazelnut Spread, it’s super good and I’m still having it for breakfast, snacks and dessert! Oh and if you would want to go places, Goya can take you there so join now!

KUMAGCOW

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