Gel Jose

Bayanihan Musikahan raises additional 1.5M in 1 hour

Small donations amounting to PhP 1.5 million poured into the Bayanihan Musikahan fund-raiser in 1 hour during the live concert-from-house of music superstar Lea Salonga last night.

She began and ended her hour with composition by the principal organizer of the project, Ryan Cayabyab, National Artist for Music. Emphasizing citizen action in the face of a pandemic, Salonga encapsulated an emerging dynamic of citizens helping citizens through small contributions and exercise of talent.

The unusual spike adds this amount to the total of PhP 22,373,178.00 already raised by April 2, 2020. Ms. Salonga announced this figure during her concert, while triggering a outpouring of support from Filipinos on lock-down, watching from their homes in the Philippines and overseas.

The increased fund-raising momentum enables increased speed in delivery of food packs to the marginalized communities in Metro Manila facing the pandemic with extreme vulnerabilities.

The Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pamilya ng Pantawid (SNPP), a 70,000-strong urban poor organization, began distribution of the Bayanihan Musikahan food packs from a few days after the launch of the marathon concert series, and is increasing pace and reach daily. Nearly 15,000 food packs have been provided families in dense, inner city pockets.

Filipino musical artists giving one hour concerts kick-started and sustain the Bayanihan Musikahan fund drive that enables this quick-response citizen action to stave off the possibility of worst case scenarios among communities compromised by poverty in Metro Manila.

Among those who already performed are Martin Nievera, Ebe Dancel, Acapellago, Karylle Tatlonghari and Spongecola, Bullet Dumas, Rachelle Gerodias and Byeong-in Park, and Morisette Amon.

Donations came in at an increasingly fast clip as the Lea Salonga concert proceeded, and it was immediately clear to an audience of tens of thousands that the surge was driven by the experience of virtual, communal bonding around an admired singer, and heightened awareness of the gravity of threat to impoverished communities.

The citizen-led marathon concert series, livestreamed on Facebook, is an unusal partnership between and among the significant talents of the Philippine music industry and the most trusted of civil society organizations. Philippine Business for Social Progress receives, accounts for, and disburses the funds. The SNPP hit the ground running because it has a complete database on its membership.

Details and image provided in a recent press release.

Can’t go to the cinema? HBO has you covered

While movie theatres and entertainment venues have been shut until end-April, do not despair. Who says that the movie experience is limited to only cinemas? Bring it back to the comfort of your own home. With brand new blockbusters premiering every Saturday at 9pm on HBO and HBO GO, HBO has got you covered.

Stream or download your favourite shows and movies on HBO GO on your computer and mobile devices or straight from your TV through the Airplay and Chromecast functionalities. Don’t have HBO GO? Subscribe here.

Pokémon Detective Pikachu
Premiered 4 April, Saturday at 9pm on HBO GO and HBO

When ace detective Harry Goodman goes mysteriously missing, his son Tim embarks on a journey to find out what happened. Aiding in the investigation is Harry’s former Pokémon partner, Detective Pikachu, a hilariously wise-cracking, adorable super-sleuth who can only communicate with Tim. They join forces on a thrilling adventure to unravel the tangled mystery. Stars Ryan Reynolds, Justice Smith, Kathryn Newton.

Escape Plan: The Extractors
Premieres 11 April, Saturday at 9pm on HBO GO and HBO

Kicking this explosive action tale into high gear, security expert Ray Breslin is hired to rescue the kidnapped daughter of a Hong Kong tech mogul from a formidable Latvian prison. In the process, Breslin’s girlfriend is also captured. With his team, they must pull off a deadly rescue mission to confront their sadistic foe and save the hostages before time runs out. Stars Sylvester Stallone, Jaime King, Dave Bautista, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson” and Zhang Jin.

Bad Education (HBO Original Film)
Premieres 26 April, Sunday same time as the U.S. at 8am on HBO GO and HBO

On the verge of the nation’s top spot and experiencing spurring record college admissions and soaring property values, a popular Long Island school district is rocked by an embezzlement scandal. American school administrator Frank Tassone and his partner Pam Gluckin are forced to maintain order and secrecy – by whatever means necessary. Stars Golden Globe and Tony Award winner Hugh Jackman (“The Greatest Showman,” “Les Misérables”), Emmy®, Academy Award and Golden Globe winner Allison Janney (“I, Tonya,” “Mom”), and Emmy® winner Ray Romano (“The Irish Man,” “The Big Sick”).

The Secret Life of Pets 2
Premieres 2 May, Saturday at 9pm on HBO GO and HBO

The highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster animated comedy “The Secret Life of Pets”. It tells the story about the lives pets lead behind closed doors after their human counterparts leave their homes each day. Directed by Chris Renaud, featuring voices by Patton Oswalt, Kevin Hart, Harrison Ford, Eric Stonestreet, Jenny Hale, Tiffany Haddish, Lake Bell.

Crawl
Premieres 16 May, Saturday at 9pm on HBO GO and HBO

As a category 5 hurricane tears through Florida, a young woman rushes to find her father who is injured and trapped in the crawl space of their home. With the storm intensifying and water levels rising, the pair face an even more terrifying threat lurking below the surface. Stars Kaya Scodelario, Barry Pepper. Produced by Sam Raimi (“Evil Dead”) and directed by Alexandre Aja (“The Hills Have Eyes”).

Dora and The Lost City of Gold
Premieres 30 May, Saturday at 9pm on HBO GO and HBO

Having spent most of her life exploring the jungle with her parents, nothing could prepare Dora for her biggest challenge yet – High School. When her parents mysteriously disappear while searching for the Lost City of Gold, Dora must swing into action and lead a group of ill-equipped high schoolers on a wild quest to save them. Stars Isabela Moner.

HBO is available on SKYcable Ch. 54 SD/Ch. 168 HD (for Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Lipa-Batangas) or on Ch. 402 SD/710 HD (for Bacolod, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo). SKYdirect subscribers can watch it on Ch. 22 HD. HBO Original Series as well as live channels are also available for streaming on HBO GO. To subscribe, call your local SKY office or fill up this form.

Show details and images provided by HBO in a recent press release.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.

Check out my posts on HBO shows:

Steakin’ it easy at Meat Depot

Truth be told: I came from a family of true-blue steak-lovin’ carnivores and so did my Hubby. Apparently, through the interplay of “nature” and “nurture”, our kiddoes turned out to be just like us.

Little wonder, then, that the thought of indulging our inner carnivores by having a steak lunch at Meat Depot after a bout of shopping in Greenhills was enough to have us practically salivating with excitement for the upcoming meal.

Meat Depot has the unique quality of being both a butcher shop and a kitchen at the same time. First established in 2014, it aimed to provide consumers with quality meats for home or institutional consumption, and to bring excellently cooked meats to hungry diners.

At any of its branches, diners can browse through and select their choice from a wide selection of premium cuts which they can bring home, or turn over to Meat Depot’s master grillers for cooking those meats to bring out all of its possibilities in flavor, tenderness and juiciness.

So that’s how we ended up gorging ourselves with our tender and juicy medium-cooked AB Rib-Eye Steaks (Php2,410/kg with Php125 cooking charge per piece which already includes mushroom gravy and choice of rice or mashed potato).

Well, what can I say? We really are a family of steak lovers!

This Meat Depot branch is located at Second Floor. O Square Building 2, Greenhills Shopping Center, Greenhills, San Juan.

Steak lovers in the metro will be happy to know that although this branch is closed for the duration of the enhanced community quarantine, selected Meat Depot branches are still open for pick-up and take-out.

Available products in these branches include:

Pork: lean ground (Php268/kg), menudo cut (Php304/kg), pork cubes (Php288/kg), pork chop (Php278/kg), country style (Php380/kg) and baby back ribs (Php330/kg)
Beef: ground (Php275/kg), shank (Php400)
Angus Beef; T-bone (Php2,070/kg), Striploin (Php2,130/kg), Rib-Eye (Php2,410/kg), Tomahawk (Php2,535/kg) and Tenderloin (Php3,920/kg)
Wagyu: Japanese Wagyu Striploin (Php10,070/kg) and Japanese Rib-Eye A4 (Php11,130/kg)

Just call or message the branch closest to you, indicate your name, order and time of pick up, make your payment via BDO and pick up your order or have it delivered to you through Grab Express or Lalamove.

Banawe, Quezon City: +63 966 7444366
Paseo de Magallanes, Makati: +63 926 0755187
BF Homes, Paranaque: +63 926 6474778

Upset tummy? How about some Mint Relief?

As a foodie, one of the banes of my existence is acid reflux. It is when the acidic juices in the tummy make their way up the esophagus. This results in symptoms such as acid regurgitation, feeling like there’s a lump in my throat, and even a sharp pain in the chest known as heartburn.

It can be quite uncomfortable, even distressing at times, and could curtail, not just my enjoyment of food, and any other activity.

Well, there’s hope in the horizon for acid reflux sufferers like me.

Mint Relief is the first and only natural quick stomach relief product available in the market today. It is not a drug; rather, it is a food supplement made from a combination of natural ingredients encased in a soft gel.

Its pain relief properties come from its main ingredients:

Spearmint: Contains carvone which has been shown in various studies to inhibit digestive tract contractions; Also high in antioxidants, helps support digestion and manage stress.
Peppermint: Traditionally used to treat stomach upsets, tension headaches and migraines and menstrual cramps.

Mint Relief can be taken by both men and women to give relief in cases of constipation, gassiness, acid reflux and nausea, as well as a short-term treatment to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Ladies who are “surfin’ the crimson wave” can get their reprieve from the pains of dysmenorrhea by taking Mint Relief.

For a foodie on the go like me, it has the additional benefit of coming in such handy packaging. A box containing ten gel capsules easily fits into my bag or purse so I can pop one in my mouth when I feel my tummy act up.

When I recently overindulged in oily and spicy Korean food (my cravings brought on by binge-watching K-dramas for several days), I was glad to have Mint Relief with me to manage my acid reflux. Plus, it leaves a fresh feeling inside my mouth to chase away the acidic aftertaste.

I’ll be sure to keep one handy, especially during foodie meetups and dinners out!

Mint Relief is available at Lazada and Shopee for Php150 for a box of ten.

To know more about, visit the Wellness Refill website.

Disclosure: Product sample was provided to facilitate an honest review.

We Got drops Raymund Marasigan-produced single “Lihim Na Pagtingin”

Eight-piece reggae collective We Got brings some island-loving vibe in the time of social distancing with its debut single, “Lihim Na Pagtingin.”

Serenading music enthusiasts with a mix of steady, groovy beat and a horn section straight from a summer retreat, the laid-back tune pertains to two individuals who have been friends for the longest time, and are secretly in love with each other.

“Finally, courage took over and they finally let their feelings out,” vocalist and guitarist Mack de la Cruz said in a statement. “Love wins.”

We Got’s latest song is produced by Raymund Marasigan, a veteran musician, multi-instrumentalist and overall record producer, who is part of several other bands and projects, including The Eraserheads, Sandwich, Pedicab, Cambio, Assembly Generals, Ultra Combo, Basement Lung, and Squid9.

“Sir Raymund Marasigan is a legendary icon of our generation,” de la Cruz added. “Working with him is even beyond our imagination. He’s very professional, patient, cool, innovative and has a very wild and crazy mind! His ideas are simply out of this world (in a very good way). He never looked down on us. He never failed to boost our confidence, taught so many things which we surely value so much.”

Marasigan returned the favor by praising the band’s work ethic. “We Got is a family. Working with them is like going to a family excursion at the beach especially when they bring delicious home cooked meals to pre-production and recording. And we worked on capturing that vibe.”

“Lihim Na Pagtingin” was mixed and mastered at Sunny Sound Studios in Cubao.

About the band

We Got is an eight-piece pop/reggae band comprised of Mack Dela Cruz on vocals and guitars, Makoy Quebral on rhythm guitars and backup vocals, Nam Reput on bass, CJ Bernardo on percussions, Thoper Laroco on drums, Melvin Bernardo on saxophone, Anthony “Tonton” Otoc on trumphet, John Rafael Morales on trombone.

The eclectic band is managed by Soupstar Entertainment Inc., joining a formidable roster of music acts such as 6cyclemind, Teeth, Imago, Sandwich, Pedicab, Moonstar88, Ultra Combo, Gracenote, Banda ni Kleggy, Better Days, the vowels they orbit, and Kurei.

We Got is signed to Sony Music Entertainment Philippines, record label of The Eraserheads, 6cyclemind, Ben&Ben, SB19, syd hartha, Alex Bruce, Nathan & Mercury, Zelijah, the vowels they orbit, and many more exciting and dynamic acts.

“Lihim Na Pagtingin” is now available on Spotify and other music streaming/download platforms worldwide.

Details and image provided by Sony Music in a recent press release.

Ramen delivery from Ramen Len, Santa Lucia

My #RamenPhase has been going on for years (and I don’t think it will end anytime soon!)

With the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine, it has been hard for me to get my ramen fix. Authentic ramen does not lend itself well to delivery: the noodles tend to get soggy if left in the broth too long. Due to this, many ramen restaurants refuse to offer their fare for delivery.

Well, the ramen shop near my home, Ramen Len, has found a way around that difficulty. Thanks to its ingenious packaging, the firm and chewy noodles, toppings (a slice of chashu, naruto, bamboo shoots and green onions) and broth are all kept separate until they get delivered.

I discovered this when I decided to supplement our family dinner with some of Ramen Len’s offerings by ordering from FoodPanda.

Our ramen orders included:

Tonkotsu Shoyu (Php190). Thick and creamy pork bone broth flavored with herbs and Japanese soy sauce.

Tonkotsu Red (Php220). The pork bone broth combined with spicy sesame as well as various herbs and spices.

Tonkotsu Black (Php230). The pork bone broth made even more flavorful with the addition roasted garlic oil.

We also ordered Special Gyoza (Php110/ 5 pieces) which is among my daughter’s perennial favorite Japanese dishes. These are Japanese dumplings filled with seasoned ground meat, finely chopped vegetables and aromatics.

Now, I know where to go when I get that ramen craving!

Ramen Len is located at 45 Countryside Avenue, Countryside Village, Barangay Santa Lucia, Pasig City. To order for pick-up, call +63 939 3357160 or have your order delivered to you via FoodPanda.

Website launched for locating nearby open establishments during quarantine period

As most establishments in the Philippines closse due to the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) making it both hard and risky to go out to buy goods, a website launched to help locate those that are still open.

Called “Crowd Store Finder,” the website works lie Waze or Google Maps that scans through the user’s neighborhood to find stores, banks, pharmacies, and remittance centers that remain operational.

Under government guidelines, only establishments selling basic commodities are allowed to open during the quarantine period. This is to prevent people from staying outdoors that increases their risk of catching COVID-19.

Aside from knowing the open establishments, users can also chat with their neighbors who are currently using the website to ask questions and seek further assistance.

Crowd Store Finder relies on information shared by volunteers from Good Vibes Digital PH, a group organized by Trinmar Boado, winner of the Clash of Codes competition at Multisys Technologies in 2019.

Boado, who works at the Department of Science and Technology’s Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC), said more than 100 volunteers are coordinating safely from their own homes.

“This technology reminds us that sharing of info does not just save the time of other people but also their lives.” shared the IT expert.

Visit the Crowd Store Finder website or follow it on Facebook.

Website details provided in a recent press release.

6cyclemind and Sony Music PH ink covers project

In an effort to show appreciation to the fans who have been through their musical journey, 6cyclemind recently teamed up with Sony Music Philippines for Sige I-Cover Mo Lang Project.

The initiative, which was supposed to be an independent project, encouraged fans to submit covers of their favorite songs from the band’s catalog.

“Throughout our career, we have been touring different parts of the country,” vocalist Tutti Caringal said. “We are lucky to witness how our audience, even from far flung areas, sing our songs with us. This is indeed a very magical feeling. Online, we can also view our fans cover our songs. This makes us feel that, somehow, through our music, we have touched their lives. This is the reason why we have decided to do this project.”

With number one singles, best-selling albums, and sold-out shows, 6cyclemind continues to gain foothold in the local music industry. Their latest project is a testament to their growing and respectable discography, a proof of their legacy as a band known for their heartfelt and rousing anthems.

Fan involvement

The five-piece pop-rock act did not set some specific criteria for the fan submissions, and accepted all entries—whether phone recordings, changed tempo or genre.

6cyclemind lead guitarist Herbert Hernandez added, “We gave them the freedom to interpret the song of their choice. While screening the entries, we followed our gut feel and looked for the cover that will move us. There were many entries that we really liked. It was difficult for the band to eliminate the other submissions because we had to limit it to just 3. Part 2, perhaps?”

2020 version of “Biglaan”

From the pool of submissions, Bianca’s stripped-down version of “Biglaan” stood out the most. It earned a spot as one of the first among the three winners of the all-covers record. “Whenever I want to cover songs, I usually just search for the chords and let myself feel the music,” the budding artist said. “I was pretty melancholic during these times so my general approach was to make the song softer and downcast which is what I usually do to songs I usually sing.”

According to Bianca, the project “was such a great platform to thank the band’s fans and also give opportunities to artists” like her.

The sixteen-year-old singer-songwriter recorded the song at Backdoor Recording Studio, and it was produced by 6cyclemind.

Bianca’s rendition of “Biglaan” is now available on various music streaming/download platforms worldwide.

Details and image provided by Sony Music in a recent press release.

Avocado Ice Cream Cheesecake from Avocadoria.PH

Avocado remains one of my favorite fruits ever.

Some of my favorite foodie memories when I was growing up involved my mom preparing a simple dessert made of avocado, sugar, evaporated milk and ice cubes. This was done only within the rainy season because that’s the only time avocados are available.

Now, thanks to modern farming technology, fresh avocados are readily available practically throughout the year.

It also gave rise to the popularity of avocado-based desserts such as those found in Avocadoria.PH.

This dessert chain prides itself on its delicious dessert products made with fresh avocados and other premium ingredients. It also helps local avocado farmers by creating possibilities for use of their harvests and by recycling discarded avocado skins to be mixed with fertilizers used by the farmers.

For foodies like me, it provides more ways to enjoy our favorite fruit.

Take the Avocado Ice Cream Cheesecake (Php550), for example. It’s a great pasalubong for the family or a gift for loved ones during special occasions.

Made with smooth and creamy avocado-flavored cream cheese filling on top of crushed graham crackers and topped with a layer of white chocolate studded with chopped nuts such as pistachios, almonds, cashews and walnuts, every spoonful of this cheesecake is a study in delectable contrasts of tastes and textures.

I’d love to get my hands on another tin of this lovely dessert so I can sate my avocado craving again!

This Avocadoria.PH stall is located at Level 1, Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Center, Quezon City.

Other stalls in the metro are located at:

Pasig: Tiendesitas, SM Center Pasig, Robinsons Metro East, Ayala Malls The 30th, Ayala Malls Feliz
Mandaluyong: SM Megamall, Shangri-la Plaza, EDSA Central Pavilion, SM Light Mall, Forum Robinsons
San Juan: Greenhills Shopping Center
Quezon City: Eastwood Citywalk 2, Ali Mall Cubao, Farmers Plaza Cubao, Robinsons Magnolia, UP Town Center, Ayala Malls Vertis North, Fisher Mall, SM North EDSA, Walter Mart North EDSA, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, Robinsons Novaliches, Ayala Fairview Terraces
Marikina: SM City Marikina, Riverbanks Center, Ayala Malls Marikina, Dona Aurora Parang
Taguig: Market! Market!, Food District Signatures on the 5th
Makati: Ayala Mall Circuit, Glorietta 3, Philamlife Tower, San Lorenzo Place Condominium
Manila: The One Grand Center Sampaloc, Robinsons Place Manila, SM City San Lazaro, Lucky Chinatown
Pasay: Ayala Malls Manila Bay,
Paranaque: SM City Bicutan, SM City BF Paranaque, SM City Sucat
Caloocan: SM Center Sangandaan
Malabon: Fisher Mall
Valenzuela: SM City Valenzuela
Las Pinas: SM Southmall, Vista Mall Las Pinas, Ayala Center Las Pinas
Muntinlupa: Alabang Town Center, Starmall Alabang, Festival Mall, Ayala Malls South Park Alabang

Healthy choices and fresh flavors at Hillside Cafe & Juice Bar, Paligsahan

Making healthy food choices is important.

More than the amount of calories consumed, healthy eating is also all about the nutrients that fresh and wholesome ingredients bring.

Hillside Cafe & Juice Bar, located inside Cedarhills Garden Center along Mother Ignacia Avenue, is one of Quezon City’s prime destinations for healthy food.

Aside from its healthy food choices, visitors can also enjoy green space of the plant nursery beside the resto, and maybe even learn a thing or two about urban gardening.

My office friends and I recently visited Hillside Cafe & Juice Bar where we nourished ourselves with the resto’s deliciously prepared dishes made with organic and all-natural ingredients that demonstrate the gustatory possibilities of healthy food, such as:

Roasted Vegetable Salad (Php285 solo | Php475 to share). Roasted carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and squash tossed together and doused in a cauliflower-tomato-garlic dressing and topped with herbs.

Pesto Crusted Chicken Parmigiana (Php435). Large pieces of tender chicken cutlets, breaded with basil and deep-fried to a golden brown served on top of zucchini spaghetti aglio olio, accompanied by stewed chickpeas, edamame and sweet corn.

Squid Ink Pasta (Php265). Linguine pasta in tossed in rich, natural squid ink sauce along with sauteed shrimps, clams, mussels and squid. Here’s a warning, though: Get your selfies before you eat this dish because the squid ink is so rich and dark, your teeth will show the evidence of what you ate whenever you smile, hehehehe!

Citrus Crush (Php165). One of Hillside Cafe’s cold-pressed detox juices made with orange, lime and lemon to boost immunity, lower cholesterol levels and cleanse the skin.

Cacao Fudge (Php145 junior | Php185 regular). One of the classic flavors of Hillside Cafe’s Superfood Smoothies made with cacao, banana, cacao nibs and almond milk.

Choco Peanut Butter Nana (Php150 junior | Php195 regular). A Premium variant of Hillside Cafe’s Superfood Smoothies made with banana, dates, peanut butter, cacao, coconut sugar and cashew milk.

With restos like Hillside Cafe & Juice Bar, foodies can consider benefits food brings, not just to their palate, but to their overall health.

Hillside Cafe & Juice Bar is located inside Cedarhills Garden Center, 57 Mother Ignacia Street, Paligsahan, Quezon City. To order or inquire, call +63 2 77927475 or +63 915 6474706.

Check out my blog posts on other healthy eats in the metro: