Gel Jose

Ways for working moms to keep calm and carry on

There’s much to stress about with today’s busy urban lifestyle.

For working moms like us, juggling our multiple roles and responsibilities at home, at work, and in the community can be harrowing. Meeting expectations from superiors and colleagues at work, seeing to the needs of family members, and serving the communities we are part of do sometimes take their toll.

A chronically stressful lifestyle will have serious effects on both physical and mental health. Manifestations of stressful living range from headaches, stomach upsets and chest pains to lack of motivation, difficulty sleeping and anger or irritability.

Given all the demands on our time and attention, working moms can’t afford to be sidelined by symptoms of stress.

Some well-meaning folk would just give the advice to “keep calm and carry on.” However, that is easier said than done.

Among the ways to effectively handle stress, as advised by a Psychology Today article, are to:

Accept that stress is a part of life.
Keep problems in perspective.
Take care of physical health.
Look for a silver lining.

I discovered one such silver lining when my sister-in-law gifted me with a bottle Prosource Calming Oil.

In this handy 10ml bottle is a mixture of natural ingredients that include virgin coconut oil, ginger, lavender, eucalyptus and menthol. The bottle’s roll-on mechanism also helps in quickly applying the oil to alleviate discomforts and various effects of stress, such as:

Headaches
Neck, back and joint pains
Muscle pains
Gas pains
Dizziness and motion sickness
Colds and coughs

This calming oil is a boon to me whenever I experience driving anxiety. When I feel the headache and nausea coming when I’m behind the wheel, I rub some calming oil on my temples. The cool, soothing sensation on my skin and the fresh scent help to manage my discomfort, allowing me to successfully reach my destination.

This was also helpful when my little boy got sick; massaging it onto his back and chest helped in quieting his bouts of coughing enough for him to get a good night’s sleep.

Stress may be a part of life, but it need not be life-limiting.

Prosource Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is available in most Watsons and Mercury Drug outlets nationwide. It retails at Php120/tube.

Malagos brings award-winning single origin premium chocolate from Davao

As with most plants, cacao beans, from which chocolate is manufactured, take on the characteristics particular to the region where they were grown and harvested. This is called their terroir.

Cacao beans that have been blended lose their terroir, hence the preference of some chocolatiers for single-origin chocolate products.

Davao-based Malagos Agri-Ventures Corporation, for example, produces the award-winning single origin premium Malagos Chocolate. This product line grew out of the resolve of the Malagos company matriarch, Mama Charita Puentespina, to reinvigorate the Davao’s cacao industry which crashed in the 1980s.

Instead of just exporting cacao beans to serve as raw materials for foreign chocolate manufacturers, Mama Charita drove the company’s cacao growing and post-harvest practices, as well as campaigned to make cacao a priority crop in the region.

Today, Malagos Chocolates is an internationally recognized and awarded brand. It is made from high quality cacao beans, grown in the Malagos farm in the foothills of Davao’s Mount Talomo.

The beans are carefully fermented, sun-dried and roasted in temperature controlled roasters, then ground to a fine texture at par with international chocolate standards. These processes are all done without the product ever leaving Davao, making Malagos Chocolates all natural, single origin and tree-to-bar.

I chanced upon Kultura Filipino’s “Crafts for a Cause” exhibit over the weekend and replenished my chocolate stash from the local brands featured there.

I picked the 65% dark chocolate; being the lowest percentage cacao content among the brand’s offerings, I think this variant offers the best balance between sweet and bitter chocolate flavors.

And apparently, I’m not the only one that thinks so. Malagos Chocolate’s 65% Dark Chocolate has won international awards, particularly in Academy of Chocolate’s Tree-to-Bar category in 2017, and in the World Drinking Chocolate Competition organized by the International Chocolate Awards in 2015.

Fancy a bite of this award-winning, single origin dark chocolate treat? Malagos Chocolates are available at SM Kultura Filipino branches in SM Mall of Asia, SM Makati, SM Megamall, SM AURA, SM North EDSA, Taal Vista and Pico Loro.

For more details, visit malagoschocolate.com.

Affordable snacking at Oh My Chicken, Tondo

A new eatery just opened along Alvarado Extension in Manila, giving students of nearby Chiang Kai Shek College, workers of nearby business and residents of Tondo a quick and affordable taste of Taiwanese-style iced tea and fried chicken.

The newly opened first branch of Oh My Chicken is a cozy shop where people who are looking for quick and cheap eats can hie off to and get their fix of fried chicken together with their favorite tea drinks.

Its chicken offerings include:

Oh My Chicken Steak (Php78 for regular | Php128 for large)
Oh My Chicken Popcorn (Php88 for regular | Php118 for large)
Oh My Chicken Leg (Php78 for 1 pc | Php148 for 2 pcs)
Oh My Chicken Wing (Php78 for 1 pc | Php148 for 2 pcs)

The chicken steak and popcorn are available in Original, Ganmei, Chinese Barbecue, Szechuan Spicy and Honey Mayo flavors while the chicken legs and wings are available in Original, Spicy Honey, Szechuan Spicy and Honey Mayo flavors. The skins were crispy and tasty while the chicken meat was quite tender (I was able to cut the chicken steak using a flimsy plastic fork!)

Students also have a special treat: they just need to present their student ID and they can enjoy the Oh My Chicken Wing or the Oh My Chicken Leg plus a cup of rice for only Php98.

Diners can wash down the tasty fried chicken with their choice of tea-based beverages, the sugar content and ice levels of which may be customized by request.

Milk Teas:

Black Sugar Fresh Milk Tea (Php98 for regular | Php108 for large)
Black Sugar Milk Tea (Php88 for regular | Php98 for large)
Black Sugar Green Milk Tea (Php88 for regular | Php98 for large)

Fruit Teas:

Fresh Kiwi Green Tea (Php98)
Home-made Jasmine Tea (Php58)
Home-made Ceylon Tea (Php58)
Calamansi Green Tea (Php68)
Special-made Ice Tea (Php78)
Refreshing Lemonade (Php78)
Calamansi Lemonade (Php68)

The milk teas were brewed from actual tea leaves while the fruit drinks were blended from fresh fruit.

Oh My Chicken is located at Alvarado Extension Corner Padre Algue Street, Tondo, Manila.

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, I was invited to attend a foodie meet-up held here. All the food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Check out my reviews of other milk tea establishments:

Delectable Degustation at Ilustrado, Intramuros

Degustation is the careful and deliberate tasting of various food with an eye towards appreciation of the science and artistry that goes into their preparation as well as their effect to the senses.

To mark its 29th anniversary, Ilustrado Restaurant introduces an 8-course degustation menu which will be available to its patrons throughout the month of October.

The menu was conceptualized by Ilustrado Restaurant’s Chef de Patron Bernice Pimentel, inspired by, of all things, a classic Pinoy song.

“My almost three year old nephew is in a “bahay kubo” sing-song stage and I can say that the vegetables in the song followed me everywhere making its way into our degustation menu.” shares Chef Bernice.

The influence of “bahay kubo” is apparent in the menu’s deliberate use of homegrown ingredients and incorporating them into continental dishes.

In fact, Chef Bernice’s plan for the restaurant’s own farm to table concept is already in the works. Among these initiatives are a partnership with Luntian Farms and growing the edible flowers that serve as garnishes for her dishes right at home.

Together with fellow foodies and food bloggers, I was able to sample this innovative degustation menu, which is priced at Php1,250 (plus 10% service charge). The menu included items that may also be availed of ala carte, such as:

Kangkong Pesto Brioche served with Boursin Cheese. The freshly baked brioche is amazingly light and fluffy, wonderfully accented by the herby cream cheese.

Kesong Puti Croquettes at Lato (Php175+). These are croquettes made with local white cheese, sea grapes (or locally called lato, which gives a burst of flavor from the sea with each bite), baby mesclun and Salsa Verde Aoili.

Oyster Laing Rockefeller (Php195+). Seafood dish made of Aklan oyster topped by the classic Bicolano laing made of coconut, chili and dried taro, with added parmigiano reggiano, lemon juice and panko. These add a rich creaminess and a spicy kick to the oyster.

Sayote Egg Drop Soup (Php125+). Chayote soup with a quail egg dropped in for added richness that warms the tummy, served with crunchy crostini.

Burong Mangga Sorbet. Pureed green mango churned and cooled into a sorbet to cleanse the palate in preparation for the main dishes.

BBQ Pulled Pork Tostadas (Php215+). Tender slow-cooked pork marinated in Pinoy-style barbecue sauce, served with refried mungo beans, papaya slaw on top of fried tortillas.

Sea Bass Sinantol (Php350+). Buttery Chilean sea bass fillet pan-seared then oven-broiled and served with fried rice sauteed in the Bicolano dish sinantol, as well as arugula.

Egg Pie Brulee (Php175+). Bruleed egg tart with dots of rose creme chantilly, slices of fresh strawberry, green grapes, and ripe mango. Accompanied by edible flowers, this dessert provides a sweet ending to the meal.

The degustation menu modernizes and localizes the continental viands it includes. It brings somewhat-forgotten local produce such as lato, sayote and santol back to the forefront of modern Philippine cuisine. The portions are well-calculated such that diners are able to appreciate each dish in its entirety but are not overwhelmed by flavor or quantity.

In keeping with a degustation’s aim to satisfy as many of the senses as possible, the menu features visually appealing and colorful food presentation, appetizing herby, fruity and earthy smells, and interesting interplays of various textures and flavors with each dish served.

This wonderful menu is best enjoyed inside Ilustrado Restaurant’s well-appointed premises. The converted Spanish era seminary, its aged wood furniture and antique bric-a-bracs all give the resto an old world appeal.

But do hurry: this delectable degustation menu will only be available within October.

Ilustrado is located at 5440 General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila, open daily from 11.30am to 2.30pm and from 6pm to 9pm. For queries and reservations, call +63 2 5273674 or +63 939 9206822, or email catering@ilustradorestaurant.com.ph. For more details and updates, check out Ilustrado Restaurant on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, I was invited to attend a foodie meet-up held in this restaurant. All the food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Budget-friendly Rice Toppings at Hong Kong Roasting, Tomas Morato

My officemate and I were looking for somewhere to have a quick lunch so we could get on with the rest of our tasks for the day.

After scouring the lunch options at nearby M Place, we decided upon Hong Kong Roasting, attracted by the budget-friendly rice topping options and the assurance of the restaurant manager that the food will be served immediately.

We ordered:

Soy Chicken Rice Topping (Php155).

Cantonese Chicken Rice Topping (Php155).

Both are versions of the Chinese steamed chicken dish, one just features darker skin than the other due to addition of soy sauce. They were accompanied by chili and ginger sauces which we found a bit too mild.

Still, it was a quick, affordable and fuss-free lunch, and another item was added to our group’s lunch options.

This Hong Kong Roasting branch is located at M Place, Panay Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City, open daily from 10am to 10pm.

Other branches are located at:

Tower C, Sea Residences, Sunrise Corner Pearl Drive, Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City (open daily from 8am to 12:30am)
SM Mezza Residences, Aurora Boulevard Corner Araneta Avenue, Santa Mesa, Quezon City (open daily from 10am to 9pm)

Samgyeopsal Promo Offer in Jin Joo Korean Grill, Ortigas

I’ve been hearing a lot about Jin Joo Korean Grill and I’ve been hankering to try it out. When I saw a Metrodeal offer that would allow me to enjoy its Samgyeopsal Grill with unlimited side dishes, normally priced at Php470, at the discounted price of only Php149, I just grabbed it and scheduled my Korean food adventure.

This also gave me a reason to visit the newly renovated The Podium mall in Ortigas Center, wherein Jin Joo is one of the welcome additions to the mall’s gustatory offerings.

Located at the mall’s second floor, its facade first appeared cramped. However, I changed this opinion upon entering: it has a sprawling and well-appointed dining area, comprised mostly of wood elements. Here and there are spots of interest like colorful Asian-themed paintings on the wall, tasteful lighted signages and linesmof soju bottles along another wall.

Each table is equipped with a state-of-the-art grilling stove, allowing diners to cook their meats according to their preference.

Upon assisting me to my window seat, my server Macq immediately laid out side dishes for me to munch on while I wait. These include kimchi (of course!), strips of flat scrambled egg, soy potatoes, crushed dilis, banana slices and assorted veggies.

The pork belly was grilled in the kitchen since grilling at the table requires at least two meat orders. I didn’t mind since I didn’t have to worry about cooking the meat right. 🙂

When Macq finished serving and slicing the grilled pork belly, I dipped tender and juicy slices in the ssamjang and sesame oil provided, then wrapped them in lettuce leaves together with thin slices of garlic and some of the crushed dilis. This resulted to a very tasty mouthful of samgyeopsal.

I took advantage of the unlimited side dishes by asking for refills of the potatoes, egg, and banana slices.

The Metrodeal offer gave a me a fine preview of what to expect at Jin Joo. Some reminders if you’re also availing of the same promo:

Call the branch first to reserve. Walk-ins are usually not accommodated.
Arrive on time as your reservation will only be held for 20 minutes.
You can only use one Metrodeal voucher per visit.

On my next visit, I’m looking forward to trying Jin Joo’s 10 Flavors Unli K-BBQ set priced at Php499/person (add Php50 for dinner).

This Jin Joo Korean Grill branch is located at the Second Floor, The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City, open Mondays to Thursdays from 11am to 10pm and Fridays to Sundays from 10am to 10pm. For queries and reservations, call +63 917 2555508.

Other branches may be found at:

Fifth Floor, SM Aura Premier, C5 Road Corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City (open daily from 11am to 10pm | Tel No: + 63 917 2481777)
Eastwood Citywalk 1, Libis, Quezon CIty (open daily from 11am to 12mn | Tel No: + 63 915 2091888)
Ground Floor, South Wing, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City (open daily from 11am to 10pm | Tel No: + 63 917 2555509)
Ground Floor, Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Glorietta Complex, Makati City (opening soon)

Upscale dinner at St. Marc Cafe, UP Town Center

St. Marc Cafe is a Japanese brand of cafe with presence in Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia, aside from here in the Philippines. The resto’s concept is centered on the promise of providing diners with friendly service and a vibrant environment with which to enjoy their delicious food.

When my daughter #ExhibitA spent a day with her UP friends, we met up for dinner at St. Marc Cafe’s UP Town Center branch.

The cafe has a hip vibe, with a cozy and upscale dining area accented by its avant-garde ceiling lights. The counter also serves as a showcase for the desserts and sweets available, so I found myself considering dessert while I was still looking at my options for our main viands.

To feed a group of four (myself and three young ‘uns), I ordered:

Carbonara (Php300). Pork stock flavored carbonara topped with bacon, parmesan and fresh egg yolk.

Sepia Nero (Php320). Squid ink infused pasta with fresh squid, cream and cherry tomatoes.

Menchi Katsu Burger (Php245). Deep-fried patty of ground beef and pork, with sliced cheddar cheese, fresh shredded cabbage and the resto’s secret sauce, and served with crispy fries.

Original Crotoast (Php180). Homemade French croissant toast served with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with maple syrup.

Who would have thought that these would be enough for me and the kids to dine on?

It was great meal spent getting to know and hanging out with my baby girl’s pals.

What’s even better is that the whole meal actually cost Php1,045 but I had a Php400 discount because of a Metrodeal offer gives Php500 worth of food in this cafe for only Php299 (I bought two vouchers).

This St. Marc Cafe outlet is located at Ground Floor, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, open Mondays to Thursdays from 10am to 10pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 10am to 11am. For queries and reservations, call +63 2 6254065.

Other branches are located at:

Ground Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City (open daily from 10am to 10pm | Tel No: +63 2 5318062)
Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Greenbelt, Makati City (open daily from 10am to 10pm | Tel No: +63 2 7518456)
Ground Floor, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City (open daily from 10am to 10pm | Tel No: +63 2 6254065)
Upper Ground Floor, Main Building, SM City North EDSA, Bago Bantay, Quezon City (open daily from 10am to 10pm | Tel No: +63 2 3721026)
Ground Floor, Robinsons Place Manila, Ermita, Manila (open Sundays to Thursdays from 10am to 9pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 10am to 10pm | Tel No: +63 2 2421483)
Evia Lifestyle Center, Daang Hari Road, Alabang, Muntinlupa City (open Mondays to Fridays from 10am to 10pm, Saturdays from 10am to 11pm and Sundays from 10am to 11.30pm | Tel No: +63 2 7768548)
One Parkade Building, 7th Avenue Corner 28th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City (open daily from 10am to 10pm | Tel No: +63 2 5050245)
Ground Floor, Main Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City (open daily from 10am to 10pm)

Charmed reboot to premiere on October 16 on Blue Ant Entertainment

Fans of female-led supernatural TV series will be happy to know that the reboot of the 1990’s TV series “Charmed” will premiere on October 16.

It is a fierce, funny, feminist reboot of the original series that centres on three sisters in a college town who discover they are witches. Between vanquishing supernatural demons, tearing down the patriarchy, and maintaining familial bonds, the sisters discover that a witch’s work is never done.

The reboot stars Melonie Diaz (“Be Kind Rewind”), Madeleine Mantock (“Age Before Beauty”) and Sarah Jeffery (“Shades of Blue”) as the Vera sisters who started exhibiting their powers after the death of their mother. They ultimately accept their destiny as the “Charmed Ones” who protect the innocents by vanquishing demons.

Season One of the reboot premieres on October 16, Tuesday, 9.45pm on Blue Ant Entertainment (SKYcable ch 196 HD | 53 SD).

Show details and image provided by Blue Ant Entertainment.

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.

Taylor Swift to open the 2018 American Music Awards

Taylor Swift is set to have a strong showing in the 2018 American Music Awards. According to Dick Clark Productions, the 19-time AMA winner will open the ceremony with a performance of “I Did Something Bad” from her Reputation album.

Swift is competing with Drake, Imagine Dragons, Post Malone and Ed Sheeran for Artist of the Year; Beyonce and JAY-Z, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran and U2 for Tour of the Year; Camilla Cabello and Cardi B for Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock; and Drake and Ed Sheeran for Favorite Album – Pop Rock.

Every year, the American Music Awards celebrates the latest and greatest talents of the contemporary music scene. The award show pays tribute to today’s most influential and iconic artists, and is one of the biggest music shows in the world – seen in more than 160 countries.

American Music Awards nominees are based on key fan interactions as reflected in Billboard Magazine and on Billboard.com, including album and digital song sales, radio airplay, streaming, social activity and touring.

The 2018 American Music Awards will air on Blue Ant Entertainment (SKYcable ch 196 HD | ch 53 SD) on October 10, 8am LIVE from the US with an encore telecast at 6.45pm.

Show details and image provided by Blue Ant Entertainment.

HBO anthology series Room 104 returns for a second season on November 10

The anthology series ROOM 104 will return for its 12-episode second season, debuting two episodes back-to-back, same time as the U.S. on Saturday, November 10 at 12.30pm, exclusively on HBO GO and CINEMAX two new episodes will subsequent air every Saturday at the same time.

From creators and executive producers Mark and Jay Duplass, the show is set in a single room of a typical American chain motel and tells a different story of the assorted characters who pass through it in each episode, ranging from comedy to drama to horror.

Season two actors include: Mahershala Ali, Joel Allen, Stephanie Allynne, Katie Aselton, Frank Birney, Josephine Decker, James Earl, Marlene Forte, Abby Ryder Fortson, Ginger Gonzaga, Judy Greer, Brian Tyree Henry, Anita Kalathara, Anita Kalathara, Tom Lenk, Phil Matarese, Sheaun McKinney, Natalie Morales, Kent Osborne, Zane Pais, Leonora Pitts, Mark Proksch, Pia Shah, Michael Shannon, Onur Tukel, Dolly Wells, Jud Williford, Rainn Wilson, Mary Wiseman, Charlyne Yi and Katya Zamolodchikova.

Season two directors include: Patrick Brice, Josephine Decker, Mark Duplass, Gaby Hoffmann, Liza Johnson, So Yong Kim, Jonah Markowitz, Natalie Morales, Lila Neugebauer, Ross Partridge and Julian Wass.

Season two writers include: Lauren Budd, Josephine Decker, Mark Duplass, Esti Giordani, Liza Johnson, Onur Tukel and Julian Wass.

Season two credits: ROOM 104 was created by Mark Duplass and Jay Duplass; executive producers, Mark Duplass, Jay Duplass, Sydney Fleischmann, Mel Eslyn, Xan Aranda; co-executive producer, Ross Partridge; producer, Tyler Romary.

In the Philippines, HBO GO is exclusively available to SKYcable subscribers.

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

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Check out my posts on other HBO shows: