ASIAN FOOD CHANNEL: AARON CRAZE RUDE BOY COOKS LIVE IN MANILA

Aaron Craze photosource: The Asian Food Channel

AsianFood Channel (AFC) in cooperation with Ayala Malls recently brought international celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s protégé Aaron Craze more popularly known as ‘Rude Boy’ to a live cooking demonstration and food sampling at the Greenbelt Open Park in Greenbelt 3, Makati City. Hosted by celebrity TV host and funny guy Drew Arellano, guests had a blast starting off with fashionable Sabrina Artadi (of Asian Food Channel’s Sabrina’s Kitchen) lovely concoction of authentic Spanish recipes. When Aaron Craze went onstage he received a warm reception from the crowd as he showed off his witty antics to the audience’s delight.  He even invited three lucky ladies who both volunteered to help him prepare his dishes.

 Aaron Craze swings his butt, dances to the beat of the music and occasionally sings as he cooks on-stage during the live demo. He had a way to somehow ‘flirt’ with the crowd and almost teasingly pulled down his pants but was quickly reminded by Drew that the church was a stone’s throw away; to which Craze immediately apologized.

Here watch my own video on how he wiggled his body to the beat of the music:

Craze prepared three different recipes such as Mexican Beef Tortilla with Tomato Salsa and Sour Cream, Ravioli of Sunshine with Thai Asparagus, and Unbaked Lemongrass Cheesecake with Amoretti Biscuit base.

I personally loved Craze’s take on Unbaked Lemongrass Cheesecake with Amoretti Biscuit Base. For one, one does not need to bake this cake. And it tastes just right, not too sweet—just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth or sweet cravings. It’s a perfect way to cap off every meal. I would definitely try making it at home once I get the time. Craze’s Ravioli of Sunshine with Thai Asparagus was truly healthy and perfect for kids who do not like to eat veggies. The ravioli’s filled with spinach, ricotta and egg yolk.  On the other hand, the Mexican Beef Tortilla’s just fine. It had the rich flavor of coriander, tomatoes and garlic with some zest of lemon. It’s something I’d probably serve for snacks or afternoon merienda.

 Want try doing the delicious recipes Aaron Craze did during his Manila visit? Clickhere.

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are my own. 

Nyoy Volante Supports Original Pilipino Music With the Release of His Latest Album “Tuloy Pa Rin”

Multi-faceted recording artist and popular King of Acoustic Pop, Nyoy Volante recently released his latest album, “Tuloy Pa Rin” which is composed of all-Filipino songs dedicated to support the Original Pilipino Music under MCA Music. “I love OPM. Everyone does. I’ve had an all OPM album before, but this time I was really set to do it all Tagalog,” said Nyoy. 

During a bloggers’ conference, Nyoy mentioned that although the said album was conceptualized as early last year, since he had played an important role in the musical play Rock of Ages, which had eaten most of his time, it’s only now that his album’s been released. Unknown to many, Nyoy’s very hands-on when it comes to making his album. Starting from the scratch to conceptualization, the selection of songs to pre-and post-production as well as creating the music videos, all the way to promotion of his album. “I’m very happy that I’m given the freedom to choose the songs included in my albums. I was able to try different genres in the course of my eight albums since I started going solo in the music industry,” shares Nyoy.  And he’s glad how his new album has turned out.

“I get a different high arranging revival songs because I am challenged to come up with something else and making them come out fresh. Hopefully, one day I dream of being like Maestro Ryan Cayabyab,” Nyoy reveals. Through the years, Nyoy’s singing became more confident, passionate and shows maturity in terms of musicality as evident in his latest album.  “Here, (in the new album) we have drums now and piano plus distortion guitars, before I did percussions and beat box,” Nyoy added.

Thus his new album “Tuloy Pa Rin” was produced and re-arranged (except for ‘Kamakailan Lang and ‘Sa Isip Ko’ by Nyoy himself where in the album features his own versions of well-loved OPM hits like “Ipagpatawad Mo”, “Bakit Ba Ganyan,” “Tuloy Pa Rin”, “Magkasuyo Buong Gabi (featuring Sabrina), “Nandito Ako,” “Sa Isip Ko”, “Sana Dalawa Ang Puso Ko,” “Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin,” “Basta’t Kasama Kita” and “Kamakailan Lang”.

 Nyoy also showcases his original compositions in the album via songs like “Pikit” and “Miss Kita”. “I really like “Pikit”, I find myself randomly singing this song all the time while ‘Miss Kita’ was intended to be a sweet love song but somehow turned out to be a pop jazz number,” Nyoy added.

Nyoy personally chose ‘Ipagpatawad Mo’ and “Bakit Ba Ganyan’ on his album. “It was something I cherished as a kid. Apart from being a VST fan, it’s so easy to listen to.”

 Nyoy is so grateful to MCA Music Artist Management for all the wonderful blessings coming his way. He’s able to show more of his talents as well as other sides of him that aren’t known by the public. He’s given the opportunity to further explore his talents: aside from being a singer, musician and songwriter, he’s also an arranger, producer, painter, entrepreneur, actor and video director.

Nyoy isn’t someone who rests on his laurels. He continues to improve and hone his craft. He admires the likes of newcomer Bugoy Drilon, Jay Durias (of South Border), Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez, Bryan Adams, Metallica, The Eagles, and Paul McCartney. But he dreams of one day collaborating with his idol or maybe singing along side on stage with Jason Mraz.

 If given the chance, he looks forward to performing with his old group, The Manos, his contemporaries MYMP, Jimmy Bondoc, Paolo Santos and the like. “One day, I’d like to perform and jam with these guys again,” says Nyoy.

Nyoy’s message to his fans: “You are the reason we matter in this industry. Please continue to support us. Thank you so much. Hope you guys can buy a copy of my latest album, “Tuloy Pa Rin” under MCA Music, now out in CDs, it is also available online via iTunes. Mabuhay kayo! Mabuhay ang OPM!”

“Tuloy Pa Rin,” Nyoy Volante’s latest album under MCA Music is now available at leading record stores.

 “Tuloy Pa Rin” iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/ph/album/tuloy-pa-rin/id569969735

“Tuloy Pa Rin” (Minus One versions) iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/ph/album/tuloy-pa-rin-minus-one-versions/id581507088

Listen to Nyoy's version of Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin via this video:

Here's Nyoy's single "Pikit"

For bookings and inquiries, please contact Sammy Samaniego of MCA Music Artist Management at +632 9162504 local 107, +639178565174 and +639209682991. For more updates on Nyoy Volante, log on to www.facebook.com/mcamusic or www.twitter.com/mca_music.

Purple Plum Fairy thanks Mc Richard Paglicawan for the invite. 

Make your dining table pretty with Melawares

Using plastics on our dining table had become the more practical alternative than using really heavy plates we're all used to. It prevents 'accidentally breaking plates or cups' and makes eating easier for kids. At home or at fast food chains, plastic tableware is used every day, but how can you be very sure that it’s safe to use? It is recommended, however, that the use of plastic tableware should not be just any brand. It has to be a trusted one—Melawares—for the sake of the family’s health and safety.

 Melawares, one of the most trusted brands of tableware from CDC Manufacturing Corporation, knows the possible dangers of getting harmful chemicals in your food when using inferior-quality brands so CDC Manufacturing Corporation made sure that their melamine tableware are of premium quality and safe for the family. With over 30 years in the tableware business, Melawares has more than enough knowledge to develop quality melamine products the market needs. So what makes Melawares apart from other plastic brands? Melawares only uses imported and 100% “melamine” in making their tableware. Other plastic products may only be using “urea” as their raw material. The difference between the two materials is that when melamine sets, it doesn’t migrate or “contaminate” the food we eat, while urea mixes with food and may cause health hazards, particularly in the digestive and respiratory systems.

Melamine is also durable, stain resistant and heat resistant. Urea, on the other hand, is a material of substandard quality and is vulnerable to stains, less durable and less heat resistant. For hot food, it will be a disadvantage and may cause substandard plastic tableware to chip or melt and become deformed.

 people would opt for the most affordable products to use at home, but getting plastic tableware with no assurance of quality may pose risks for the family. Urea-based tableware is known to be cheaper than melamine-based products, but would you rather choose to go cheap just to save a few pesos if it would put your family’s health at risk? You’d probably end up spending more for hospital bills or medicine in the process.

 Melawares made it a point to keep their products affordable without sacrificing quality. It is a rare feat nowadays to find household products manufactured in the Philippines accepted by consumers so CDC Manufacturing Corporation makes it a point to continue to innovate. The company will soon launch new and eco-friendly products, a testament to its innovative and visionary business and product development philosophy.

“We understand the discerning requirements of Filipinos when it comes to their tableware needs, which is why we continue to develop and design our products exclusively for them,” Ms. Chriselda Chua, Marketing Manager for CDC Manufacturing Corporation, said.

At present, CDC Manufacturing Corporation has four brands aside from Melawares, the classic brand that carries high-quality melamine tableware products. There is Bestware, Urban Kitchen, and Perfect Dining, and is also the leading manufacturer of customized dinnerware for Quick Service Restaurants serving some of the biggest names in the food industry.

Make your tableware melamine. Make it Melawares. For more information about Melawares, go to www.melawares.com.

CUCINA ANDARE: THE FIRST FOOD TRUCK MARKET IN THE PHILIPPINES

 The rainy season is just around the corner but there’s no reason to stop satisfying hungry tummies and cravings. Have you guys heard of Cucina Andare? I’ve recently been to Cucina Andare located at the Glorietta Open Park (just fronting Glorietta 3, Landmark, Makati Shangri-La and 6750) and I must say it’s really an experience. Cucina Andare is serving hungry customers not just good food but a unique dining experience. Enjoy a wide variety of great-tasting food, pastry, and dessert al fresco from the lovely food trucks and food stalls. There are so many to choose from so there’s really something that would surely satisfy even the most discriminating palate.

“Cucina Andare aims to provide budding entrepreneurs with a food business incubator. They could start their small business here, we try to help them in whatever way we can and eventually, they could branch out,” explains Mr. Ian of Cucina Andare. 

Cucina Andare provides diners with a perfect break from a hectic day or an avenue to have more fun after work. Gourmet foods are prepared by different food trucks and food stalls. Inspired by the Western idea of gourmet food on wheels, these mobile foodservice vehicles have been satisfying taste buds since Cucina Andare have started to create a new kind of food trip adventure by picking your fave meal from these mobile food service vehicles. 

Cucina Andare gathers every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 4Pm to 3AM. For vendor (food truck or food stall) inquiries, please contact 0917-8401152 or email them at admin@CucinaAndare.com

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are my own. 

MEDICARD-METAFIT FITNESS BOOT CAMP KICKS OFF TO PROMOTE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

MediCard Philippines Inc in partnership with popular celebrity fitness coach Jim Saret’s MetaFit (Metabolic Fitness) brings back the MediCard-Metafit Fitness Boot Camp starting on June 10, 2013. The said fitness program aims to promote a healthy lifestyle among its participants and encourage others to do the same. The fitness program will be visiting three different venues this year and it will run from June to October 2013. The first leg kicks off at the MediCard Lifestyle Center in Makati City.

 Selected bloggers were invited to try out the MediCard-Metafit Fitness Boot Camp program and see for themselves how it works. “It wasn’t that easy especially for someone who isn’t really into religiously exercising,” says my contributor writer, Rica who came on my behalf because I had other commitments to do. “I got a little dizzy doing the routine exercises, but it’s okay. I’m not just as active as I should have been these past few months. And it actually felt good to pump up my adrenaline rush again,” she adds.

The MediCard-Metafit Fitness Boot Camp sets itself apart from other fitness programs nowadays because it’s one of the most comprehensive and effective fitness programs in the country. Also, given the fact that it is affiliated with the leading healthcare provider makes it’s the safest. The said program also encourages participants to gain camaraderie from fellow participants and fitness enthusiasts who share the same goals and sense of achievement. 

 “We believe that through this program we help promote a healthier and more active lifestyle,” says Kate Joaquin, MediCard Philippines marketing manager, “One that is very engaging and is never boring because it involves a lot of participation and commitment.”

The MediCard-Metafit Fitness Boot Camp is a series of high intensity work out that aim to increase the body’s natural metabolism through short, 4-minute workouts. Coach Jim Saret had specifically made and developed this program and it has grown in popularity among a wide range of individuals across all ages. The said program hopes to bring in between 70 to 100 participants for each venue. 

“We are truly pleased for this partnership with Coach Jim Saret,” says Dr. Nicky Montoya, MediCard Philippines president. “This is something we believe in because MediCard Philippines believes that quality healthcare is all about taking preventive measures by being actively fit and healthy. We want to give good quality coaches and exercise programs that will be effective in making people live a healthier life so that people can keep up with the program while having fun and getting healthy.”