Celebrating 25 years of making a difference in communities, the Ang-Hortaleza Foundation, Inc. is back with its 18th AHF Cup, an Open Golf Tournament. This year’s event, set to take place on October 6, 2023, at the West Course of the prestigious Wack Wack Golf & Country Club in Mandaluyong City, promises to be a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Elevating Lives through Entrepreneurship
The 18th AHF Cup is not just about golf; it’s about transforming lives. The foundation aims to raise funds for its various livelihood programs, supporting 500 budding entrepreneurs. These individuals will receive invaluable guidance through mentorship, skills training, and product development.
A United Front for Positive Change
The Ang-Hortaleza Foundation Inc. serves as the bridge between the Hortaleza Group of companies, including Prime Global Corporation, Prime Global Finance, and the beloved Barrio Fiesta brand. Together, they channel their Corporate Social Responsibility efforts into community enterprise development, education, environmental initiatives, and community service.
Founded by Dr. Rolando and Dr. Rosalinda Hortaleza, these companies’ unanimous commitment strengthens the foundation’s vision of improving society by creating employment and business opportunities for Filipinos.
Empowering through Programs
The foundation’s programs are designed to empower their beneficiaries by equipping them with life-changing skills. These skills open doors to job opportunities and entrepreneurial ventures, supplementing their daily needs and fostering sustainable growth.
Under these livelihood programs, mentorship activities are provided, ensuring that individuals receive ongoing support as they embark on their entrepreneurial journey.
Fighting Hunger and Malnutrition
The Ang-Hortaleza Foundation doesn’t stop at livelihood programs. They join hands with local government units (LGUs) to combat hunger, especially in vulnerable sectors at high risk of malnutrition. Their Supplemental Feeding program spans six months and includes actual feeding in targeted areas, provision of nutritional products to community kitchens, and distribution of food bags.
Get Involved
This year’s 18th AHF Cup promises to bring golf enthusiasts, philanthropists, and advocates of positive change together. By reaching a wider audience and spreading the word about their advocacies and programs, the foundation aims to enrich more lives and help uplift human dignity.
For inquiries and donations, please contact Mr. Percival Celestino at +63 929 1995383 or email anghortalezafoundation@gmail.com. Join hands with the Ang-Hortaleza Foundation, Inc. as they continue to be a beacon of hope and change in our communities.
In a rapidly evolving landscape of financial services, Sun Life emerges as a beacon of innovation, illuminating the path to brighter futures for Filipinos. Recent developments spanning engaging roadshows, regional recognition, and pioneering investment strategies reflect not just a trail of achievements, but a dedication to empowering individuals and families.
A Vibrant Blend of Inspiration and Community
The “Wish Upon A Sun: Kasa-Kasama sa Roadtrip” event, a collaboration between Sun Life and Wish 107.5, brought a tapestry of music, camaraderie, and inspiration to Iloilo’s Parksquare Festive Walk. Beyond the festivity, the event echoes Sun Life’s Partner for Life campaign, illuminating the brand’s promise to help Filipinos achieve a brighter life while securing their loved ones’ futures.
Local artists like Dan Pornel, Rock Opong, Tropa Vibes, and Mary Anjolie set the stage ablaze, while interactive experiences like Swipe Bright engaged attendees in a novel way to match financial solutions with personal preferences. Yet, it was not just about fun and games; participants gained the chance for free financial consultation, reflecting Sun Life’s commitment to providing tangible value.
Recognition Beyond Borders: Industry Accolades
Sun Life’s impact transcends national borders, earning recognition at esteemed industry awards in Singapore. At the Asia Trusted Life Agents and Advisers Awards (ATLAA), CEO & Country Head Benedict Sison was acknowledged as the Executive Champion of the Year, a testament to his leadership in the industry. Meanwhile, Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (SLGFI) secured the MSME Insurance Initiative of the Year Award for the second consecutive year.
These accolades spotlight Sun Life’s unwavering dedication to excellence and its role in empowering both its team and its clients. This recognition reaffirms Sun Life’s commitment to delivering value beyond expectations.
Pioneering Investment Strategies for Tomorrow’s Growth
Beyond events and recognition, Sun Life propels Filipinos toward brighter tomorrows through innovative investment solutions. The Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, managed by Sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc. (SLAMCI), recently earned recognition from the CFA Society Philippines. Named the 2023 Best Managed Fund of the Year in the Equity Fund, Dollar category, this acknowledgment underscores the fund’s consistent performance and its ability to navigate global equity markets.
The Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund breaks the mold by providing access to global equities, empowering investors to seize opportunities worldwide without being confined by specific indices. With an investment horizon tailored for high-risk profiles, this fund symbolizes Sun Life’s commitment to fostering long-term growth and diversification of US Dollar investments.
Guiding Filipinos Toward Radiant Tomorrows
As Sun Life’s journey unfolds, it embodies the spirit of transformation, empowerment, and dedication to a brighter financial future. The milestones achieved, be it through engaging events, regional recognition, or innovative investment strategies, reflect Sun Life’s commitment to guiding Filipinos toward prosperity.
Amidst an ever-changing financial landscape, Sun Life stands steadfast, not just as an industry leader, but as a partner for life. With a resolute promise to empower individuals and families on their journey to financial security and well-being, Sun Life continues to illuminate the path toward the radiant tomorrows that every Filipino deserves.
For further exploration of Sun Life’s offerings and the pursuit of a brighter financial future, visit its website or talk to Sun Life Financial Advisor. The promise of prosperity and security awaits, guided by the unwavering beacon that is Sun Life.
The global recession has had a significant impact on people worldwide, affecting their jobs, finances, and overall well-being. During such challenging times, people turn to different sources for information, entertainment, and inspiration. Content creators can play a crucial role in addressing people’s needs and providing valuable content that meets their need.
One of the most significant effects of the recession is financial insecurity. Many people have lost their jobs or have reduced income, leading to stress and anxiety about their financial future. As a result, they may be looking for information and tips on how to manage their finances effectively, save money, and find new income streams. As a content creator, you can provide valuable information and advice on personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship, helping people navigate through challenging economic times.
Another effect of the recession is a shift in people’s entertainment preferences. As people spend more time at home due to lockdowns and restrictions, they are turning to digital entertainment for comfort and distraction. You can create entertaining and engaging content, such as podcasts, videos, social media posts, that bring a bit of happiness to an otherwise dreary day. You can also create content that addresses the current situation, such as comedy sketches that poke fun at the challenges of working from home or educational videos that teach people new skills to try while stuck at home.
Lastly, the global recession has caused people to rethink their priorities and values, leading to a greater demand for content that speaks to their personal beliefs and interests such as social issues, mental health and self-care. By providing content that is authentic, empathetic, and addresses people’s values and concerns,can build loyal audiences and make a positive impact on their lives.
5 ways content producers can contribute in a downturn
It is evident that as a content creator, you have a unique role to play during these times. While economic downturns can impact various industries, you have the flexibility and creativity to adapt to changing circumstances and continue to thrive.
Here are five key ways you can play a vital role during a recession:
Providing Entertainment and Escapism. During times of economic uncertainty, people often turn to entertainment and escapism as a way to cope with stress and anxiety. Valuable and uplifting content can bring joy and distraction to audiences, helping them forget about their financial worries for a while.
Sharing Practical Tips and Advice. During a recession, people are often looking for guides on how to navigate through challenging economic times. By offerin valuable insights and guidance on how to save money, budget effectively, find affordable resources, or create new streams of income, you can empower your audiences with practical knowledge and tools to manage their finances during tough economic conditions.
Creating Educational and Skill-Building Content. When faced with a recession, individuals may look to improve their skills or learn new ones to increase their employability or explore alternative career options. You can create educational content, such as tutorials, courses, and workshops, that teach valuable skills in various fields, from cooking and crafting to coding and entrepreneurship. By providing educational content, content creators can help your audiences enhance their skills and increase their chances of success in a challenging job market.
Collaborating with Brands and Businesses. You can play a pivotal role during a recession by collaborating with brands and businesses. As businesses may face budget constraints, you can offer cost-effective advertising solutions by partnering with brands to create sponsored content or promotional campaigns. This mutually beneficial partnership can help content creators generate income while providing brands with a less costly way to reach their target audiences. Additionally, you can also collaborate with local businesses and support your communities by promoting local products and services, which can help stimulate the local economy.
Providing Authentic and Empathetic Content. During a recession, people often crave authenticity and empathy. By crafting relatable and authentic content, and showing vulnerability and empathy towards your audience’s struggles, you can build a loyal and engaged community that seeks comfort and connection in your content. Authenticity and empathy can foster trust and loyalty, and you can play a crucial role in providing a safe space for your audiences during a recession.
While a recession can be a challenging time for many industries, content creators have the flexibility and adaptability to thrive. By understanding people’s information and entertainment needs during a recession, you can create valuable content that meets their audiences’ needs. When you harness your creativity, authenticity, and empathy, you can continue to flourish and make a positive impact on people’s lives, even during the most challenging times.
Additional Resources
Here are five highly recommended books on Amazon.com that can help you develop useful, relevant, and engaging content:
Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger. In this book, Berger explores why certain content goes viral and what makes people share it. By understanding the psychology behind viral content, content creators can create more shareable content that resonates with their audiences.
Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content by Ann Handley. Handley offers practical advice on how to create engaging content for different platforms, including social media, email, and blogs. With a focus on clear and concise writing, this book is an excellent resource for content creators looking to improve their writing skills.
The Art of SEO: Mastering Search Engine Optimization by Eric Enge, Stephan Spencer, and Jessie Stricchiola. In today’s digital age, search engine optimization (SEO) is critical to driving traffic to your content. This book offers practical advice on how to optimize your content for search engines, ensuring that your content is discovered by your target audience.
Epic Content Marketing: How to Tell a Different Story, Break through the Clutter, and Win More Customers by Marketing Less by Joe Pulizzi. In this book, Pulizzi offers a step-by-step guide to creating content that resonates with your audience and drives business results. With case studies and examples, this book provides practical advice on how to create a content marketing strategy that works.
Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller. Miller offers a framework for creating a clear and compelling brand message that resonates with your audience. By understanding the power of storytelling, content creators can create content that connects with their audiences on a deeper level, driving engagement and loyalty.
Shop for these and more resources for budding content creators at my Amazon Storefront!
Want to monetize your content? Sign up for an Intellifluence account now!
Intellifluence is an influencer marketing service that helps brands and influencers collaborate to achieve their respective goals. Simply create your free account, fill out your profile, apply for projects and complete your deliverables, then receive your payments.
These small food businesses share their biggest advice for surviving and thriving in the pandemic.
For the past two years, Filipinos have seen the rise of home based food businesses. From sweet pastries to hearty dishes, comfort food to artisanal beverages, numerous Filipinos have ventured into the world of entrepreneurship. But what does it take for a food business to succeed amid a global pandemic?
To inspire more Filipinos to build their food businesses, La Germania is launching a video project called Food Babies. Starting this February, La Germania will be releasing special features on food businesses that survived and thrived amid all the challenges thrown their way. This video project will be exclusively available on their Youtube channel and Facebook page. As a preview of the upcoming project, these food businesses spilled some of their secrets to success with La Germania.
Use social media to stand out against competition
Claudia’s (@claudias.ph) is a passion project turned popular online bakeshop that offers chunky and gooey baked cookies and blondies. According to Founder and Owner, Claudia Tagle, business owners must focus on their social media content to stand out against competitors, especially since customers “eat with their eyes”.
“It’s important for you to get those really good shots of your food or the products that you’re selling,” Tagle explained, which involves investing in food photography and social media content. “I do have slower days or slower months, and I think that consistency is key. You just need to learn how to market or promote your products more because your loyal customers will come back.”
She also shared how valuable it is to engage and build relationships with one’s customers. “What really keeps me going is my customer’s feedback, and when they tell me they really enjoy the cookies or the blondies. Getting feedback about what they like and don’t like about your products can help you improve further.”
Believe in your product
Butterboy Bakehouse (@butterboyph) focuses on different kinds of croissants and baked goods to make pastries more affordable and accessible for everyday Filipinos.
Head baker and owner Hilder Demeterio credits his businesses’ wins to two key ingredients. “You should seek knowledge from everywhere, like YouTube videos or classes. You should just try to absorb whatever you can,” he said.
Growing up, Hilder was always a lover of food from a distance. It wasn’t until 2018 that he finally began to experiment with baking after meeting his boyfriend, Jason. An architect by profession, Hilder took lessons from his relatives and sought knowledge online, beating the misconception that you need to be a professional cook to start a successful food business.
Moreover, he believes that it’s important for aspiring foodpreneurs to believe in their products as if they’re the brand’s number one fan. “In the middle of the pandemic, I was 6 months unemployed. I borrowed money from my parents, and I emptied pretty much all of my savings. Pati sa boyfriend ko. So during that time, I took a leap of faith and I bought all my own equipment, tapos ayun, we jumped into the unknown with only the knowledge na ‘I think we have something good here’.”
To aspiring foodpreneurs, it is your faith and confidence in the uniqueness of your products that will help your business survive all the ups and downs of the current landscape!
Cook with passion
For restaurateurs Wendel and Portia Habaluyas, The Purple Wok (@thepurplewok) began as a way to support their loyal kitchen staff who were laid-off due to the pandemic. “These people have been loyal to us for many years now, so it was very painful for us to see them feeling hopeless,” said Portia.
For the power couple behind The Purple Wok, it’s all about following your passion. “The most fun part in running a food business is doing what I love to do. Our recipes were created out of passion. They were made out of love. We’ve perfected the recipes, and we do not compromise the quality of our food,” the couple told La Germania.
As for what advice they would give aspiring entrepreneurs, Wendel says: “Never create a recipe just for a business and just to create money. Especially nowadays, we noticed that Filipinos are willing to pay a premium or extra for good and quality food. If there’s one advice we can give to people who want to start a food business, it is for you to cook with passion and prepare your food with passion.”
These tidbits of wisdom are only some of the valuable lessons viewers can learn from the La Germania Food Babies series. While each featured business owner may have their specialty and recipe for success, what they all have in common is that the most important aspect to your brand’s success is investing in high quality kitchen equipment like La Germania!
Built according to the highest European standards in terms of construction and design, La Germania appliances allow you to prepare a multitude of dishes in an efficient and easy way. With guaranteed durability and superior quality, they’re a good investment for you to bring out your inner foodpreneur and climb the ladder to culinary success.
La Germania products are available online through La Germania’s official e-commerce website www.lagermaniaph.com and e-commerce platforms on Shopee and Lazada. You may follow the trusted kitchen and appliance brand’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts for more information on La Germania and its products.
ABOUT LA GERMANIA
Italian-heritage brand La Germania has been the preferred kitchen companion of Filipino homemakers for 53 years and counting. Its wide array of ovens, cooktops, and stoves is made of high-grade materials and designed to stand the test of time and extensive use. La Germania’s current line of products continues to serve the cooking needs and lifestyle of this generation and the next. To know more about La Germania and its products, visit http://www.lagermaniaph.com. The trusted kitchen partner of Filipinos also has its official stores on Shopee and Lazada.
Details and images provided by La Germania in a recent press release.
The #DayOfHearts is fast approaching and if you’re tired of your usual foodie haunts, let me present you with someplace new for your Valentine date: Silverspoon Kitchenette in Quezon City.
Here are three reasons why this newly opened restaurant is the perfect venue for a romantic outing with your special someone.
1. It’s a cozy nook, well-suited for an intimate meal.
Who want’s to go on a date where everyone is hanging out at? A Valentine’s Day rendezvous should be in an intimate setting far from the madding crowd that occupy malls during this holiday which also coincide with the payday rush.
Located along Scout Gandia just off the trendy restaurant row that is Tomas Morato Avenue, Silverspoon is a quiet and cozy haven from the metro’s hustle and bustle.
Al fresco seating provides diners with an open-air space where they can take in the neighborhood’s relatively more laid back pace.
Inside, a minimalist yet whimsical decor serves as a cozy backdrop for a tete-a-tete between lovers as they share delicious comfort food.
2. Silverspoon lovingly crafted its menu and dine-in service to give you and your date that “spoonful of happiness.”
Owner Decebelle Montefrio started Silverspoon as an online food business in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, bringing delicious comfort food to the metro’s denizens who can’t go out to eat. However, she still held on to her dream of having her own brick-and-mortar restaurant someday.
Well, dreams do come true since at the tail-end of 2021, Decie, together with her partners, head chef, line cooks and service crew, have successfully launched Silverspoon Kitchenette in the foodie-friendly Tomas Morato area.
Owner Decebelle Montefrio
Decie and partners Roj and Fae
The restaurant offers International-Filipino cuisine, a delectable curation of well-loved and classic dishes lovingly prepared and beautifully served by Silverspoon’s staff.
3. It’s Valentine’s Special Menu is a tasteful curation of dishes that is not to be missed.
As a treat for lovers during this season of love, Silverspoon has prepared special a special four-course set meal that will set hearts ablaze while tantalizing taste buds and sating appetites. This set meal includes:
Pumpkin Soup. A thick and creamy soup made from seasoned pumpkin puree blended with a flavorful broth and accompanied by crunchy croutons.
Caesar Salad. Fresh greens, tomato slices and croutons tossed in house-made Caesar salad dressing, accompanied by crunchy breadsticks seasoned with sumac chili.
Baked Salmon with Truffle Pea Sauce. Hefty salmon fillets seasoned then air-fried and baked before serving topped with arugula and fresh vegetables on a bed of grilled asparagus and green pea puree flavored with truffle oil.
12oz USDA Angus Ribeye Steak. A sure hit with meat lovers, this 12oz piece of well-marbled Angus steak is grilled to the diners’ preferred doneness (mine is medium, of course), then served with steamed vegetables and creamy mash potatoes.
Special Brownie Ala Mode. To end the meal on a sweet note, Silverspoon serves a fudgy brownie bar topped with vanilla ice cream, fruit slices and a chocolate heart.
Glass of Wine. The meal also comes with a glass of vino (diners’ choice between red and white) to make this outing extra special.
You can enjoy these dishes with these especially curated sets available from February 11 to 28:
Pumpkin Soup, Ceasar Salad, Baked Salmon, Brownie Ala Mode, Wine and Lemonade: Php1,599
Pumpkin Soup, Ceasar Salad, USDA Angus Ribeye Steak, Brownie Ala Mode, Wine and Lemonade: Php2,950
Mocktails. Not keen on ending the date? Extend your time together over Silverspoon’s refreshing specialty drinks at Php145 each such as the Blue Lagoon, a concoction made extra colorful and citrusy with the addition of blue curacao, or the Pink Sunset which gives the vibe of a leveled up Four Seasons drink.
Be sure to bring your special someone to SilverSpoon Kitchenette for a delicious celebration of love and good food!
Salmon!
Steak!
Thanks to Decie and the people behind Silverspoon for a very memorable pre-Valentine’s Day treat for me and my fellow foodies!
Silverspoon Kitchenette is located at 81 Scout Gandia Street, Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City, open daily for dine-in, takeout or delivery from 10am to 9pm. For inquiries, reservations or delivery orders, call +63 917 1603327. It also delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.
For updates on its latest offers, follow Silverspoon on Facebook or Instagram.
Disclosure: I attended a food-tasting event held at this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to facilitate an honest review and were not paid for by the attendees.
The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) has announced the launch of its initiative to promote the local food industry.
In a recent digital promotions meeting attended by representatives from its partner exhibitors, buyers, government agencies, embassies and media, CITEM executive director Pauline Suaco-Juan shared that these digital-based endeavors are part of the CITEM’s drive to provide a unique and comprehensive trade show experience for all of its stakeholders.
“Even before the pandemic started affecting businesses and events the world over, CITEM has already begun working on its digitalization initiatives in an effort to go where our audience is headed,” says Suaco-Juan. “With digital marketing and e-commerce disrupting the trade industry, one must be able to adapt to the new online processes, systems and methods that are the future of this industry.”
CITEM’s digital initiatives aim to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) keep up with their global competitors and maximize their resources in the new business environment, through the power of digital and content marketing.
Food entrepreneurs among CITEM’s registered exhibitors, for example, can now easily connect with, and promote their products to more buyers around the world through their digital storefronts and online catalogs housed in the IFEX Connect website (ifexconnect.com).
Their online visibility will also be supplemented by hybrid events (partly onsite and partly online) as well as fully digital trade events which are promoted through communications in various online channels to extend the reach and discoverability of exhibitors beyond that of a typical onsite trade show.
Content in the form of social media posts, press releases, newsletters, event brochures and look books, among others, will also be created under the Food Philippines brand (foodphilippines.com), to help promote the local food industry by highlighting the country’s food heritage, recipes, feature stories, products, ingredients and culinary talents while linking back to the exhibitors’ digital storefronts.
To help exhibitors maximize the potential of IFEXConnect.com, CITEM is also running content amelioration programs to assist MSME’s in the production of product photos and brand copies meant to optimize both the user experience and their searchability online. This program started with a pilot batch of 100 MSMEs with top food stylist Chichi Tullao and food photographer Justin de Jesus helping in the production.
For all these efforts, CITEM enlisted the expertise of premier storytellers in the food industry: Joey Ong, advertising veteran and Managing Director/Executive Creative Director of Dojo as Chief Storyteller, and Angelo Comsti, chef, food writer, and author of the bestselling cookbooks, From our Table to Yours and Also Filipino, as Editor-in-Chief of the two platforms.
“CITEM, works hand in hand with these food luminaries along with ODV Creative who offered strategic support for content production and event management, and UM Philippines for web development. We are proud to have built a homegrown website and we look forward to building a community that will let the world savor the best of Philippine food,” added Suaco-Juan.
Food companies and buyers are encouraged to register and be the first to experience the shift to digital. Application for the initial batch of exhibitors is until August 25, 2021.
Click here to register as an Exhibitor and here to register as a Buyer.
These digital initiatives will be managed with the aim of creating profitable relationships between businesses and their customers using a customer relationship management system (CRM) which MSMEs can now benefit from by virtue of being registered exhibitors of CITEM.
MSMEs can even link their e-commerce platforms (such as their online stores in Lazada, Shopee or Alibaba) to their digital storefronts in IFEX to facilitate seamless sales transactions and fulfillment.
Another support that CITEM extends to food MSMEs is its product innovation and development program, which is now known as NxtFoodPH. It is a year-long comprehensive and integrated assistance for the development and promotion of Philippine food products to adapt to changing consumer demands.
About CITEM
The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is the export promotion arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
CITEM is committed to developing, nurturing, and promoting globally-competitive small and medium enterprises (SMEs), exporters, designers, and manufacturers by implementing an Integrated Approach to Export Marketing in partnership with other government and private entities.
For three decades, CITEM has established the country’s image as the premier destination for quality export products and services. It continues to set the highest standards of creativity, excellence and innovation to achieve export competitiveness in the international market.
For many of us dessert lovers, biting into a decadent cheesecake is sublime pleasure.
The rich creaminess and the sweet-tart flavor dynamic of the filling, the buttery taste of its graham cracker crust and the flavor accents added by its toppings are enough to get us hooked!
Sometimes, though, we get a craving for cheesecake but buying an entire cake might be more than what our refrigerator or tummy can accommodate.
The perfect solution for those instances?
A cheesecake jar from Chi’s Cake!
This online bakeshop, run by former It business analyst turned full-time mom Siri Andres, had its start by offering uniquely flavored no-bake cheesecakes – as whole cakes or in cups – which have been reviewed as not being too sweet (perfect for those who get overwhelmed too much sweetness in their desserts).
During the quarantine, it introduced a new way to enjoy its sweet creations: in jars!
Here are three reasons why a Chi’s Cake cheesecake jar may just be your kind of sweet treat.
1. It introduces you to new flavors.
Chi’s Cake’s cheesecakes are no run-of-the-mill desserts. These are handcrafted creations that come in unusual variants. Luckily, these variants are also available as handy cheesecake jars.
The Carrot Cinnamon Cheesecake, for example, is Chi’s Cake’s claim to fame. A creamy, melt in your mouth carrot-infused cheesecake on a bed of buttery crust and topped with caramelized walnuts, this confection is what started the business.
The Pecan Pie Cheesecake, on the other hand, is a to-die-for dessert which consist of a crust made with crushed digestive biscuits and a delectable cream filling topped with candied pecans.
Are you craving for a taste right about now?
2. It is sized just right for you.
If you find a whole 9-inch cheesecake too overwhelming (for your ref space or your tummy), then a cheesecake jar fits the bill quite nicely.
At 220 grams, it is just enough to sate your craving, perfect for a quick sweet snack time or for munching on during a Netflix binge.
3. It’s perfect for e-parties.
Zoom parties have taken the place of real-life gatherings due to the pandemic. To have a real party feel, it’s best for everyone to partake of the same food, right?
Why not send everyone a cheesecake jar? And then wait for the compliments to come in.
To order your Chi’s Cake cheesecake jars, fill up this order form. Chi’s Cake delivers within Metro Manila, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna and Cavite (delivery fee to be shouldered by the buyer). Payments via GCash and Metrobank are accepted.
Check out my blog posts on other small enterprises and startups in the food business:
Most of my friends already know my mantra when it comes to food: in Tagalog, it goes – “nasasayang lang ang calories pag hindi ka nasarapan.”
The reasoning behind this is that if I have to spend an extra thirty minutes to an hour on the treadmill just to burn off those calories I consumed anyway, the food better be worth it. (Truth be told: I haven’t been on the treadmill as often as I should but the principle still applies.)
During a recent Zoom party with former officemates, I won a box of empanadas from online bakeshop Baked by Rina.
Rina is one of my former bosses. Beneath the fierce, tough love and go-getter exterior she displayed in the workplace, my teammates and I all knew she’s a softie at heart.
That softer side comes to the surface when she brings to the office some items she baked for us to share.
Fast forward a few years and Rina has since moved forward to more creative pursuits: among them are the crafting of preserved flower arrangements for Stories & Blossoms and the creation of goodies baked with love for Baked by Rina.
This venture grew out of the ever-increasing demand for Rina’s baked treats, first within her circle of friends, then on to their friends until she decided to share her creations to a wider network of foodies through her online store. Her offerings include the classic desserts often requested by her family and friends during special occasions or when they have a particular craving.
Last weekend, to the fam’s utter delight, my empanadas arrived accompanied by other treats from Baked by Rina. These were all certified by the Jellybeans family as well worth the calories.
Check out these baked goodies:
Baked Empanadas (Php550/box). Savory chicken and chicken asado filling wrapped in a flaky crust and baked to a beautiful golden brown. A hit with Hubby for his midnight snacking.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (Php250/tub). Sweet chewy nibbles of oatmeal cookies studded with fruity raisins.
Chocolate Chip Cookies (Php325/tub). Little bites of classic chocolate chip cookies best enjoyed when bitten into after dunking in full cream milk. My son’s favorite since he had his first taste of it a year ago and its appeal to him has not waned!
Banana Loaf with Walnuts and Raisins (Php350). A fragrant and moist banana loaf studded with chopped walnuts and raisins. My daughter loved its taste and texture!
Dutch Apple Pie (Php1,400). This is my absolute favorite kind of apple pie: a sweetly spiced apple filling on top of a flaky crust and topped with a slightly crunchy and buttery streusel. It’s great on its own but it’s best enjoyed hot and topped with vanilla ice cream.
With each bite of bite of these sweet treats Baked by Rina, you know these are worth all the calories.
So give yourself and your fam a treat and order some baked goodies today!
Check out Baked by Rina on Facebook to see the complete list of available goodies. To order, send a message via Facebook Messenger or call +63 917 5014934 at least two days before delivery date. Payments via Metrobank or BPI bank transfers and via GCash are accepted. Baked by Rina delivers from Quezon City to anywhere in the metro and nearby cities via Grab, Lalamove and Mr. Speedy (delivery fee charged to buyer).
Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature article.
Check out my blog posts on other small enterprises and startups in the food business:
Easterners, we don’t have to get left behind when it comes to the latest quarantine food trend: the Sushi Bake.
Thanks to new online seller in the Rizal area, Y&G Delectables, we can satisfy our curiosity and craving for this trending food item easily and quite cheaply, too!
Despite having been written about as early as 2011, the sushi bake has re-emerged as the must-taste dish of the season. While its exact origins aren’t known, some have theorized that it may have been influenced by Hawaiian cuisine such as the poke bowls with cooked meat and the Spam Musubi.
Essentially, it is sushi deconstructed as a casserole: steamed rice forms the bottom layer which is then topped with the elements we normally expect from a sushi roll such as kani, ebiko and furikake. After baking the sushi casserole in the oven, spoonfuls are scooped out and placed in small nori squares, ready for eating.
While there are many interpretations of this dish being offered all over the metro, they tend to be quite pricy or too distant from us Easterners to find the cost of delivery to our homes practical.
Well that limitation ends now with Y&G Delectables’ Sushi Bake. This no-frills take on the dish is well-suited for those who like their kani baked sushi cheesy, strongly flavored with a little spicy kick due to the use of sriracha.
Cainta-based Y&G Delectables takes its name from the teenage twins Yel and Gel who decided to offer their Ate’s sushi bake in their area as a way to pass the time (and earn some money) while stuck at home. (And I’m all for youngsters learning the value of making a living early on.)
Y&G Delectables’ sushi bake come in three tummy-filling sizes:
Solo with 1 free nori pack: Php250
Sharing with 2 free nori packs: Php350
Family (available upon request); Php550
So. Easterners, the next time you’re feeling peckish and looking for a trendy snack, or want to surprise your old folks with today’s hottest food trend, grab a tray of Y&G Delectables’ Sushi Bake and support a local business while you’re at it.
To order, text +63 975 0375035 or send a message via Instagram. Payments via BDO, BPI or GCash are accepted. Delivery via Grab, Lalamove or Angkas to be shouldered by buyer.
Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate an honest review.
Check out my blog posts on other small enterprises and startups in the food business:
Sure, momshies, we might have just a wee bit more free time nowadays. It’s been three-and-a-half months since our lives were upended by the pandemic and many of us found ourselves stuck at home. Some even discovered a talent for cooking as I have, cooking up a storm for the fam’s meals.
But cooking up a storm for every meal can be tiring, right?
I sometimes wish that I can leave the whole menu planning and food preparation to someone else.
Fortunately, I can have the folks over at ALPHA’s Kitchen Home Delivery take care of all of that for me.
The dish on this new entrant in the local food business is that it began as the home service massage company ALPHA Massage & Wellness Therapy.
With their original business severely affected by the quarantines and rules on physical distancing arising from the pandemic, the owners landed upon a great way to pivot for the New Normal: their massage therapists turned to cooking!
Curious on what delicious delights they came up with? Well, here’s a sampling:
Lasagna. Al dente lasagna noodles layered with beefy, slightly herby tomato sauce and thick cheesy bechamel. A hit with my little boy!
Crispy Bagnet Kare Kare. Crrrrrrunchy oven-baked bagnet pieces and crisp veggies in a rich peanut sauce.
Bicol Express. Tender pork cubes cooked in creamy coconut milk and chilis make for a hearty viand with a bit of a kick.
Spicy Salmon Pesto. Flavorful salmon flakes tossed in pesto sauce along with spaghetti noodles. A little too spicy for me but would appeal to those who like their pasta hawt!
Leche Flan. The classic Pinoy version of creme caramel, this is creamy, milky-sweet and smooth on the tongue.
Maja Blanca. The traditional coconut pudding topped with latik (caramelized coconut creme).
These delish dishes come in affordable yet hearty servings – medium (serves two to three people), family (serves six to seven people) and party (serves twelve to fifteen) – that will surely satisfy hungry tummies!
Chicken or Pork Dishes:
Medium: Php299
Family: Php699
Party: Php1,499
Beef or Seafood:
Medium: Php349
Family: Php799
Party: Php1,799
Dessert:
Medium: Php249
Family: Php499
Party: Php999
You can also try the Famous Bundle – five medium tubs – for just Php999.
To have these tasty viands delivered right to your doorstep, send your name, address, contact number and food orders to Alpha Kitchen Home Delivery on Facebook or Instagram, or call +63 906 5955707 (delivery costs shouldered by buyer). Payments via cash on delivery, GCash or online bank transfer are accepted.
So momshies, now you know how you can whip up a satisfying meal for the fam without having to slave all day in the kitchen!
Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate an honest review.
Check out my blog posts on other small enterprises and startups in the food business:
Jellybeans in the City 